The Foundation Pattern
Introducing the Thread + Sprout Foundation Pattern! This pattern is for a relatively simple boxy top or dress with options for short or ¾ length sleeves and customizable dress lengths. It is great for beginners who are just starting out on their sewing journeys or for advanced sewists who want a palate cleanser.
You can use this pattern as the base to make your own Nature Top or Dress by constructing it out of curved colorblocking, you could make it out of scraps all sewn together to make your own Scrappy Patchy top, you could paint your fabric or use block printing to make a one-of-a-kind textile design or you could add appliqué and embroidery for some extra special details. You can also just use it to make a simple classic boxy top or a comfy, flowy dress!
The possibilities for customizing your Foundation Pattern are endless.
The Foundation Pattern includes sizes XXS - 5X (fits busts/chests that are ~31-66”)
This is a PDF sewing pattern, available to download immediately after purchase. The instructions also include two video sew-alongs for you visual learners - the links to the videos are on the second page of the instructions :D
Find info on fit, sizing, fabric requirements, and more below!
Want this pattern + the Appliqué Adornment Tutorial? Check out the MAGIC BUNDLE!
Introducing the Thread + Sprout Foundation Pattern! This pattern is for a relatively simple boxy top or dress with options for short or ¾ length sleeves and customizable dress lengths. It is great for beginners who are just starting out on their sewing journeys or for advanced sewists who want a palate cleanser.
You can use this pattern as the base to make your own Nature Top or Dress by constructing it out of curved colorblocking, you could make it out of scraps all sewn together to make your own Scrappy Patchy top, you could paint your fabric or use block printing to make a one-of-a-kind textile design or you could add appliqué and embroidery for some extra special details. You can also just use it to make a simple classic boxy top or a comfy, flowy dress!
The possibilities for customizing your Foundation Pattern are endless.
The Foundation Pattern includes sizes XXS - 5X (fits busts/chests that are ~31-66”)
This is a PDF sewing pattern, available to download immediately after purchase. The instructions also include two video sew-alongs for you visual learners - the links to the videos are on the second page of the instructions :D
Find info on fit, sizing, fabric requirements, and more below!
Want this pattern + the Appliqué Adornment Tutorial? Check out the MAGIC BUNDLE!
Introducing the Thread + Sprout Foundation Pattern! This pattern is for a relatively simple boxy top or dress with options for short or ¾ length sleeves and customizable dress lengths. It is great for beginners who are just starting out on their sewing journeys or for advanced sewists who want a palate cleanser.
You can use this pattern as the base to make your own Nature Top or Dress by constructing it out of curved colorblocking, you could make it out of scraps all sewn together to make your own Scrappy Patchy top, you could paint your fabric or use block printing to make a one-of-a-kind textile design or you could add appliqué and embroidery for some extra special details. You can also just use it to make a simple classic boxy top or a comfy, flowy dress!
The possibilities for customizing your Foundation Pattern are endless.
The Foundation Pattern includes sizes XXS - 5X (fits busts/chests that are ~31-66”)
This is a PDF sewing pattern, available to download immediately after purchase. The instructions also include two video sew-alongs for you visual learners - the links to the videos are on the second page of the instructions :D
Find info on fit, sizing, fabric requirements, and more below!
Want this pattern + the Appliqué Adornment Tutorial? Check out the MAGIC BUNDLE!
Skill Level
The Foundation Pattern is an all-level sewing pattern made for anyone from a brand new beginner to a seasoned sewist!
Sizing + Fit Info
Figuring out which size to make will depend on your measurements and your desired fit. I suggest you choose a size based on the finished garment measurements and your preferred amount of positive ease (specifically around the bust/chest). Positive ease means the amount of extra space, or room, built into a garment compared to a body measurement.
The fit of the Foundation Pattern is meant to be relatively oversized, boxy, and cropped. You can always choose a smaller size if you’d like the end result to fit closer to your body or alter the length if you want a shorter crop or longer hem. I trust you to explore what feels right for you and use your beautiful imagination and intuition to make the garment that you feel is most “you” rather than me telling you what size to make.
I recommend selecting a size that has 6-10” (15.25 - 25.5 cm) of positive ease around your full bust/chest. For example, my bust circumference is 36” (91.5 cm) and I generally like my clothes to be pretty flowy and oversized, so I like to use the size M which has a finished bust/chest circumference of 46” (116.8 cm) and thus has 10” (25.5 cm) of positive ease. When I want a little less oversized fit, I choose the size S, which has 7” (17.8 cm) of positive ease.
This pattern was originally drafted for me and the length is based off of my height of 5’7” (170 cm). Depending on your height, you may want to lengthen or shorten the length.
Finished Garment Measurements
These measurements are for the Top Views and for the bodice of the Dress View only. If you are making a dress view, the finished garment measurements will include the skirt which will be determined by the length and width of the skirt that you prefer.
The Skirt Pattern for the Dress View
The skirt for the dress versions for the Foundation pattern is simply two large rectangles sewn together on the sides with the option of adding inseam side pockets. Since rectangles are a pretty basic shape to make, I have not included a pattern for the skirt - that way you can have a bit more flexibility in customizing your skirt and save on printer paper. Once you have determined the size for your Foundation Top or Dress Bodice, find the suggested width for your skirt and determine the length you’d like (either by referring to my suggested lengths or by picking your own length by measuring on your body or measuring the length of a dress you like). You will then draw the rectangle directly onto your fabric using the measurements you determined and cut it out!
Fabric Needs
This pattern works with a lot of different fabrics. I recommend a lightweight to midweight non-stretch woven fabric with a good amount of drape. A plain weave sandwashed linen or linen blend would be ideal, as would a homespun cotton, a rayon or viscose or a lighter weight twill. Have fun experimenting with your fabric! If you want to try it with a heavier weight canvas, that might be super cool and structured looking. A lightweight cotton like a poplin could be very sweet.
Below are the yardage needs for the top view and the bodice for the dress view only. If you are making a dress, the skirt will add anywhere from 1.5-3.75 yards depending on your size and fabric width.
