• SHOP
  • About
    • About Sara
    • Contact me!
    • Design Collaborations
    • Sewing Collaborations
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Things I Made
  • Design Portfolio
  • Blog
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
Radiant Home Studio | Sewing Patterns & Surface Design

Radiant Home Studio

May 4, 2016 ·

Knit Mini Southport Dress

Pattern Review· Sewing

My oldest daughter has grown out of most of her clothes this year… they all grow out of their clothes every year, so I’m not sure why I’m surprised. The younger kids can usually be outfitted with hand-me-downs until I can get to the store or sew something, but it’s a challenge keeping up with the oldest kids when they need a whole new wardrobe all at once. I’m not against buying store-bought clothes, but I enjoy making them unique things they will love. And usually it takes less time to sew up a dress than to load six kids in the van and search all over town for the perfect thing.

Stretch Knit Mini Southport Dress | Radiant Home Studio

We found a couple of cute knit tank dresses like this and this, while we were looking for ideas online. The wide tank straps and the drawstring waist reminded me of the Mini Southport Dress by True Bias. I thought I could make it work in knit, and it worked out exactly as I hoped! I made a few modifications because of the fabric, and also made a couple of (easy) style changes.

Stretch Knit Mini Southport Dress | Radiant Home Studio

To accomodate the knit fabric, I cut the pattern at the recommended size on all of the height measurements and graded down on the width measurements on the bodice. For example, I cut a size 8 bodice, but graded down to a 7 on the side seams under the arms. As you can see, there is still a little gaping under the arm. You might want to remove more from under the arm to shorten the armscythe if you decide to try this. My daughter always layers a tank top underneath anyway, so the loose fit is fine for her.

Stretch Knit Mini Southport Dress | Radiant Home Studio

I decided not to include the buttons. Though it could be done (with proper interfacing), it was easier to cut a full front bodice. To do this, I just aligned the “center” arrow marking on the pattern piece with the fold of the fabric and cut it out, ignoring the extension for the button placket. I also thought a faux button placket would work well on knit, so if you like the look that might be an easier option.

Stretch Knit Mini Southport Dress | Radiant Home Studio

For the neckline and armhole binding, I cut 1 3/4″ strips of the same knit fabric and applied it the same way as described in the pattern. I did find it easier to cut my strips too long and apply them before joining the seams under the arms. I also used a straight stitch on this part, even though a zigzag or stretch stitch is best for knits. Since the pattern is drafted for wovens, I knew that those bindings could be stable and fit without stretching. I would recommend double-checking the size of the neckline against your child’s head. I didn’t need to change anything, but you can lower the neckline a bit if needed.

Stretch Knit Mini Southport Dress | Radiant Home Studio

The skirt width didn’t need to be adjusted, since this is a loose-fitting skirt. Make sure it’s the same size as the bodice at the waist though. I used the size 8 width and added several inches to the length. A skirt this long also needs some side slits so that she can still run. I stopped sewing the skirt side seams about 10″ above the hem, then folded the seam allowances to each side and topstitched them in place with a twin needle. With woven fabric, you’d want to double fold the seam allowance (a technique Kelly uses in some of her other patterns), but I opted to single fold and leave the raw edge of the knit (which won’t fray and won’t show) to eliminate bulk.

Stretch Knit Mini Southport Dress | Radiant Home Studio

Finally, I added a some stabilizer and topstitching to some of the seams to make the seams stronger. I fused a strip of knit interfacing to the shoulder seams and stitched those with a twin needle. Then I folded the seam allowance to one side and topstitched with the twin needle. I used the same process for the bodice side seam. Around the waist, I topstitched the seam allowance to the bodice with a straight stitch. Again, the straight stitch here works since the dress is drafted for wovens and doesn’t need to stretch at this point.

Stretch Knit Mini Southport Dress | Radiant Home Studio

I think that’s it! It’s sounds complicated when I write it all out, but if you’ve sewn with knits a couple of times (I highly recommend the Oliver + S patterns for knit beginners if you want to learn some great tips!) you just need to transfer your knowledge and make a few adjustments. I did all of my stitching with a regular machine, so you don’t even need a serger.

You can also check out my tips for using a twin needle, which are a sanity saver when sewing with knits!

Previous Post: « Free & Easy Leaf Embroidery Pattern
Next Post: Airport Sling from On The Go Bags »

Primary Sidebar

Hello

Welcome! I’m Sara. I share modern home & accessory sewing patterns, and I create surface designs for licensing. I hope you are encouraged to see beauty in small things and are inspired to try new creative projects!

