Women’s Curvy Emma

$14.50 (or 1 credits)

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This sewing pattern is for a gorgeous high neck dress with a loose, flared top that makes it maternity friendly. It has a fitted neckband and small straight keyhole at the back as well as the option of five different lengths and a sash to make it more fitted.

Instant download digital sewing pattern. Includes Women’s sizes 1-10 & Women’s Curvy sizes 6C-15C.

Note – The pattern is modeled here in our Women’s Curvy sizing. When you purchase, you will receive both our Women’s 1-10 AND Women’s Curvy 6C-15C sizing (you get all the sizes).

Options

  • Five length options: top, tunic, knee, tea, and maxi
  • Optional sash
  • Optional lining

Features

  • Beginner friendly
  • High neck
  • Tiered ruffled skirt
  • Keyhole back
  • Packed with pro tips and expert advice
  • Includes full size, print-at-home pattern pieces
  • Includes step-by-step tutorial with photos
  • Instant-download digital sewing pattern
Main Fabric – You can use nearly any light or medium weight fabric (woven or knit/stretch) for the body of this garment. However, your fabric choice will be critical in how the garment fits so please choose with the end look you are wanting in mind:
  • A woven fabric will give much more structure than a knit.
    • A light weight woven such as a chiffon, taffeta, organza, or georgette will be billowy and floaty looking.
    • A light to mid weight woven such as a silk, rayon, silk crepe, crepe de chine, or silk satin will drape and follow the contours of the body more.
    • A woven with structure such as a linen, poly cotton, or quilting cotton won't drape or follow the contours of the body so it will give a boxier look and will change the shape of the armhole slightly. It will also fold rather than gather at the waist if you use the sash. This is a very particular look and more suited to children or anyone wanting a very structured looking top or dress.
  • A knit or stretch fabric will drape more than a woven.
    • A fabric with 4 way stretch (stretches in all directions) will give more drape than a 2 way stretch (only stretches in one direction). It will also swing and swish around your legs more.
    • Light to medium weight stretch fabrics such as jersey, silk satin with elastine, or silk jersey with elastine will give a lovely drape and swing.
    • Generally knit/stretch fabrics are heavier than wovens. You may find that you need to hem your garment slightly higher if it stretches out in length while wearing it.
  • The Collar needs structure as it holds the weight of the garment (otherwise it will stretch and sag).
    • If you use a medium weight woven, you do not need to interface it.
    • If you use a light weight woven, or a knit/stretch for your main garment fabric, you will need to interface your Collar.
    • Alternatively, the Collar is 'cut 2'. One is for the outside of the Collar; one is the Lining of the Collar. You could use your main garment fabric for the outside, and a Lining fabric with more structure for the inside.
Lining Fabric -
  • The Collar and Sash can be made either with the same fabric on both sides, or with main fabric on one side and a lining on the other. The Collar lining will be hidden in the final garment. The Sash lining will be visible.
  • If your main fabric is sheer and you want to follow the lining option, you will also require lining for the top.
  • If you are doing the top, you will follow the lining to the same top hemline. If you are doing the tunic, you will follow the lining to the same tunic hemline.
  • If you are doing one of the dress lengths, the lining goes only to the tunic hemline. If you wish, you can add tiers of lining to your lining as you will to your dress so that your lining and dress remain the same length, however these are not included in the fabric requirements. Make sure to add additional fabric or these.
  • Any lightweight lining fabric will work. The most common is a polyester lining, usually just called 'lining fabric' in stores.
Browse suitable fabrics here:
You will also need:
  • Collar fastenings - 2x snaps, or 2x small buttons (maximum 1cm/ 1/2 inch wide), or 2x Hook and Eye.
  • Interfacing - You will need a small piece of iron on interfacing for the lining of your Collar piece. 1/4 yard will be more than sufficient. For medium weight woven fabrics, a light weight interfacing is best. However, if you are using a stretch or light weight woven fabric, use a heavier interfacing to give the Collar more structure/stiffness as it will be holding quite a bit of the weight of the garment.
  • OPTIONAL Bias tape - If you are doing any of the dress lengths and following the sewing machine option and not using a serger/overlocker you will need bias tape to enclose the gathered hem where the tiers attach. You can either use store bought bias tape or make your own following the instructions in our free DIY Bias Tape Tutorial. You will need double fold bias tape that is 1/4 inch wide when finished. Or you can buy/make 1/2 inch wide single fold bias tape and fold in half down its center line.
  • Thread to match
Tools
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins or clips
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • Serger/Overlocker is optional but not required

FAQs

How do PDF/ digital patterns work? Simply download, print, and sew. You’ll need a free Adobe Acrobat reader program and any home printer (or a nearby copy shop for A0 printing). Once you’ve printed the pieces, tape or glue them together. You’ll find an easy-to-follow how-to guide inside the pattern instructions, plus support in our Facebook group.

The trim-free pattern comes in A4 or US letter printable sizes and includes full pattern pieces and a detailed tutorial to guide you every step of the way. An A0 format (pattern pieces only) is also included should you wish to have your pattern printed professionally. PDF Layers allow you to select and print only the size/s you want/ need.

When will I get my patterns? You’ll receive a link to download your patterns immediately after purchase. If you haven’t received it, please check your spam/ junk folder. You can also find your patterns in your ‘My Account’ area..

What if I need help while sewing? Join our Facebook group and ask any and all the questions you have! We have a team of admins who know our patterns inside-out and are here to help at any point throughout your RP sewing experience. This wonderful community is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help! You can share photos of your RP sews, enter giveaways, get sales information, and new-release updates.

“Such a beautiful top/dress. Easy to make and feels oh so glamorous to wear. I can see me making many more Emma tunics!”

Mandy Tustin

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9 reviews for Women’s Curvy Emma

  1. Mandy Tustin –

    Such a beautiful top/dress. Easy to make and feels oh so glamorous to wear. I can see me making many more Emma tunics!

  2. Carmen Brent –

    I always love a pattern that can be made with both knits and wovens–it’s like 2 patterns in one! Since the sash is optional, this dress/top can also have two very different feels to it. It is stylish and sophisticated but also fun and flirty. I made the top but see the dress version in my future, too.

  3. Vera Bering –

    I enjoyed this sew, it was quick and easy. For me, the instructions were very easy to follow. I had a friend take my pictures and she immediately asked if she could borrow it for a cruise she’s going on, she loved it!
    For me though, I feel like the neck is very confining. I made it in a woven this time. Next time I might make it in a knit and just add a bit to the neck. I love this!

  4. Amelia Keating –

    The pattern is so beautiful! I feel so gorgeous in it. It’s a really easy sew, too. although a bit time consuming, especially if you add any of the tiers for the dress lengths.
    Also, the fitting can be a little tricky around the neck and arms, so definitely try it out first before cutting into your beautiful fabric. But overall, a great pattern!

  5. Mallory Holy –

    This was a fun and pretty quick sew. The collar was some work but that wasn’t too bad. I really like the versatility of the pattern too.

  6. Charlotte Booth –

    This is a very easy sew, but I would highly recommend a gathering foot if you are doing any of the dress lengths because the skirt is BIG!

  7. Charlene A Lee –

    I sewed the Toronto Day Dress
    This is a great pattern for tops or dresses. The instructions are clear and concise! Great dress for everyday!

  8. Jennifer Kaiser –

    Great, easy to follow pattern for a dress I will wear to many special occasions!

  9. Carolyn Jurick Taylor –

    I’ve always wanted to sew this but was worried that the neck would be uncomfortable. I did fold the neckline in half and it was perfect! It’s very flattering for you shoulders and arms, I will be making more of these for the summer!

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