Staff Made

Steph's Zadie Dress

Posted
19—June 2024

HQ team member Steph has made up the Zadie Dress from Paper Theory!

HQ sewist Steph has been working away on a cute customised Zadie Dress, using organic cotton poplin and the popular sewing pattern from Paper Theory. We love the utilitarian feel of her custom collar and the crisp structure that the poplin lends this silhouette. Steph loves cotton dresses, and this Zadie Dress makes another classic addition to her handmade wardrobe, check out her Clara Dress and Willow Dress makes here on the blog too. Read on below for Zadie Dress photos and project details!

"The pattern feels considerately designed and easy to work with, I’d like to make a more classic version with a silk check in my stash, but I just had to get this collared version out of my head!"

Pattern Notes

Pattern Used — Zadie Dress by Paper Theory

The Zadie Dress is a relaxed and easy to wear dress that comes with the option of 3/4 length sleeves, or sleeveless with a dropped shoulder. Zadie is designed to wrap around the body and fasten with a tie, meaning no need for buttons or a zip. The pattern features inseam pockets on the skirt, as well as small pleats at the waist on the front and back of the bodice.

Steph chose to make a size 12, using 2.75m of our Artichoke Organic Cotton Poplin. As an advanced sewist, Steph was able to make several customisations to this pattern, including adjusting the front and neckline to add a collar and reworking the sleeve to be a little longer. She also made the waist tie narrower, and added a little extra volume to the skirt. Steph said she found the instructions easy and clear to follow, and she adores how the dress turned out in this fabric! It’s her second time working with it now and she'd love to also make a button-up shirt in the white colour.

Download the Zadie Dress PDF pattern from the Paper Theory website here.

Fabric Recommendations

Steph Used — Organic Cotton Poplin - Artichoke

The Zadie Dress pattern was designed for medium weight woven fabrics such as cotton and linen, as well as fabrics that have a drape, like crepe, viscose twill or satin. For a more structured look, you could also try a heavier fabric like drill or light weight denim. Check out a few suggestions below from our Online Store! From top to bottom are Liberty Tana Lawn - Mandy X, Cotton / Tencel Check - Pumpkin Mix, Lightweight Linen - Biscuit and Gingham Cotton / Silk Voile - Yale

Steph's planning to layer her Zadie Dress up with a turtleneck, long socks and a coat for winter wear, and pair back with sneakers in the summer. Shop our huge range of fabrics online here and don't forget to share your makes with us over on Instagram and TikTok!