Stella Blouse and Dress Pattern by Ikatee, 3 to 12 Years

A blouse and a long dress in one pattern, loose-fitting and comfortable, in sleeveless or long-sleeved versions. The design features wide ruffles in the side panels, gathers at the lower sections, a bias-trimmed neckline, and a partial back opening with a strap. A bohemian piece with large ruffles, available from 3 to 12 years.

The four-way combination is what you are actually buying: blouse or dress, sleeves or sleeveless. That is a full season of clothing from one envelope, and it stays useful for a decade of sizes.

Rated intermediate. What you will learn: sewing a back opening with button and loop, sewing ruffles, and sewing a bias binding at a neckline. Bias binding at a curved neckline is the skill worth having here. It shows up in every unlined garment you will ever make, and doing it well is the difference between finished and homemade.

Recommended fabrics: poplin, light twill, batiste, double gauze, thin denim or chambray, linen, cotton viscose, or viscose. Thin fabrics are preferable because of the gathering. A lining is worth adding if your main fabric is a little sheer, or too thin for fall and winter. The blouse needs no lining.

Includes the full-size paper pattern with all sizes together and an A5 guidebook with detailed steps. One reviewer, comparing it to the American pattern companies she grew up with, found it considerably easier to follow, and noted the glossy booklet and sturdy kraft envelope will last for years.

Designer: Ikatee
Sizes: 3 to 12 years
Skill level: Intermediate