Photinia Blouse & Dress // A Zero Waste PDF Sewing Pattern
Photinia Blouse & Dress // A Zero Waste PDF Sewing Pattern
Disclaimer:
Photinia is a 100% zero-waste sewing pattern meaning no paper is used to assemble it. The pattern pieces are drawn directly onto the fabric using chalk or a marking tool according to the layout in the instructions. There is no paper pattern to be printed except for the neckline templates included with the pattern.
Click HERE for the printable version.
Description:
You thought you had enough tops and dresses with a gathered neckline? Well you were wrong. The Zero Waste version of the Photinia Top & Dress is here! A sustainable alternative to its printable twin pattern, this sewing pattern was made to fulfill your bohemian wardrobe dreams.
The top versions feature an armhole facing for a sleeveless design and a quarter sleeve with gathered hem and cuff. The dress views feature the same details as the top views but with added pockets and waist ties.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
The romantic aesthetic of this design lends to a wardrobe staple you'll be able to dress up or down for any occasion. Additionally, the methods used to create this garment (and with a low amount of yardage for the design) are such that you finish sewing with the satisfaction that you put every piece of fabric to good use for a timeless piece you'll wear again and again. Using zero waste drafting techniques, this pattern is drawn directly on the fabric, cut and sewn together.
Adjustments, Tutorials & Expansions for this pattern:
Difficulty Level
Difficulty Level
Intermediate
We recommend this pattern for those who have some experience in zero waste sewing. If you do not have experience in zero waste sewing this pattern may work for an adventurous beginner
Fabric
Fabric
Light to medium weight woven fabrics are recommended. Try sewing ZW Photinia with the following fabrics:
• Cottons- lawn, voile, gauze
• Linens- light to medium weight
• Rayon/viscose - noil, poplins, twills
• Tencel
• Silks, satins and chiffon
• Lightweight wools and flannels
Notions
Notions
- Matching thread
- Pins
- Iron and ironing board
- OPTIONAL: edgestitch foot, walking foot
FOR SIZE D VIEW 2:
- 3/8" (.95cm) or 1/2" (1.3cm) wide elastic for elastic neckline option (1-2 yards depending on preferred fit on shoulders). Size D, View 2 will skip steps 2-9 and use the elastic hack on page 19 for the neckline.
Pattern Files
Pattern Files
You will receive the following files via PDF format:
• ZW Photinia Top & Dress Sewing Instructions
• Drafting Steps & Cutting Plan files for all views (Top Views and Dress Views are in separate files)
• Template files for each size for the neck drafting
• Projector Files
This is a digital sewing pattern, not a physical item. You will receive a digital download upon payment of the product.
Fabric Waste
Fabric Waste
I made the Photinia Blouse with long sleeves (View 2) in the Merchant & Mills Felicity Pink Linen. The pattern was easy to follow and the cutting directions were straight forward, despite my cat's attempts to sabotage me. I think that if I make it again, I'll only make the amount of bias tape that I need rather than do the continuous bias tape. That's just a preference thing based on how I tend to use any leftover bits of fabric though. My finished result is super cute and I'm really happy with how it turned out!
Notes about my process:
Due to the width of my fabric, my sleeves are slightly longer. I decided to leave them like that rather than cutting them shorter to match the measurement in the cutting diagram.
I used a mixture of seam finishes (clean finish, flat felling, and French seam).
My favourite way to deal with gathering is to use a thread with high contrast to make it easier for me to see and remove. For this blouse, I removed the thread before finishing the neckline binding (step 9) and before the edge stitching at the cuffs (step 21) with no issues.