The Sewing Club Lillian Dress & Tank Sewing Pattern

$24.00 CAD

Pattern Format PDF Only

PDF Only
PDF + Printed

Product variants

Description

The Lillian is a versatile pattern that can easily take you from a day at the beach to wedding guest chic. With three strap options, front darts for shaping, and inseam pockets, it is sure to make its way into your tried-and-true list.

Named after the road where it all started, The Lillian was originally drafted and taught as a tank top pattern that confident-beginner sewers could accomplish in a one-day workshop. As the samples hung in the shop and received more and more positive attention, we felt inspired to develop it further and create a gathered dress variation.

Thank you to our students and customers for encouraging us to release The Sewing Club's very first sewing pattern.

Pattern Features

High front and back neckline
Three strap options: tie straps, bra-friendly thick straps, and thin solid straps
Bust darts for shaping
Options for lining of shelf bra
French seamed side seams, including inseam pockets on skirt
Option for tank or dress versions

Skill Level

We think this pattern is most suited to confident beginners and up.

Size & Fit

The pattern includes sizes A - P (bust measurements from 31" - 62").

Miri is wearing size A in cobalt linen with a skirt length of 34.5"

Sylvia is wearing size G in rust cotton seersucker with a skirt length of 36".

What's New June 2026:

Added instructions for a shelf bra.
Raised the armscye and removed 1" at the centre front for size P and graded the difference across the size range (no change to size A). This will address gaping at CF and armscye fit, especially for larger sizes.
Adjusted the dart position and raised it slightly to address fit feedback.
Removed the facing to make the tank more beginner-friendly. The neckline finishing is now done with a lining or shelf bra.
The lining for the dress extends to the waist seam support the gathered tier.
Angled the pattern piece for the thick straps to improve the fit.
Improvements to the instructions:
- Numbered pattern pieces
- Added more detail to the cutting diagram

File formats:

A0 for sizes A - H (1 page)
Large format for all sizes ( 33 x 62", 1 page)
Print at home (compatible with US Letter and A4)
Projector layout

PDF Only: This is a PDF file only. Your files will be available to download immediately after your purchase is complete and will also be emailed to you. A physical pattern will not be sent to you.

PDF + Printed: A printed large format pattern. The PDF pattern and instruction booklet will also be available for download immediately after purchase.

Click here for the Lillian Dress and Tank size chart.

Recommended fabrics

Light or medium-weight natural textiles like cotton, linen, or silk (fabrics under 6oz/200gsm gsm) gather nicely and suit this pattern best.

Miri is wearing Cobalt Blue Linen, and Sylvia is wearing cotton seersucker in rust.

We recommend saving any fabric with stretch for a different project.

You will also need

Your choice of lightweight, woven fabric.
Two spools of matching all-purpose polyester thread
Shelf bra only: enough 0.5” (13mm) elastic to fit around your underbust and overlap by 0.5” (13mm)
Dress only: pre-made bias binding. Sizes A - D need 2M, E - H need 2.5M, and I - P need 3M.
A marking tool (chalk or Frixion pen)
A soft tape measure
Cutting tools, pins
Ironing tools (we love a felt ruler for ironing hems)

This pattern features French seams so you can achieve a durable and clean finish without the use of a serger/overlocker.