I’m so excited to finally share my newest pattern with you - the Alma Dress. This design has been in the works for quite some time, and it’s one I’ve truly enjoyed developing together with my wonderful team of testers. Alma is a timeless and romantic piece, designed for the quiet moments and simple pleasures of everyday life.
About the design
The Alma Dress features a gathered round neckline finished with visible bias binding, relaxed flutter sleeves, and an adjustable drawstring waist with fabric ties at the sides and two tie options, including the overlapping method (majority of the testers hadn’t seen this technique used in dressmaking before, and it’s one of my favorite details). The gathered waist flows into an A-line skirt with generous hidden inseam pockets, finished with either a deep or regular hem.
Why Alma?
With its simple construction and breezy fit, Alma is an approachable project for beginners and a satisfying sew for any skill level. It’s easy to wear, endlessly versatile, and the kind of dress you’ll want to return to again and again. Made up in linen, cotton, or other natural fibers, Alma lets the fabric do the work - flowing, draping, and softening beautifully with time.
Sizes and format
The Alma Dress is available in sizes EU 34–54 / UK 6–26 / US 2–24 and comes as a PDF pattern with A4/US Letter print-at-home files (33 pages, with tips to save paper in the printing layout guide) and A0 copy shop files included. As always, the beginner-friendly instructions are carefully illustrated and include sewing technique tips, a troubleshooting guide, and an extensive pattern adjustment guide to help you achieve the perfect fit.
From our testers
Over 40 sewists, spanning sizes EU 34–54 (A–F cup), tested the Alma Dress, and the feedback has been so encouraging. Most found Alma true to size, with a comfortable fit and forgiving ease at the bust and waist. Many appreciated the flexibility of the adjustable ties, and several testers sewed up multiple versions right away, from breezy cotton voile to more structured linen.
A dress for everyday life
Alma was designed with everyday wear in mind – easy to sew, easy to style, and easy to love. Whether you choose to make it in a soft check linen for a country walk, a crisp cotton for everyday errands, or a flowing rayon or silk for evenings out, Alma is meant to become a trusted piece in your handmade wardrobe.
You can find the Alma pattern and testers gallery here.
I can’t wait to see your versions! Don’t forget to share them with #AlmaDressPattern and tag @silversagapatterns so I can see them.