The P4P Grace Dress | Sewing Pattern Review

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Warmer weather on the horizon means dress weather! Here is a sewing pattern review of the latest from Patterns for Pirates. This is the P4P Grace Dress.

I have always been a fan of both Patterns for Pirates, as well as its sister company, Made for Mermaids. They have great patterns that are easy to sew and come with easy-to-follow instructions. I am so privileged to be able to help them test patterns from time to time.

The latest from Patterns for Pirates of the P4P Grace Dress. As soon as I saw the design, I offered to test it because this was right up my style alley.

The P4P Grace Dress

The P4P Grace Dress is a comfy and easy-to-wear dress made from woven fabrics. It has an elastic waist which looks like shirring – but it’s easy to do.

The bodice is lined and semi-fitted with darts. It has a flattering v-neck. The waistband is a separate piece and contains 3 rows of elastic. The elastic waist creates a semi-loose-fitting blousy top. The skirt is a 1/4 circle, making it drapey and flowy, but not overwhelming and therefore not requiring a lot of fabric.

I love patterns with so many different options. You can make it multiple times and it can look different each time!

Fabric Suggestions for the P4P Grace Dress

As mentioned, the Grace Dress is intended for woven fabrics. You’ll want something soft and flowy, making this so comfy and easy to wear.

You may be concerned (I know I was) that some of these fabrics tend to be a bit sheer. Keep in mind that the bodice is fully lined. The skirt, however, is not. But the drape tends to help with that. I personally did not use separate fabric for the lining. I just used the same fabric.

You will also need 3/8 inch elastic for the waistband, as well as buttons if you are doing the placket version.

Sewing Pattern Review of the P4P Grace Dress

In general, this sewing pattern is quite straightforward. There are a few extra bits that may make it a tad overwhelming for someone who is a complete beginner. The fact that the bodice is lined, is not difficult, but an extra step. It definitely is needed, however, due to the lightweight and sheer nature of fabrics that may be used.

While the button placket may seem overwhelming as well, it is not hard to do.

I used both my sewing machine, as well as my serger to make this dress. Some steps, like the darts and the casings for the elastic need to be done on a sewing machine. When working with wovens, which have a tendency to fray, I like using my serger as it overlocks and sews all at the same time.

The dress is constructed in 4 different parts – the bodice, the waistband, the skirt and the sleeves. The waistband may be an extra step in comparison to some patterns, but it is not a big deal.

I really liked how my version came out. I used a printed rayon fabric from my local fabric store. Yellow is not typically in my colour palette and I felt like branching out a bit.

While specific measurements for the elastic are given, I tend to simply wrap it around my waist and cut from there. This way I know I’ll get a comfortable fit.

I really like the option of being able to hem the sleeves and the bottom with a rolled hem. This is a handy feature on my serger.

I was assigned the above-knee length which wasn’t too short. I like the option of being able to add a ruffle bottom in the event I wanted a bit more length.

Here it is in another rayon print with the added ruffle. I graded for a size up in the waist this time. It’s definitely much poufier.

This dress is so comfy and easy to wear. I can definitely see this as a spring staple in my wardrobe.

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