Nico - Bias Cut Dresses & Tops Sewing Pattern (Premium Paper)
Description:
Ready to be in the designer's seat? Your Nico sewing pattern includes a collection of sleeveless, bias-cut dresses and tops with side bust darts and a scoop neckline you can slip over your head and go!
Made "on the bias", Nico's unique design is so flattering that no matter your size, you always get an effortless look! Available in Maxi Dress, Short Dress, Tunic or Camisole - you choose!
What you get with your pattern:
- The latest in sizing. We use up-to-date technology and body shape data to get you a better fit.
- Professional clothing construction techniques. Developed by industry insiders with 100 years of shared experience.
- Illustrated instructional booklet to get you from start to finish. Written with the beginner in mind.
- Comes printed on crease-free, rolled plotting paper. Professional quality.
- Your pattern comes with only the sizes you requested printed in vibrant colors. Less clutter for easier cutting.
- Complimentary pattern storage tube and pattern hook.
- Pattern card for easy reference.
- Sew for your business? The pattern license is free with purchase.
Fabric Specifications:
| Type: | Paper Pattern |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Design Variations: | 4 |
| Sizes: | 2 to 8, 10 to 16, 18 to 24 |
| Illustrations: | Yes |
| Instructions: | Yes |
Customer Questions and Answers
Has anyone ever made a bra shelf for this pattern? If you did, I would LOVE to know. Is there any possibility of getting some pattern hack tutorials? BTW the tutorials that have been done are SUPER helpful!! Sometimes I just need to see it in real fabric and then I have the AHA moment with the pattern instructions.
Can this be made with cotton fabric? I got this pattern several years ago when there was a girl's size included and would like to make a cotton dress with this pattern.
F|S Team
Hello, Yes you can make this is in a cotton fabric as well as linen.
I typically wear an 8 or 10 so I don't know what size to order. Do you have a suggestion.
F|S Team
You may find our helpful article on finding your right size here: support.fabrics-store.com/hc/en-us/articles/4442260072589-How-to-Measure-Yourself-and-Find-your-Best-Size-for-Fabrics-Store-com-Patterns
I really liked sewing this pattern. I made the cami and the maxi dress. My only complaint is with the size bands... I am between 16 and 18 and so it would really simplify things if I could just grade between the two patterns. I used the size 18 and took in the side seams a bit and shortened the shoulder straps a bit. In retrospect perhaps I should have purchased the smaller size range and done a bust adjustment. The result is still a wee bit more loose fitting that I would like in most parts, but it is still a lovely pattern and I enjoying wearing the results.
Is there a version of the dress with sleeves?
F|S Team
We have a similar bias cut dress called Maia which has short and long sleeve options. Please search 'Maia' in our search bar to find it.
I would buy this if it had sleeves. Please offer it with sleeves!
F|S Team
Thank-you for the feedback. We have a similar pattern with sleeves called Maia, please search for it on the site by name :)
I also want to know what to do if a 16 would fit best on top but size 18 for the hips? It looks like the size 16 is much slimmer in the hips compared to the 18. The hips are only about 3 inches wider than the waist on the size 16, but on the 18 the hips are 7 inches wider. The shape of the 18 must be totally different than the shape of the 16. The 16 is about 45-46-49 and the 18 is about 46-52-59? Just one inch more in the bust but 6 inches more in the waist and 10 inches more in the hips?
F|S Team
Hello, Yes our patterns are designed for different body shapes from the 2-16 sizes and the 18-24 so they flatter the bodies in those sizes. To select your most appropriate size you may consider that the 2-16 are drafted for a b-cup bust and the 16-18 for a D-cup. So if your bust is smaller you may prefer the smaller sizes and grade out at the hips, and it your bust is larger you may prefer the larger size group.
What should I do if I want to grade between a 16 and 18?
F|S Team
Hello, You can contact me, Fabrics-store'c pattern consultant. I can help you by checking your measurements to our size chart and recommending the best method for grading out your pattern between sizes. Please send us an email using the contact form, and I will be answering the query :)
Would you also recommend this pattern for your IC023 Faille Cotton or only for linens?
F|S Team
This pattern was designed especially for our linen. You can make this in our faille cotton if you desire, but that fabric is more structured so it will hang differently from the linen. it will make a stunning feature piece and still drape beautifully :)
Back to the question of shortening the maxi version...I'm familiar with the general instructions for shortening patterns. Unfortunately the unique design of this pattern makes shortening a little more complicated. I'm struggling but hopefully I'll get it figured out
F|S Team
Hello, You can email our in-house seamstress at any time if you would like assistance with adjusting your premium patterns. Simply send us an email and it will go through to her :)
I am getting ready to sew this pattern but want to make it shorter than the maxi version and I don't want to lose that diagonal detail on the hem. Can you suggest how I should go about shortening?
