Folkwear - Calico Day Dress Pattern

Difficulty: Intermediate

Sizes: XS – 2XL (approx. UK 4/6 – 24/26 based on our size chart)

Please always check the pattern size chart and finished garment measurements.

Description

This pattern recreates the turn-of-the-century Day Dress, originally worn as a comfortable house dress before corsets were fastened. Featuring a closely fitted bodice, the design is shaped with a buttoned front lining, a princess-seamed back, and pleats at the centre front and back, secured with waist ties. A square collar and rounded yokes with optional ruffles add to the historical charm. The full sleeves are gathered at the shoulder and finished with buttoned cuffs, while the skirt is fitted over the hips and flows into a wide ankle-length flounce.

For versatility, the pattern can also be made at street length for a contemporary look or as a blouse. Suitable for both day and evening wear, it works beautifully in challis, crisp silk, and traditional cotton calico.

Recommended Fabric

lightweight cotton and blends, silk, lightweight wools, and rayon. Historically, originals were made in cotton calico, percale, cashmere, sateen, and challis, making these excellent fabric choices for an authentic look.

Fabric Requirements

Reduce yardage by 3/4 yd (0.7 m) if omitting ruffle and yoke.

Blouse: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 3 1/4 - 4 1/4 yd (3 - 3.9 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 2 5/8 - 3 1/4 yd (2.4 - 3 m).

Traditional dress: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 5 7/8 - 7 3/8 yd (5.4 - 6.7 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 5 - 6 yd (4.6 - 5.5 m).

Contemporary dress: 45" (115 cm) wide fabric: 4 1/4 - 6 yd (3.9 - 5.5 m) // 60" (150 cm) wide fabric: 3 3/4 - 4 1/2 yd (3.4 - 4.2 m).

Notions

• Six 1/2"-5/8" (13-19 mm) buttons
• Snaps (optional)
• 1/4 yd (25 cm) of lightweight non-woven interfacing (optional)

Delivery & Returns

Delivery

Processing Your Order: We aim to dispatch all orders within 1-2 working days. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your order is handled with care and sent out promptly.

UK Delivery:

Royal Mail Tracked 48 - 2nd Class Delivery: This is our standard Royal Mail service. Delivery is typically estimated at 2–3 working days from dispatch, although times can vary.
Royal Mail Tracked 24 - 1st Class Delivery: A faster Royal Mail option, typically estimated at 1–2 working days from dispatch. Please note that this is not a guaranteed next day service.
Courier Delivery: We offer a courier service via Parcelforce for customers requiring a faster delivery option. We aim to dispatch eligible orders placed before 1pm on the same working day, but this cannot be guaranteed. Courier delivery is generally expected on the next working day following dispatch. Orders placed on Friday may not be collected until the following Monday. This service is tracked.

We process orders Monday to Friday, so weekend orders begin processing the following Monday.

We deliver worldwide - view our full list of international destinations.

All delivery times are estimates and may be affected by circumstances outside our control once your parcel has been handed to the delivery provider.

Returns

We want you to love your order! If you’re not completely happy, you can return items within 28 days of receiving your order.

Please note that fabrics are cut to order, so a restocking fee may apply. Some items are non-returnable except where faulty or not as described.

Read our full returns policy