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Dora Sewing Pattern

$14.50 (or 1 credits) $7.25

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This beautiful dress sewing pattern has a lined and fitted bodice, nipped in waist, and flared knee-length skirt that forms a flattering silhouette for all body types. It also features an invisible zip with three sleeve options, optional sleeves and horsehair braid hem.

Instant download digital sewing pattern. Includes sizes XXS-5XL.

Options

  • Three sleeve options: sleeveless, cap, and gathered
  • Optional pockets
  • Optional French seams
  • Optional horsehair braid hem

Features

  • Suitable for advanced beginner level
  • Fitted bodice
  • Knee-length
  • 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 stiffer medium weight woven fabric for your Dora dress.

Lining Fabric - This is for the inside of the bodice only, so use a light to medium weight woven fabric for your Dora dress lining.

Browse suitable fabrics here:

Notions

  • 1x 16-inch invisible zipper.
  • OPTIONAL: 1-inch wide Horsehair braid - approximately 3 yards for all sizes.
  • Thread to match.

Tools

  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Tailors chalk/fabric pen
  • Pins or clips
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • Optional zipper or invisible zipper foot
  • Optional pinking shears

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A serger or 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.

“A lovely dress, with beautiful lines for every body type.”

Linda Berendsen

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Pattern Preview

55 reviews for Dora Sewing Pattern

  1. Frieda Flavianu –

    I made the sleeveless version and I was amazed by the outcome. The instructions are very clear and straight forward.I fell in love with the length, the fit and the design. Very appropriate for my day job. What I saw is what I got ??

  2. Hannah Bnana –

    Love the fit and flare of this dress. A very useful pattern as you can make it as dressy or casual as you like, it all depends on the fabric choice.

  3. Sabrina Ropp –

    This dress is a beautiful woven dress with a hidden zipper and shaped bodice and a comfortable ease in the waistline. It is a relatively quick and easy sew for all seasons. I love this dress!

  4. Heather Luben –

    This is a fun, flattering sew that can be done in a variety of materials. I chose a lighter weight silky print. The instructions are excellent, and blending was easy between the sizes. I found it to be slightly on the large side, but not too much that I needed to adjust it. That may be due to the fact that my fabric did have a slight stretch to it. I may try a straight L, or even a M/L in the future. I love the length of the skirt and the pockets option especially! Being a teacher, I choose my clothes based on if they have pockets or not 😉

  5. Heather –

    This pattern has a lot of ease built in so may not be as form fitting as some may like, solved easily with a belt! The pattern is easy to follow but I ended up with excess fabric in my skirt, maybe as I fell in the middle of my measurements range. Makes a lovely 1950s inspired dress that can be dressed up or down. Wearing mine to work today hoping for positive comments!

  6. Kirstine Davies –

    It was a nice new challenge to include French seams and pockets at the same time. I really enjoyed the process and loved the clear instructions to achieve the sleek finish. It is a great fitting dress ready for summer or winter ball.

  7. Michelle Mason –

    I made this for my 12yo daughter and it looks amazing and she feels like a princess, the instructions take you through a step at a time and at the end I had a beautiful dress for her to feel fabulous in.

  8. Wanda Boden –

    Love this pattern and plan on making more to add to my business wardrobe! The lined bodice gives great structure and the cap sleeve just enough coverage for wearing without a blazer.

  9. Julie McKinley –

    Delightful Dora!! Great “learning dress”! With the amazing directions this dress is a quick sew and beautiful confidence/experience builder! Invisible zippers, french seams, stitch-in-the-ditch, so many needed skills to practice!

  10. Rebecca Hinds-Brofft –

    Beautifully darted for shaping and comfort in woven fabrics!

  11. Andrea Whitrow –

    The pattern was easy to follow and the detailed step by step instructions make it super easy for any level of sewer to complete. I found the sizing to be slightly on the large side but again, the instructions give plenty of hints to fit the garment to your personal shape and size. The dress is very versatile and could be used from a casual day dress through to s stunning after 5 piece – depending on fabric choice

  12. Pamela Stump –

    This dress went together very quickly and fit perfectly when made to my measurements (I picked the size indicated by my measurements, adding a tiny amount at waist and for length). Easy dress for a confident beginner to make. I made mine in brushed cotton that looks like wool flannel – so it looks dressy and feels oh-so-comfy!

  13. Chelsea Skarphol –

    I love this dress! It does fit a bit looser than is my personal preference, so I’ve opted to size down since my first version. But I love the lines of this dress and its classic silhouette. It was a lot of fun to sew up, and it gave me a chance to practice some more fine sewing techniques that I don’t get to use very often. It was a lot of fun to make, and since it’s perfect on its own or with long sleeves underneath for cooler weather, I’ve already got a several more of this dress in my “to be sewn” list.