F|S Team
To maintain your hem line, you should use the technique for lengthening and shortening that requires you to cut or fold your pattern, and over lap the pieces until they create your desired length. A quick google will turn up many tutorials for you.
Is it possible to eliminate the darts on this pattern?
F|S Team
It isn't advisable to remove the darts as they help form the shape of the bust and the waistline.
I'm between sizes 8 + 10...not sure which one to purchase. I would be disappointed to buy the smaller one to only need a larger and visa versa. Recommendations please. Thank you.
F|S Team
Hello, we recommend you compare your body measurements to the size chart, then use the finished garment measurements to select your best size. If you'd like some assistance with this, please contact us and our in-house seamstress can help you select the best size.
I'm from Vietnam, so I can't order your paper patterns. Please let me know how can I order the digital version of Nico pattern please. Thanks
F|S Team
I'm sorry our premium patterns are only available in hard copy format.
I purchased this pattern awhile back and can't find the instructions. Are there some online instructions?
F|S Team
Hello, A printed booklet would have come with your pattern. Often it can be found wedged in the tube with your pattern or in the shipping box your pattern came in. If you can't find it please contact customer service as these instructions are not available online.
I made a mock-up of the tunic length in size 18. It feels great and super light-weight, however there is gaping at the neckline and armholes, and the bust darts end pretty much exactly at the bust point for me (huge no-no unless you want to be ...pointy). So very frustrating since with the way the sizes are split I can't grade from a smaller size as I made the smallest size. The other frustrating thing is CURVED DARTS. There are so many alterations I know how to do, but moving/ altering/ redrawing a curved dart is not within my pattern alteration schema. Straight darts, no problem, curved... big problem. I have searched the tutorials section of the blog, but it has nothing about ALTERING the Nico. All the Nico dress tutorials are just how to assemble the pattern and all the alteration tutorials are based on straight darts or princess seams. So, unless I want an armhole dart and a neckline dart on both sides and extremely problematic bust darts I'm pretty well stuck. I have emailed for help and am perfectly willing to change my star rating if solutions can be provided.
F|S Team
Hello Erin, I hope the 1 to 1 support we provided for altering the Nico to your body was helpful. We don't provide specific pattern alteration tutorials for fit, as this varies significantly for one body to another, instead, we are one of the only pattern companies which provided 1:1 personalized fit support. So after you have made a toile of your Nico with these preliminary adjustments, please feel free to email us a photo of your wearing it, and we can see if more adjustments or fine tuning needs to be made to achieve YOUR perfect fit. Thanks.
Beautiful dress, but I need to grade between a size 6 and 8 (to eliminate the bump on the back and for an easier breezier cooler summer weather fit) BUT I super frustrated that I can't do this as I purchased this before changes were made and the size range was a 0-6. I'm closer to a 4 on the size charts so I do feel the sizing is a bit small. It's not at all typical for me to be "too big" for the smaller size ranges of patterns.
Every woman (or man, if they so please) needs a good basic dress in their closet. I, for one, savor in making just one decision instead of two. Although I'm not very good at making basics (I tend to get most excited about the "frosting" projects), I was really ready to whip myself up a beautiful lightweight linen dress that I knew would get so much wear. I used the Nico pattern to make both a maxi dress as well as a tank top with a hacked tulip back feature.
I am a true beginner...fortunately I had the assistance from someone who went to school at F.I.T. (Fashion Institute of Technology) in N.Y.C. Her degree was in pattern making (LUCKY ME!). We took out the darts altogether (yes, that CAN be done). The way she explained it, made it seem doable. I used IL020 Guache blue. It is THE flowiest most comfortable dress I own. I butchered the bias trim around the neck, and yes the dimensions given were short...but I made the bias a big longer and made it work. I absolutely LOVE linens from FabricsStore! Product is beautiful and the value is extraordinary
This pattern is absolutely awful. I took this week off to make some lovely items, only to be completely dissatisfied. All I have made is two mock ups of just the cami, and I cannot get it to fit. I am 5'10" and wear a size 10. I had to drop it just below the armpits by 1.5 inches because the darts are so high, and the armholes are still gaping wide. I don't want to make a third just to find out it still doesn't fit. I usually have no trouble with regular patterns (Simplicity, McCalls, etc) so I thought this would be great. How did you get Laura's dress to fit, who is 5'10 and wears an 8, as your booklet states.? There's no way she could wear it straight out of the envelope without LOTS of adjustments. All I can think is that this pattern must have been designed for someone much shorter, stockier, and bustier than I (the darts seem huge?), and that this is just a "bad" pattern for my body, and it won't ever work, not like you state. Very frustrated, feeling lied to and ripped off. Thanks. It was pretty expensive for nothing.
