Madeleine Sewing Pattern
$14.50 (or 1 credits) $7.25
This Grecian-inspired maxi dress is sleeveless with a circular neckband and gathered bust that flows into a gorgeous front drape. There are two strap options and it is also suitable for maternity wear.
Instant download digital sewing pattern. Includes sizes XXS-5XL.
Options
- Two strap options: straight or criss-cross
Features
- Suitable for advanced beginner level
- Maxi length
- Sleeveless
- 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
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 flattering fit on all sizes and very comfortable to wear.”
Buy More Credits
Zoe Lawson –
Well worth the trouble to sew this little number! A flattering fit on all sizes and very comfortable to wear. I’m planning many more!
Tasha Larson –
Great dress! Very comfortable, quick sew with experience.
Stephanie Leddy –
The dress is extremely comfortable and I think it will be flattering on a wide range of body types! For beginner sewists like me who struggle with jersey knits, be prepared to seam rip and mentally swear a lot – but it’s worth it 🙂 You will definitely want to do the “optional” bodice interlining. I skipped that step and feel like my bodice sagged a bit, making the seam on the front yoke sit a little too low on my chest (the curve sits partway down my bust instead of above my bust like I think it’s supposed to.) But the dress is still flattering even with the low seam, thanks to the print I used and the ruching! The pattern indicates a 5’6″ height; I am 5’7″ and had to cut about 4-5″ off the bottom before hemming, and also shorten the straps a bit. So trying it on for strap placement and hemming before stitching is a must even if you think you measure exactly to the size specifications on the pattern!
Sabrina Ropp –
When I completed the sew, my child told me it was “fabric magic.” It looks more complicated than it is, and the result is a beautiful dress that can be a casual beach dress or a sophisticated stretch velvet gown.
Rachael Oultram –
Absolutely gorgeous dress! Fit is so flattering, can’t wait to make my next Madeleine.
Natalie McCormick –
Overall, I really like the way this dress looks! I had a hard time figuring out the bodice steps, especially attaching the collar bit with the straps.
Naomi Cash –
Absolutely gorgeous dress! Love the criss cross straps. Needs a lot of focus to get the bodice pieces right, but it’s well worth it!
Melissa –
The neckline is so flattering and and the way the bodice is sewn means the wrong side is so neat (I really like the wrong side of my garment to be just as neat as the outside that everyone sees).
Leah McGrath –
I have been sewing for over 30 years and I won’t pretend this was the easiest piece I’ve ever made, but I am deliriously pleased with the results and I learned a few new tips, tricks, and skills as a result. The dress itself is flowy and comfortable I could see adding a nice cardigan and wearing it for a date night or more casually with a denim jacket.
Lauri Meinhardt –
The final product is a beautiful, amazing dress. Comfortable and versatile. This is not a pattern to rush through, but if you take your time you will be so SO happy with the results. I found the sizing to be spot on, definitely on the longer side, I’m 5’7″ and trimmed a couple of inches so it wouldn’t drag on the floor. It would also be cute as just about any length you with! If you’re on the fence, buy the pattern!
Laura Kraai –
I really enjoyed making this dress. I learned a few new things such as making gatherings. I am very proud of the end results which I really like.
Kris Chick –
This is such a pretty design and very flattering. It’s perfect to make a beach vacation or a cruise vacation dress.
The instructions were a little difficult to follow so take your time, read the instructions carefully and use the pictures for reference. I made sure to baste before I stitched things down to make sure I was doing it correctly. Once I saw how the bodice comes together then the rest fell right into place. The neckline can be a little tricky so just go slowly and carefully on it.
Now that I’ve made one I can see more of these in my future!
Kiran Grewal –
The Madeleine Maxi is an elegant dress that suits even the fanciest of dinners,
Kelle Lujan –
This was an interesting sew for me. I consider myself to be an intermediate seamstress, but I have never sewn a pattern quite like this. It’s been a while since I had no idea where the steps in the pattern were going. But I had faith and the result is absolutely stunning! Despite not being able to “see” the end result while sewing, the steps were simple to follow. The pattern assembled easily and all pieces fit together well when sewing. I find the result simply amazing and the fit to be spot on when using measurements. I highly recommend this pattern!
Karen Greenhalgh –
Love love love this dress. It’s so comfy and feels amazing on. It wasn’t the easiest to work out how the bodice went together but I finally figured it out and I’m thrilled. It definitely wouldn’t be a problem to make this in a few hours once you’ve made one and understand the construction ??
Jo Sharp –
Fairly challenging pattern requiring some concentration but so worth it for the beautiful result.
Perfect dress for both formal and informal wear.
