Pattern Review: Wildwood Wrap Dress by Sew House Seven

I’m very happy to share a pattern review of the new Wildwood Wrap Dress by Sew House Seven.

This is a gorgeous wrap dress that I had the pleasure of pattern testing. The construction details are equally stunning on the inside and outside of the dress. An obi-style belt is included in the pattern for many different mix and match options (a matching belt, contrasting, or no belt).

Pattern Description – There are so many things to love about the Wildwood Wrap Dress. It is perfect for the office, weddings, parties or when you just feel like wearing a dress. It is a true wrap dress however, the obi-inspired belt is detached. While it was originally designed with linen and crisp cotton fabrics in mind, the short sleeve version A is beautiful in rayons, silks and drapier fabrics as well. The dolman sleeve version B requires a more stable fabric to keep the rolled sleeves in place. Choose a below the knee hem (hem version A) or a midi-length hem (hem version B). This dress is deceptively easy. It has been rated intermediate due to the hem facings and the French seams on the shawl collar however, a confident or determined beginner could tackle this.

Features – The beauty of this dress is created by the drape of the dolman sleeves and the shawl collar and enhanced by the front waist and shoulder pleats. The bodice is constructed with French seams so the insides look pretty when the sleeves are rolled up. There are generously deep pockets on the front skirt and waist darts on the back skirt. The tea length hem is faced for a wide, polished finish. The wrap is secured by inside ties and a front button and loop closure. An obi-inspired belt tops off the look.

Before you start – Please check the finished garment skirt lengths before you start cutting out your fabric. If you need to lengthen or shorten your skirt hem, it is much easier to plan for it before you attach your hem facings. Tag us on Instagram – I would love to see your makes! #wildwoodwrapdress

Pattern Sizing: Size 00 – 20 (Full Bust Measurement 31″ – 47″) & Curvy Sizing (Full Bust Measurement 45.5″- 61.5″).

For my sample I sewed a 4 at the shoulders/bust, grading to an 8 from the waist down.

Did it look like the photo/drawing when you finished sewing? Yes

Fabric used (did you use the suggested fabrics in the pattern)? For the muslin, I used a cheap rayon challis (not pictured).

For the dress pictured, I used a linen/cotton blend fabric (55% linen/45% cotton). This fabric base worked wonderfully for crisp pleats along the waist, smooth inside facing seams, and a smooth neckline. I highly recommend this fabric base for your first version of this project.

Did you alter the pattern in any way? Yes. I graded from a 4 at the shoulders/bust to an 8 from the waist down. The version pictured is my second version of this dress.

My muslin version was in Sleeve B, Hem B in a rayon challis (cut as a straight 8 from top to bottom). This version was too large on me at the shoulders/bust.

For the final dress, I wanted a tiny bit more ease at the hips. I first basted the skirt side seams at the recommended seam allowance. To add more ease I serged the finished edge at a 1/4″ seam allowance (instead of the recommended seam allowance at this step). I then unpicked the side seam baste stitches.

I am approximately 5′ 5″ tall. With the final version that I made, the two skirt lengths were not yet available. I removed 8″ from the length of the Hem B version (at the lengthen/shorten line).

Do you consider the pattern beginner/intermediate/advanced? Intermediate (or adventurous beginner). The waist pleats are a unique and stunning feature.

The neckband has a built-in facing with french seams. Care and a tiny bit of experience is helpful to gently ease in the neck and skirt facings without creating puckers or wrinkles.

Does the pattern include layers for easy printing? Yes

Seam allowances used in the pattern: 3/8” and 5/8″

Is the pattern cut or no cut pages? Cut pages

There are multiple pattern pieces included in the pattern so I like to keep them together with the fabric, right after they’re cut.

At the waist darts, I like to quickly hand baste to mark the fabric (as mentioned in this article from Threads Magazine).

The pockets are deep (a lovely trademark of Sew House Seven’s patterns). There is a special technique included in the pattern to stitch the pocket facing in a hidden way.

For reference, here is a close up of the bottom hem and front facings together (on the inside of the dress).

The inside tie is a handy way to adjust the wrap circumference to your own fitting preference. If I tie this area slightly tighter, it helps keep the wrap feature closed as I walk on a windy day. You may notice that the ties in the photo are two different materials (one is a cotton twill tape and the other is a linen ribbon). I used scraps that I had in my stash, knowing this detail is hidden inside the dress.

I would love to make a contrasting belt to wear with this dress as well.

Go and check out the Wildwood dress pattern while it’s on sale. You will love wearing the finished dress through all seasons.