F|S Team
I'm so sorry you had trouble with your Nico Camisole. Please lookout for an email from me, Lauren. I'm the fit and pattern expert and I hope I can use my expertise to help resolve this.
Bias cut patterns aren't as hard as I had imagined (one reason why I have not made any). Sure it takes a bit more fabric than I'm used to, but ultimately it was one piece with some extra bits and it came together quickly. The Nico Pattern instructions are simple and easily understandable. To ensure the pattern pieces were accurately on bias, I used a quilting ruler, and had no hiccups. More importantly, the spot on measurements helped me perfect the fit. I used the finished measurements to determine my preferred fit- grading from a 4 bust to an 8 hip. With no toile, I was able to quickly cut and sew up a dress fit for a dinner alfresco, Los Angeles gallery hopping, or a lake swim cover up.
The Nico Bias Cut Dress is a timeless design with an elevated feel. Other than the fact that it comes with multiple lengths from a cropped shirt version all the way to a maxi version, its simple shape makes it the perfect pattern to hack with endless possibilities.
To be honest, it was such an easy and fast make- I loved it! Everything is so well explained and illustrated- all you need is some fabric, thread, needles and your sewing machine and- I have to confess- some bias tape!
So I am an experienced seamstress, been sewing since I was 13 and am now 69 (did I just say that???) I've never seen a pattern quite as bad. I made this in White 4C22 linen. The neck and armhole binding strips were all too short and had to be recut and extended. They were also way too narrow, the seam allowances didn't make sense and I had to make them much narrower and it JUST fit. The armholes came out with slightly different widths. The dart was huge and the ending instructions were confusing. The illustration that went with it did not show the slight curve it said to make or in what direction. So I took out stitching and did it over several times. The dart was still pointy. It also must be cut for a larger person, I ordered a 4 and it was still too large. Now I need to take it in with finished armholes, which is nearly impossible. I'll do it anyway and cut excess fabric off under arms. I think it's only letting me post one picture, although I took several. Big fail and wasted all that fabric.
I made the cami but lengthened it and added a 5" slit. The side seams measure 16" long. I made the size 6 bust and graded it out to the 8 for my waist and hips.
Another View of my Nico in IL020 lightweight softnened. Super comfy and I can see myself making a few more!
My Nico dress: Love my dress going to make a pink one with small ruffle in the lower diagonal line.
Beautiful very light soft material for Florida weather. Nico pattern short dress.
The making of the dress went so smoothly and took only a couple hours. It's a simple design that is well patterned and easy to follow. I was drawn to the NICO pattern set for its French seams and bias binding neckline/armholes. These are two of my favorite sewing techniques because they are simple to sew, while producing a high-end finished seam with enclosed raw edges. The little details like the bust dart, bias cut, and side slits make this dress fit wonderfully and feel so comfortable. I followed the pattern exactly, with the exception of shortening the hem by six inches so it hits right below the knee instead of a maxi length. For reference, I'm 5'7" and typically wear a size 2.
In my over two decades of sewing I don't think I have sewn more than one piece that is cut on the bias. The NICO Dress Pattern was a very good pattern for me to stretch myself on bias cut pieces. The NICO Pattern has two dress length options and one top. All three are cut on the bias. I decided to make the first one for my youngest daughter Amanda. My daughters call this style a "slip dress" and she had been asking sweetly if I could make one. She is a stunning 6'1" and because of her great shape, we found that she needed two different sizes per the pattern measurement estimate given: one for the bust, one for the hips. We went with the higher size and then took in the top under the arms to the dart once we started the side seams. You can read more about this project here: blog.fabrics-store.com/2020/12/17/pattern-review-fs-nico-dress-in-black-midweight-linen/
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SKILL LEVELS EXPLAINED
Beginner: A beginner sewist is someone who is new to sewing and has limited experience using a sewing machine or hand sewing techniques. They are ready to follow basic patterns and sew simple projects, but may struggle with more complex designs.
Intermediate: An intermediate sewist has some experience with sewing and can tackle more challenging projects, such as making clothing with more intricate details or using more advanced techniques including sewing invisible zippers or sewing a partial placket. They likely have a good understanding of pattern making, fabric selection, and sewing machine maintenance.
Advanced: An advanced sewist is someone who has years of experience and can tackle complex projects, including custom designs or alterations. They have a good understanding of fabrics, garment construction, and tailoring. They may also have advanced skills in pattern drafting, draping, and couture sewing techniques.