  14. Jennifer Lichak –

    Dora has a lovely vintage feel to it! With a structured bodice and flared skirt with pockets! Make it casual or fancy depending on your fabric choices. This dress is a lovely addition to your wardrobe.

  15. Stacey Kay –

    Great pattern for the confident sewer. Very flattering for all sizes too!

  16. Agnes Hegedus –

    I am very pleased with this pattern. I have D bra cup size, so I always have to do FBA on all the patterns that are not specifically designed for fuller bust, but now it was enough to blend between two sizes. The bodice fits nicely and the skirt is simply elegant. I’ll sew more of it.

  17. Teressa Campbell –

    I’m really happy about how this dress turned out. I was wary about the invisible zipper, but the pattern description helped me realize that I had done this kind of zipper before. The instructions on this pattern were easy to follow and it was a fairly quick sew. I can’t wait to use this pattern again!

  18. Wieke Heikoop –

    Love the fit of Dora, really nice dress to wear, even now in fall in Holland. To fit in a blind zip and do the lining was a challenge for me who’s working with knits only. But it worked out fine. I made XL according to size sheet but It was way too big; next time I will try a M

  19. Kat Churchill –

    Very straight forward sew, very detailed instructions. I now have a love for french seams and in seam pockets. Highly recomended!

  20. Tomorrow Hughes Papaleo –

    This dress does require some patience and for you to take your time with it being partially lined and having French seams. The dress, however, is WELL worth it. It turned out completely cute and I’m super proud of the end result!

  21. Shaina Mack –

    Dora is a classic and timeless dress pattern which would look amazing yet different in multiple fabric types. I LOVE that Dora only requires around 2 yards of fabric while not compromising on a semi-full skirt. The optional horse hair braid hem also makes the skirt fuller if this is the look you are going for. Dora is a quick but also affordable dress pattern! Love it and will be using this pattern again!

  22. Kirstie Balding –

    Love, love this dress.! Such a classic flattering shape which can create a different look depending on material used. An easy sew for a competent sewer but an absolute beginner would also enjoy/learn new skills (darts/invisible zipper) and get a great result because it is such a well cut pattern with great instructions. I’ll be making many more Dora’s, my new workwear staple!

  23. Sherley-Ann Meunier –

    Great pattern! Well drafted and instructions are clear. I do prefer a tighter fit at waist so I just took of half a inch on both side in the back and it’s perfect! First invisible zipper for me, but with photos and instructions, I did good

  24. Amber Flanary –

    Loved this! Perfect for a winter dress look. The directions not using a serger looked a little overwhelming, but in the end it wasn’t as bad as I anticipated.

  25. Danielle Watson –

    I found the pattern easy to follow. The dress looks amazing and is the most beautifully constructed garment I have ever made. The French seams and lining hide all the raw edges which makes the inside so clean and pretty. People are amazed that it is homemade. I love the shape and it’s so comfortable to wear. Overall a wonderful pattern and I can’t wait to make more!

  26. Vicky Hughes –

    Lovely easy, clear instructions. I’ve never lined anything before or inserted a zip but managed well! Dress is a very flattering fit, I love it!

  27. Pauline Kelly –

    The Dora is a classsic beauty with a modern twist. I enjoyed the hand sewing that was optional. My teenage daughter requested a cartoon print while I am fancying a linen for summer or velvet for special occasions. Oh, what the possibilities!

  28. Nali Nali –

    Dora Dress in basket weave mid-weight cotton. I liked that the body is lined to give the garment more structure. I sew in size XS and the fit is perfect! I did not shorten the hem for my 5’4″ height. I can feel the weekend in the dress. Love love love it ! ❤

  29. Vineeta –

    Such a lovely fit. I am sure you cannot make just one. Choose your fabric and it can become a formal dress from a casual one.

  30. Chiara Kruse –

    A classic dress, with clear instructions!

  31. Vicky Hughes –

    Dora tested me! As a beginner I had never lined, used a zip or really used woven fabric. Instructions were super clear & I managed the dress with relative ease. The dress is beautiful & I know I will be making lots more!

  32. Alieke Enders –

    What a lovely pattern! The Dora can be worn throughout the year. It is a dress with a fitted bodice and a beautiful flared A-line skirt. With the detailed description this dress is easy to make. I will certainly make this pattern even more often!