Jenni Elizabeth Estly –
This dress is flattering for all body-types! With a detailed strappy-back or flattering straight straps, it can be worn for every occasion. Intricate gathering gives it a sophisticated look, but it is a straightforward sew. Just do the next step. Love this one so much! ❤️
Janine Cochrane –
Beautiful fit!
Jana Houskova –
I totally love the dress, it looks amazing. I have trouble with sewing the bodice because I didn’t catch if I should put it right side together – but it was my fault. Also I chose the wrong material for neckband (bambus viscose) so I should put higher interlining. The instructions were clear, pattern is very nice,.
Gabriella Hägglund –
Lets’s start with what I think about the finished dress – I looove ? it – it is so flattering. The drape over the bust makes gives a a little extra wow. About sewing – yes, it is tricky, but with a little patience, it turned out just fine.
Erica Triplett –
I thoroughly enjoyed this pattern and the fit is wonderful. I’m 5’8″ and did not alter it and still had a 2″ hem. I believe attaching the bodice pieces together was quite difficult to understand when reading, but I was able to figure it out relatively well once I was manipulating the pieces in hand. It is my first RP sew and I was very pleased with the instructions and pattern. And I LOVE my finished product.
Emma Polley –
It was love at first sight with this dress, I knew I HAD to make it for an upcoming wedding that I’m attending. It’s beautiful, flowy & wonderful for hiding tummies. I had to go a bit slower in some places as there were a few firsts for me but over all, a good sew.
Donna Lowe –
This dress has an absolutely amazing and flattering silhouette. It can be dress up for a romantic date night or a wedding. Dress down for everyday errands and play. This is an easy sew. I was able to put it together in 24-hours. This elegant dress has change my perspective of the maxi dress and it has also convince my daughter who doesn’t like dresses to want to wear this one.
Dési Rée –
Such a flattering dress that was rather easy to sew!
Amelia Keating –
Great pattern, mostly easy to follow. Only a few steps that caused trouble, and I definitely learned something from it!
Amber Stefanick –
It’s hard for me to find a dress that I feel confident in but the Madeleine Maxi is so elegant and flattering. The construction can be a little challenging the first time through, so I recommend a test run before using your final fabric. I will absolutely be adding more Madeleines to my closet.
Aleyce Babbett Odenthal –
I loved making this dress. I did have to use my seam reaper a few times because somehow even though I cut mirrored pieces…the rushed part of my bust was the same piece for both sizes. I discovered this is because the armice is easy to mix up. That said…I did fix it eventually.
Taiko Karen Rai –
I’m constantly searching for postpartum belly hiding patterns to make and this not only fits the bill but has a beautiful drape that’s elegant and distracts from any of my body image issues. Lovely side ruching to hide the love handles. The ruching also allows great space for my constantly growing and shrinking breastfeeding breasts. Very elegant and can be dressed up and down.
Katie Weatherly –
I love the fit of this dress. It is very flattering.
Cordelia Henderson –
This was a great dress to sew up! It’s very flattering and feminine
Stacey Kay –
Great pattern. Very flattering maxi dress suited to all shapes and sizes
Pam OFlynn –
Love the dress!
Lisa Ann Selfe –
This was a fairly easy sew, there were some confusing parts where the instructions weren’t as clear as they could have been. Other than that, I think the pattern was amazing, didn’t do any alterations just the straight size and it was alittle too big for me but LOVE it!!!!
Ilse lemmens –
Do you need a maxi, ideal for summer and oh so classy? It’s the Madeline for sure! The front panel emphasizes your bust so beautiful and at the same time it hides your little tummy. I made mine in a jersey knit from Minerva.com and it was the perfect decision! Thank you so much for this great design!
Tania Watson –
This dress is a fab stylish summer style with interesting strap detail. The front drape of the dress gives an unusual but sophisticated look. This dress will be featuring heavily in my summer wardrobe.
Sally Jacobs –
This was an excellent pattern that fitted beautifully, the only adjustment I made was to the length. A few issues with the instructions but common sense won out.
Kat Churchill –
Love the Madeline Maxi, Can be used for so many occasions depending on fabric choice. Simple, easy to follow instructions with step by step photos. Recommend this one.
Jenna Page –
Bodice was a little challenge, and the only reason I out intermediate for level as I had to read it a few times to figure out, but so worth it! Other than that very straight forward.
love the 3 strap option and the front drape is gorgeous.
Will definitely be making more, would be lovely for a wedding, maybe hack a zip in for a more structured fabric.
Very versatile pattern ?
Jennifer Voss –
None of the techniques used were too difficult but I did have a hard time understanding the bodice directions. It is true to size and very form flattering, will definitely make again!