Nico - Bias Cut Dresses & Tops Sewing Pattern (Premium Paper)
Ladies Size Guide Based on Body Measurements in Inches*
| Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 33 1/4 | 34 1/4 | 35 1/4 | 36 1/4 |
| Waist | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| Hip | 36 1/4 | 37 1/4 | 38 1/4 | 39 1/4 |
Approximate Finished Garment Measurements in Inches
| Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 |
| Waist | 37 1/2 | 38 | 38 1/2 | 39 |
| Hip | 40 1/4 | 41 1/4 | 42 3/8 | 43 3/8 |
| Maxi Dress Length | 49 5/8 | 49 5/8 | 49 3/4 | 49 3/4 |
| Short Dress Length | 37 1/2 | 37 1/2 | 37 5/8 | 37 5/8 |
| Tunic Length | 27 3/8 | 27 3/8 | 27 1/2 | 27 1/2 |
| Cami Length | 19 7/8 | 19 7/8 | 20 | 20 |
| Armhole | 20 7/8 | 21 1/8 | 21 1/2 | 21 3/4 |
Estimated Yardage in 55”-Width Linen**
| Size | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi Dress | 2 1/2 | 2 1/2 | 2 1/2 | 2 1/2 |
| Short Dress | 2 1/8 | 2 1/8 | 2 1/8 | 2 1/8 |
| Camisole | 1 1/8 | 1 1/8 | 1 1/8 | 1 1/8 |
| Tunic | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 |
* Upper bust measurement provided for reference
** Extra 10% of fabric is included due to shrinkage
*** Elastic length may vary depending on your fit preference and elastic type
ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED AND NOTED ON THE PATTERN AND IN THE TUTORIAL
Ladies Size Guide Based on Body Measurements in Inches*
| Size | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 37 1/4 | 38 3/4 | 40 1/4 | 41 3/4 |
| Waist | 29 | 30 1/2 | 32 | 33 1/2 |
| Hip | 40 1/4 | 41 3/4 | 43 1/4 | 44 3/4 |
Approximate Finished Garment Measurements in Inches
| Size | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 40 | 41 1/2 | 43 | 44 1/2 |
| Waist | 40 1/2 | 42 3/4 | 44 1/4 | 45 3/4 |
| Hip | 44 3/8 | 45 7/8 | 47 1/2 | 49 |
| Maxi Dress Length | 49 7/8 | 49 7/8 | 50 | 50 1/8 |
| Short Dress Length | 37 3/4 | 37 3/4 | 37 7/8 | 37 7/8 |
| Tunic Length | 27 5/8 | 27 5/8 | 27 3/4 | 27 3/4 |
| Cami Length | 20 1/8 | 20 1/8 | 20 1/4 | 20 1/4 |
| Armhole | 22 1/8 | 22 5/8 | 23 1/4 | 23 3/4 |
Estimated Yardage in 55”-Width Linen**
| Size | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi Dress | 2 5/8 | 2 5/8 | 2 5/8 | 2 5/8 |
| Short Dress | 2 1/4 | 2 1/4 | 2 1/4 | 2 1/4 |
| Camisole | 1 1/4 | 1 1/4 | 1 1/4 | 1 1/4 |
| Tunic | 1 5/8 | 1 5/8 | 1 5/8 | 1 5/8 |
* Upper bust measurement provided for reference
** Extra 10% of fabric is included due to shrinkage
*** Elastic length may vary depending on your fit preference and elastic type
ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED AND NOTED ON THE PATTERN AND IN THE TUTORIAL
Ladies Size Guide Based on Body Measurements in Inches*
| Size | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 |
| Waist | 39 1/2 | 41 3/4 | 44 | 46 1/4 |
| Hip | 49 | 51 | 53 | 55 |
Approximate Finished Garment Measurements in Inches
| Size | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 46 1/4 | 48 1/4 | 50 1/4 | 52 1/4 |
| Waist | 51 3/4 | 53 3/4 | 55 3/4 | 57 3/4 |
| Hip | 58 3/8 | 60 1/2 | 62 1/2 | 64 1/2 |
| Maxi Dress Length | 51 7/8 | 52 | 52 | 52 1/8 |
| Short Dress Length | 38 1/4 | 38 3/8 | 38 3/8 | 38 1/2 |
| Tunic Length | 28 1/4 | 28 3/8 | 28 1/2 | 28 1/2 |
| Cami Length | 20 3/4 | 20 7/8 | 21 | 21 |
| Armhole | 25 | 25 7/8 | 26 5/8 | 27 1/2 |
Estimated Yardage in 55”-Width Linen**
| Size | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxi Dress | 3 1/4 | 3 1/4 | 3 1/4 | 3 1/4 |
| Short Dress | 2 5/8 | 2 5/8 | 2 5/8 | 2 5/8 |
| Camisole | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 | 1 1/2 |
| Tunic | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
* Upper bust measurement provided for reference
** Extra 10% of fabric is included due to shrinkage
*** Elastic length may vary depending on your fit preference and elastic type
ALL SEAM ALLOWANCES ARE INCLUDED AND NOTED ON THE PATTERN AND IN THE TUTORIAL