Lisbon Dress for Kids and Women
Today, we’ll show you step by step how to make a long-sleeve, drop-waist dress. We’ve included a children’s pattern (ages 2 to 8) and a women’s pattern (sizes S to XXL). We love how comfortable and flattering it is. Let’s make it!
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew the Lisbon, a long-sleeve knit dress with a relaxed bodice, fitted sleeves and a gathered skirt placed at the hip.
Separate patterns provide the same silhouette for children and women. An additional class shows how to add an optional gathered shoulder ruffle to the children’s version.
The narrow neck opening and fitted sleeves require a fabric with stretch.
What you’ll learn in these classes
- Cut knit pieces on the fold using grainlines and notches.
- Set sleeves into the open bodice without stretching the edges.
- Distribute a smaller neckband evenly around the neckline.
- Gather the skirt with elastic thread or long machine stitches.
- Join the gathered skirt and finish knit hems.
- Gather and attach the optional shoulder ruffle.
Fabric
Choose a stretch knit because the sleeves are fitted and the neckline opening is small. Use a ballpoint or jersey needle and a stretch stitch or zigzag if you do not have a serger.
The skirt can be gathered with elastic thread or with long straight stitches sewn without backstitching.
Make it your own
Add the optional shoulder ruffle to the children’s dress. Its edge may have a narrow double-fold hem, remain raw if the knit will not fray, or receive a decorative serged finish.
See the Girls’ Strappy Dress for another gathering demonstration.
The technique also appears in the Batwing Jacket.
Layer the dress with the Eliza Cardigan.
Pattern sizes
Children’s sizes run from 2/3 through 7/8, with listed heights from 92 to 128 cm. The women’s pattern includes S, M, L, XL and XXL.
The children’s chart also provides chest, waist and hip measurements.
Two video classes cover the dress and optional ruffle. Children’s and women’s patterns are included.
See PDF pattern help if needed.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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