Shop Sewing Patterns


icon icon

icon icon

Newsletter

Sign up to get access to free sewing patterns & resource library!

Find My Work at:






© Copyright Notice

All images and text copyright ©2013-2020 Radiant Home Studio, unless otherwise noted. Please be kind enough to link back to my site and contact me if you would like to use my images.

Disclosure

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

  • Disclosures & Copyright
  • About
  • Contact me!
  • Digital Pattern FAQ’s

Resources I Love:







Featured Posts:

  • How to Make A Waxed Canvas Gift Pouch | Radiant Home Studio

    How to Make a Waxed Canvas Gift Pouch

Sewing Tutorials

Denim Pocket with Grommets and Denim Shoulder Strap| Tote Bag Upgrade | Radiant Home Studio

Sewing Patterns

Surface Design

home page 1 - radiant home studio design

radianthomestudio

surface pattern design • welcoming cards & creative home goods • modern sewing patterns • mom of 7 • beauty in the everyday

Sara Curtis | Pattern Design
I’ve always been a lover of paper goods and scho I’ve always been a lover of paper goods and school supplies, especially these happy little rolls of patterns. Which Washi tape is your favorite? 

#washitape #washitapeaddict #washitapelove #stationeryshop #wholesalestationery #prettytape
Yesterday I received something in the mail that I’ve been waiting about 15 months to see! It’s my Raised fabric from @clothworkswa 🙌🏻. 

It’s just as beautiful as I hoped and I cannot wait to see what you make with it!

Fabric shops…you can order from Clothworks! Give me a shout out if you have some in your quilt shop. 🧵I have some free sewing pattern samples I’d love to send to you! 

Thank you for all your support friends! Some of you have been hanging out with me for years and know that this is about 8 years of dreams finally in my hands. I’m honored that you are here, whether we just met or whether you’ve been here all along. 😘

#fabricdesign #fabricdesigner #clothworks #raisedfabric #radianthomestudiofabric #farmhousefabric #quiltshop #quiltshops #newfabric #newfabricalert #sewinglove #fabricstash
I created this pattern with home decor in mind. I’m a bit of a minimalist at heart (as much as one can be with 7 children!) and simple block print style patterns are my favorite. ♥️

Maybe it adds a little bit of order in a world that can feel a little out of control.✏️ What do you do to bring some order back to your life when it’s feeling chaotic and hard? 

#surfacepatterndesign #blockprintedfabric #wallpaperdesign #interiordesigninspo #geometricpattern #surfacepatterndesigncommunity #seekthesimplicty #simplehomestyle
Working with my people this week! ☀️ Community Working with my people this week! ☀️ Community, good food, sunshine, and laughter is a welcome and refreshing break. It has been such a joy to hug my favorite girls @ash_cascade_design @lissieteehee @bonniechristine and @iamlisajacobs. 🤗
One of my favorites! Last minute reminder that the One of my favorites! Last minute reminder that the Immersion Course closes tonight. I still have bonus one-on-one coaching sessions available if you sign up through my link tonight. 

#surfacepatterndesign #surfacedesign #creativeentrepreneur #makersgonnamake #makersofinstagram #spoonflowermakers
I have a special interview to share! Bonnie Christ I have a special interview to share! Bonnie Christine and I talked about the importance of community in growing a creative business. (because when you're the Community Manager...what else would we talk about!)

Welcoming people and providing a supportive place to learn and grow is important to both of us! The Immersion Course is the most energetic and supportive community experience I have ever been part of. 

If you are looking for a place to learn something new, grow your skills, or level up your surface design business, please consider joining us. 

Last year some of my quilting & art friends joined and I'm watching them design sewing patterns and beautiful products this year.

I'm offering a free coaching group coaching session following Immersion to help you figure out next steps if you sign up through my affiliate link. Five random students will get a free one-on-one session with me! (Right now that everyone...because I still have 3 slots left!) 

Message me with any questions you have about surface pattern design, how learning Adobe Illustrator can give you marketable skills, or how licensing your art and building multiple streams of income can add value to your life. 🙂

#surfacepatterndesign #creativecommunity #creativebusiness #creativemamas #surfacedesign #adobeillustrator #fabricdesigner #stationerydesigner #communitymatters #christiancommunityofcreatives #christianartist #communityovercompetition #sewingpatterndesigner #fashiondesigner
Load More Follow on Instagram
  • Disclosures & Copyright
  • About
  • Contact me!
  • Digital Pattern FAQ’s

Copyright © 2022 · Sara Curtis // beloved theme