The Eleonora dress pattern has been my favorite go-to outfit last summer and has also been my best-selling sewing pattern of 2024. For months, I’ve been dreaming of creating a long-sleeved version, and today I’m thrilled to finally share it with you!
About the long sleeve expansion pack
This expansion pack for the Eleonora dress is completely free for my followers and seamlessly integrates with the original pattern - no adjustments or pattern drafting skills needed. Simply print, cut, and sew! The expansion pack comes with layered sizes, so just like my other patterns, you can print only the size you need.
Starting today, all new purchases of the Eleonora pattern will include both the short sleeve and long sleeve versions (in print-at-home A4/US letter and A0 copy shop formats). If you already own the Eleonora pattern, the free long sleeve expansion pack is available as a print-at-home A4/US letter (16 pages) download at the end of this page.
Behind the design
To ensure the new sleeve meets the same high standard as my other patterns, I re-drafted it entirely from scratch and created a new grading. The long sleeve has slightly less volume than the original sleeve, which helps reduce bulk and makes it a great match for slightly thicker fabrics like lightweight linen or wool (perfect for autumn and winter). It also works beautifully in lightweight fabrics.
The sleeve features a small elastic wrist cuff that complements the gathered neckline of the Eleonora Dress. While the original short sleeve was designed with light fabrics in mind (like cotton block prints or cotton/viscose/silk blends), the long sleeve version is more versatile and handles cooler-season fabrics well.
If you’re using a heavier fabric, consider reducing the fullness of the skirt to help balance the volume. You'll find more details in my maker's notes below.
A note on supporting free patterns
Developing free patterns takes time and care - this one took three weeks of drafting, grading, and sample-making! If you've enjoyed this expansion pack and would like to support my work, please consider sharing my release post on Instagram with your friends. Spreading the word helps me reach more people and makes it possible to continue offering free patterns to the community.
Share your makes
I can’t wait to see what you create with this new pattern piece! Please share your makes on Instagram using the hashtag #EleonoraDressPattern and tag me @silversagapatterns.
Get your pattern
New to the Eleonora pattern? Get the full pattern (including the long-sleeve version) here.
Already own the Eleonora pattern? Download the free long-sleeve expansion pack here.
As always, thank you for your support,
Jessica
Silversaga Patterns
@silversagapatterns
Maker's notes
For the gingham linen dress, I followed these steps:
Fabric: Linen mini gingham check.
Pattern: Silversaga Patterns Eleonora Dress.
Size: 34/36.
Sleeves: Long sleeve version.
Bodice: Added 3 cm (1 1/4 inches) to the center front of the bodice neckline, tapering to nothing at the shoulders, for slightly more coverage. This adjustment was made as the dress is intended for autumn/winter wear.
Skirt: Cut two skirt pieces (one for the front and one for the back), each measuring 120 cm (47 1/4 inches) in width and the standard length for the size 34/36 skirt pattern.
Pockets: Omitted the pockets for this version.
Elastic: Used 6 mm (1/4 inch) wide elastic for the sleeves, cutting two pieces, each 20.5 cm (8 inches) long.
No other changes were made to the original pattern. For instructions and further details, refer to the Eleonora dress instructions.