Learn to Sew an Athletic Dress

The Wallis dress and romper is a playful, flexible design that leaves the styling options up to you. Show off an athletic print (or two or three), or choose a casual rib knit for an everyday outfit. With this pattern, you can make something comfy to work out, wear around the house, run errands, or live out your cosplay dreams. Again, the design possibilities are up to you and your style!

Fit:
This pattern is very fitted and relies on negative ease to conform to your body’s curves. Here are some tips for fitting!

Here are some tips for fitting:

• Measure the leg opening for the shorts and use a stitch that has good stretch.


• To adjust the romper’s length, place the pattern at your waist and adjust above and below the waist. Pay attention to the rise and the length of the torso.


• If you’re making the romper, don’t raise the neckline. You have to step through it, so it needs to fit over your hips.

Fabrics to shop:
Look for medium-weight knits with 4-way stretch and at least 75% stretch, like cotton spandex, bamboo jersey, rayon jersey, or nylon spandex. Get adventurous and underline some power mesh with a solid color for a designer athleticwear lookalike. Or color-block prints and solids to create your own unique look.

Fabrics to avoid:
Avoid thin fabrics or knits that do not have at least 75% stretch.

If you want one more garment out of this pattern, download the member bonus to get a waistband to create a skort.