M4M Eloise Top and Dress | Sewing Pattern Review

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Looking for a cute dress or top to sew up? Here’s a sewing pattern review for the M4M Eloise top and dress.

I can’t say enough about how much I love Made for Mermaids patterns. I’m definitely a dress girl and M4M has the most amazing designs. Being able to test patterns for them is really a dream come true.

Made for Mermaids has various designs that are feminine and flattering and quite easy to sew. I personally own so many of their patterns.

M4M Eloise

The latest Made for Mermaids line is called the Whistledown Collection. That’s right – it’s a Bridgerton Collection! This first piece of this collection is the Eloise Crop, Top, Peplum and Dress. Eloise is the 5th Bridgerton child who is bright and witty and not afraid to speak her mind.

The Eloise pattern not only has fitted top and dress variations, but it also has various peasant sleeve options – flutter, short with elastic, 3/4 or long. I love that there are so many options in this pattern. You can make this pattern more than once and change it up each time. I feel like I really get good value.

One of the key design elements is the elastic sleeves. There is elastic at the top, allowing the wearer to make it off the shoulder if they wanted to. This gives the garment a peasant look.

The bodice is lined, although you could get away without lining it, it adds a nice structure to the top. There is an optional button placket as well for the bodice.

Fabric Recommendations

This pattern was drafted for knit fabrics with both horizontal and vertical stretch. Some fabrics that were used in testing that worked well include:

Whenever choosing fabric, be sure to consider the weight of the fabric. Lighter weights may work better for a top, rather than a dress. Fabrics with less horizontal stretch may be snugger depending on your bust size.

Sewing Pattern Review and Tips

I must say that Made for Mermaids is quite consistent when it comes to easy-to-follow patterns. The instructions include photos and are well written.

The dress pattern consists of 4 basic pattern pieces – the bodice front, bodice back, skirt, and sleeve. There are no pockets in this dress, but it would be easy to add inseam pockets if you wanted to. Check out my blog post on how to add inseam pockets here.

Perhaps the trickiest part of this pattern would be the elastic. As everyone’s bust size is different and everyone’s bicep measurement is different, getting the right length can be tricky. I personally found the elastic measurements provided to work well for me, but I would definitely test fit it out before closing up the opening.

Overall, the M4M Eloise Dress and Top is lovely. The elastic details add a nice feminine touch to the pattern. This would make a great spring or summer dress.

Please note that there is a regular top version as well. I did the peplum which I find a bit more flattering for my body type.

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