Sabrina Ropp –
When I completed the sew, my child told me it was “fabric magic.” It looks more complicated than it is, and the result is a beautiful dress that can be a casual beach dress or a sophisticated stretch velvet gown.
Jenni Elizabeth Estly –
This dress is flattering for all body-types! With a detailed strappy-back or flattering straight straps, it can be worn for every occasion. Intricate gathering gives it a sophisticated look, but it is a straightforward sew. Just do the next step. Love this one so much! ❤️
Melissa –
The neckline is so flattering and and the way the bodice is sewn means the wrong side is so neat (I really like the wrong side of my garment to be just as neat as the outside that everyone sees).
Kelle Lujan –
This was an interesting sew for me. I consider myself to be an intermediate seamstress, but I have never sewn a pattern quite like this. It’s been a while since I had no idea where the steps in the pattern were going. But I had faith and the result is absolutely stunning! Despite not being able to “see” the end result while sewing, the steps were simple to follow. The pattern assembled easily and all pieces fit together well when sewing. I find the result simply amazing and the fit to be spot on when using measurements. I highly recommend this pattern!
Amber Stefanick –
It’s hard for me to find a dress that I feel confident in but the Madeleine Maxi is so elegant and flattering. The construction can be a little challenging the first time through, so I recommend a test run before using your final fabric. I will absolutely be adding more Madeleines to my closet.
Aleyce Babbett Odenthal –
I loved making this dress. I did have to use my seam reaper a few times because somehow even though I cut mirrored pieces…the rushed part of my bust was the same piece for both sizes. I discovered this is because the armice is easy to mix up. That said…I did fix it eventually. The most confusing and needed to be adjusted for clarification would be that the straps need to be inside the fold and maybe another photo to show that it is burritoed in between when enclosing the neckline. Fit was tts to generous for me.
Stacey Kay –
Great pattern. Very flattering maxi dress suited to all shapes and sizes
Kiran Grewal –
The Madeleine Maxi is an elegant dress that suits even the fanciest of dinners,
Rebekah Homer –
I really love how this dress turned out. I think the yoke/upper bodice is too tall (so that the bust gathers hit too low), I removed about 1/2″” from the top after having already constructed the yoke pieces. When made my second dress, I removed 3/4 of an inch from the yoke ad it fit perfect. I’m 5’4″” FYI, so this might just be a height adjustment.
The assembly of the dress is rather ingenious, but it requires you to focus on the details. As well, definitely follow the advice for interfacing and interlining. I don’t think it would have worked well if I hadn’t. Some of the instructions were difficult to understand on a first read, but when working with the fabric they made more sense. After making my first one, I didn’t need to reference the instructions for my second one- so it’s not crazy difficult, just not intuitive. It also assembled fairly quickly after the first one- probably took me 2-3 hours (took breaks because of life lol) I recommend having a helper for figuring out best strap placement.
Overall, it’s a bit of a challenge at first, but easy to be successful on latter ones. The finished product is well worth any initial difficuties.
Liz Faber –
This was a challenging pattern when I am used to sewing simple dresses for my daughter or things with more straight edges! I made an error with picking my material in the beginning (I got rayon but didn’t realize that there is rayon woven and rayon knit – one of many new things I learnt sewing this pattern!). There were some tricky bits to understand how to sew (especially with the yoke) but I found that if I just slowed down, looked carefully at the pictures and read the instructions a few times it was fairly straightforward. I tend to try and overthink things and found that the key was just to trust in the pattern. I love the final result and look forward to making more in the future!
Lili Poelzer –
I absolutely adore the final product that this pattern creates, however I did find the bodice instructions to be confusing. I’m not sure how to improve that (possibly contrasting fabrics? I know they are different in the tutorial, but they’re the same colour family so it isn’t super clear). All in all, a wonderful sew that requires a bit of patience, but the results are well worth it. I have had many compliments on my final Madeleine 🙂
Amanda Thom –
I loved this dress. It wasn’t too difficult, though I did have to do some bust adjustment even though I have an appropriate cup size for my size. But with some minor adjustments it fit great. I love how it looks in the mirror!!
Anna –
Gorgeous dress on many body types, a slightly challenging sew. Easy to add in-seam pockets for mid-heavy weight fabrics.
Lisa Selfe –
LOVED this maxi, have gotten so many compliments on this dress and people can’t believe that I made it myself. Super comfy and will be making many more. Only real issue was serious confusion on instructions to do the neckband, other than that it was spot on.
Carrie Wilson –
This is a wonderfully elegant pattern suited for those drapy knits. It’s unique design, helps hide mum tums, and gives you an hourglass look.
Jo Sharp –
“Fairly challenging pattern requiring some concentration but so worth it for the beautiful result.
Perfect dress for both formal and informal wear.”