We’re celebrating the Dawson Top on the blog this week! I designed this pattern to be a true wardrobe staple and it does not disappoint. It has three neckline options, three sleeve options, and I’m about to make it even more versatile with this quick and easy dress hack!
Dawson is on sale right now! Get this pattern for 20% off until September 26th, 2024, no code required.
There’s really not much to this hack. We are going to take the front and back pieces and add length to our desired dress length. I have mocked up a few options here—you can do anything from a mini dress to a maxi dress. It’s up to you!
The best way to find out how much you want to lengthen the pattern is to measure from your shoulder to where you want your hem to be and subtract the top pattern from that measurement. The length of the top can be found in the finished garment measurement chart. Remember that you can always remove length before you hem it, so starting longer is a good idea.
Since Dawson is a knit garment that requires a stretchy fabric, the fit is nice and forgiving. We can eyeball the elongation of the pattern into a dress and adjust as necessary after sewing up the side seams. Follow the gentle curve of the front and back pieces around the hip and then straighten out as you lengthen down to the hem. The front and back should be close to the same width from the hip to the hem.
Tip: Your dress width total should be about 4-5” (10-13 cm) smaller than your hip measurement. If you want a really form fitting dress, try 6-7” (15-18 cm) smaller. For a looser dress, try 2-3” (5-8 cm) smaller.
If your hip measurement is larger than your waist measurement, you may want to grade out at the hip. You can do this by grading out following the top size lines and then continue out, eyeballing the curve at the hip. Once you pass the hip, go straight down to the hem. When you sew the side seams, you can try it on and take it in as needed.
Where is the hip? The original Dawson hem sits approximately 2” (5 cm) above the full hip, so you can draw the hip line in if it helps.
How much extra fabric will I need?
The amount required will depend on the desired length of the dress and the size you are making.
Sizes 0-26
You can calculate the extra amount required by simply adding on the dress length to the fabric requirements. For example, you want to lengthen the dress 20” (50 cm), add 0.5 meters/yards to the fabric requirements.
Sizes 28-34
Add the amount of the dress length twice. So if you want to lengthen the dress 20” (50 cm), add 1 meter/yard to the fabric requirements.
I used a Tencel jersey for this hack and I love how it turned out! This jersey is lightweight and drapey so it feels elegant and slinky. I chose to do the long sleeve and the scoop neck because I thought it would look really nice with a necklace.
I also lengthened the sleeve so it extends onto my hands. This gives the dress a 90’s vampy vibe that I am really feeling. I like that this can be a more casual outfit or a special occasion dress. I added 23” (58 cm) to my dress to make it this length.
I hope you give Dawson a try! This pattern is so easy to make and endlessly versatile. I love it as a layering top for fall and winter and now with this dress hack, I feel like it has reached new heights!
Dawson is on sale right now! Get this pattern for 20% off until September 26th, 2024, no code required.
