Make a Puff Sleeve Dress

With all of us out and about again, plus wedding season in full swing, we thought we’d show you one of our favourite trendy dress patterns. This pattern is a simple make, and can be made in a variety of fabrics. We’ve made it up in one of our linen/cotton prints.
Puff sleeves seem to be everywhere at the moment, including the Selkie dresses that are popping up on lots of fashion influencers.

What will you need?

We used the McCalls 8108 Pattern which is available in store, via phone order or leave a comment at check out and we can add the pattern to your order.

• McCalls 8108
• Fabric of your choice, we used this blue print and this colourful print (for more fabric ideas check out the bottom of this post)
• Lining fabric, we used cotton voile in white
• Needles (we used size 80 Universal needle, you can use our latest blog post as a guide for which needle to use for each fabric)
• Sharp pins, these glass head pins are our absolute favourites
• Chalk or a marking pen of some sort, we love the Chaco pens for marking drill holes and darts
• Thread, we love Rasant thread for its softness and strength

Making the Dress

We found this pattern pretty simple to follow, there are clear markings on pattern pieces which makes lining everything up nice and easy. The multiple seams along the bodice also makes it a lot easier to fit. You can take a little in or out of each seam if you need it tighter or looser. We would suggest doing a fitting of the bodice before adding the skirt.

Creating a different look

Although this fabric is designed for wovens, with a few fit adjustments it would look beautiful in a knit too.
For a more wintery look we would love to see this pattern made up in a velvet, our new glitter velvet would be perfect for added sparkle.

A printed scuba such as this pink and blue floral would have great body for a puff sleeve. Scubas also have a bit of stretch, so make sure to fit the bodice first – you might even be able to make it up with out a zipper!

For a recreation of the Selkie dress a soft organza would be perfect, this linen/silk/nylon blend has a subtle texture for a luxe look. This fabric is sheer so you would need to fully line the dress, I would suggest cotton voile or silk habotai. If you wanted to create an even puffier skirt add some tulle underneath.

We would love to see what you create with our fabrics and patterns, so don’t forget to tag us on Instagram!