  33. Liz Faber –

    This dress tested me but I’m so happy with the finished product. This was my first time putting a zipper in anything and, while it was tricky, the instructions and pictures were written In a way that I found it easy to complete. The testing part for me was more my material choice. My rayon was slippery and didn’t like to crease so hems were tricky. I recommend using an easy crease material the first time you make this pattern, but definitely make this dress – it’s gorgeous!

  34. Rachael Oultram –

    Beautiful woven dress pattern that fits perfectly and is so flattering…it also has pockets, what’s not to love?! First of many to come 🙂

  35. Erin Rudrum –

    The Dora is a great sew. Fits really well and fairly clear instructions

  36. Tiffany Amos –

    This is an excellent pattern and can be used year round. It’s versatile and simple to make. I love i .

  37. Patricia Beidegårdh –

    Love the dress will absolutely sew more of this!

  38. Peggy Pazera Cooke –

    I love this pattern! This style of dress is timeless and suits so many. I plan to make a number of them.

  39. Breana Mayfield –

    I LOVE DORA! I originally planned to do pickets but I got tripped up (not because of the pattern, because my brain refused to function at that step) but even without them I still think it’s an amazing dress.

  40. Veronica Hartwig –

    Meet the Dora, a nice staple dress pattern with easy to follow instructions. Whilst sewing an invisible zipper is not one of my favourite tasks (hello accidently putting in backwards I am talking to you) the instructions and accompanying pictures made this a lot easier. Love the style of the Dora.

  41. Amy Kaczenski –

    LOVE the fit! Super flattering silhouette! Worth the time and effort it takes to create!

  42. Kristie Harris Tingle –

    I made a dress similar to this from a printed store bought pattern a couple years back and struggled with it. I found the instructions to the Dora very easy to follow and it made putting this dress together a breeze. I enjoyed making this dress and will make it again in the future.

  43. Laura Murray –

    I really enjoyed this sew. I found the instructions clear and easy to follow. It’s not a complicated pattern and was quick to make. Although I have an overlocker (serger) I opted to do the french seams, as it looks neater. I have done invisible zips before, but I followed the tips in the instructions and found it a lot easier to put the zip in. I’m really pleased with my dress and can’t wait to wear to work.

  44. Stephanie Koehler –

    My Dora turned out exactly what I imaged! My first time doing an invisible zipper on a dress and the instructions were perfect and lead me through the process so easily. The fit is comfortable and the skirt hangs so well from the waist. I see many more in my future… maybe a red satin for a holiday dress.

  45. Linda Berendsen –

    A lovely dress, with beautiful lines for every body type. While using different kind of fabrics, it is perfect for all occasions. Easy step by step instructions, even for beginners.

  46. Darlene Perry –

    Great Pattern and very easy to sew! Nice fit and flare style which flatters all body types.

  47. Adriana Benitez –

    Such a cute dress! I love the cap sleeve option and pockets are always amazing. It came together so quickly and is a versatile dress pattern.

  48. Frances Lancaster –

    The Dora is a lovely dress and a surprisingly quick sew even with the invisible zipper and the extra options I choose (pockets and cap sleeve). My college-aged daughter loves it and is especially excited to have a dress with pockets!

  49. Sandy Simpson –

    Wow! What a beautiful pattern. This should be a staple in every women’s wardrobe.
    It can be dressed up or made as a casual garment – depending on fabric choice.
    I made a Medium with a fba. I spent a bit of time working on the correct placement of the darts and am very happy with the outcome. The pattern is designed to flatter the bust and waist without being tight.And most importantly….IT HAS POCKETS!!!!”

  50. Jana Houskova –

    Dora is lovely pattern especially what I love the most are their pockets. It was easy sewing. As I sewn the hidden zipper for first time the result is very nice and the instruction was clear. I love it in spite of its little bit for me.

  51. Stacey Olsen Goett –

    This is a beautiful woven dress. The darts, which the directions make easy to do, help make this a well fitted top. The skirt has enough fullness to look elegant. This will be perfect for the times you need a work to going out dress!

  52. Anusha –

    Simple and neat pattern , a must for every wardrobe.

  53. Pamela Stump –

    This dress was quick to sew and, with adjustments for height, fit well. I consider it an intermediate sew due to the multiple darts, bodice lining, and the zipper. It is a fun dress and I think I will get a lot of use out of it.

  54. Kathleen Conger –

    This is a good basic dress that can be made casual or dressy, depending on the material. I made the pockets much deeper to securely hold my phone and wallet.

  55. Kathleen Conger –

    This is a good basic dress that can be made casual or elegant, depending on the fabric selected. The pattern pockets are too small to be truly useful, so I deepened them about 4 inches to accommodate a phone.

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