On the blog this week we’re featuring the beautiful Bellbird Wrap Dress from Common Stitch in our Red Clay Exclusive Linen kindly worn by Briar from our HQ team! The pattern features a wrap front, in-seam pockets, waist ties and a sloping shoulder as well as a couple of variations. Read on for our review of this simple but sweet wrap dress!
Pattern Review
Bellbird Wrap Dress and Top by Common Stitch
We made the Bellbird Wrap Dress in a size 8 according to Briar’s measurements, using 2m of our Red Clay – Linen (140cm wide). Common Stitch does recommend up to 2.5m of fabric for this pattern but as we used our own pre-made bias binding our yield was less. We used 2.6m of our pre-made matching Linen Bias Binding – Red Clay . No alterations were made to the pattern and we found it turned out great!
The instructions were clear and simple making this a breeze to whip up, taking less than a day to make from cutting to pressing the finished garment! Common Stitch recommend this pattern for an Intermediate sewist which we would agree with. We do think an advanced beginner sewist could give it a go if you are willing to attempt sewing bias binding!
When cutting our pieces we did lay the waist tie pattern pieces parallel to the selvedge (opposed to the cut edge shown in the handbook) to reduce wastage of fabric and found laying on this grain line worked fine.
Fabric Recommendation
Linen – Red Clay & Linen Bias Binding – Red Clay
The Bellbird Wrap Dress would suit a wide range of woven fabrics but works great made up in our Exclusive Linen, with it’s crisp textural finish that would soften over time! If you prefer a softer silhouette a silk or rayon/viscose crepe would lend a drapey finish, while chambray and cotton blend fabrics would also make up perfectly for this style.
Check out our suggestions featured below, from top to bottom: Liberty of London Tana Lawn – Oxton / A, Rayon Crepe – Blush, Liberty of London Tana Lawn – Katie Ann / X, Heavyweight Linen – Duck Egg, Sprinkle Print Viscose Crepe – Marine, Linen Plaid – Blue, Satin Crepe – White & Japanese Cotton Chambray – Heathered Blue.
The Bellbird Wrap Dress is an easy, comfortable staple dress and would make a great addition to any #memade wardrobe! Don’t forget to share your makes with us on Instagram by tagging @wearethefabricstore or using #thefabricstore