Tess Dress and Top Release

THE TESS SEWING PATTERN IS HERE!

Meet our latest sewing pattern: The Tess Dress and Top! My goal with the Tess was to create a well-fitting tee and dress packed with options to make it feel anything but basic. It’s already become a staple in my handmade wardrobe, and I hope it will be a favorite in yours too! We’ve got so much to share, including view options, style lines, fabric recommendations, and fitting advice, so let’s get into it!

The Tess Pattern will be on SALE through
Friday, August 29th
No coupon code is needed!

SHOP THE TESS HERE

Tess Short Sleeve Dress with a High Front & Low Back Neckline
Fabric Source || Tencel 2×2 Rib (100% stretch – 260gsm) from Surge Fabrics

Tess Tank Top with a Low Front & Low Back Neckline
Fabric Source || Valencia Cotton/Spandex Jersey (65% stretch – 215gsm) from Lyrical Fabrics

Tess Long Sleeved Top with a Low Front & Low Back Neckline
Fabric Source || Rayon/Spandex 4×2 Rib (75% stretch – 400gsm) from Surge Fabrics

Tess Long Sleeve Top with a Low Front & High Back Neckline
Fabric Source ||Rayon/Spandex 4×2 Rib (80% stretch – 215gsm) from Lyrical Fabric

PATTERN DETAILS

The Tess is a sewing pattern for a fitted dress and top with a wide ballet-style neckline.

Tess Long Sleeve Dress with a High Front & Low Back Neckline
Fabric Source || Modal 4×2 Rib (80% stretch – 426gsm) from Lyrrical Fabric

There are two front and back necklines and three sleeve options. Choose from a sleeveless tank, short sleeves, or long sleeves.

Tess Short Sleeve Top, Low Front Neckline (Left) & High Front Neckline (Right)
Fabric Source || Modal 4×2 Rib (80% stretch – 426gsm) from Lyrrical Fabric (Left) & Cotton/Spandex 6×2 Rib (100% stretch) from Style Maker Fabrics (Right)

The top includes hip length and waist length options, while the dress is a midi length with side slits.

The pattern is listed as an ADVANCED BEGINNER sewing level, perfect for those new to sewing knit fabrics or more seasoned makers looking for a quick project.  Included are detailed, step-by-step illustrated instructions to guide you along the way, and if you’d like more help, the Chalk and Notch Patterns Facebook Group is a great place to get support. Many of our testers are members there, so you have great resources if you ever need them.

We’ll have a photo sew-along available soon. Whether this is your first pattern or you’re a seasoned professional, we want to provide you with all the resources you need.

Tess Short Sleeve Top with a Low Front & Low Back Neckline
Fabric Source || Rayon/Spandex 4×2 Rib (75% stretch – 400gsm) from Surge Fabrics

Tess Size Chart: Available in Sizes 0 – 30, with two bust cup options

Use the high bust, full bust, and hip measurements to determine your size. If you fall between sizes or prefer a looser fit, you can size up. Your fabric can significantly affect the fit. It is always recommended to check your fabric stretch and sew a test garment to confirm fit.

Reference the finished garment measurements and ease recommendations for more detailed fit information.

Tess Tank Dress with a Low Front & Low Back Neckline
Fabric Source || Tencel 2×2 Rib (100% stretch – 260gsm) from Surge Fabrics

Garment Ease & Finished Length

This style is designed to have negative ease through the bust and hips. There is 4” (10 cm) of negative ease through the bust and hips. There is 1 1/2” (4 cm) of positive ease through the waist. The C/D cup has 1/2” (1.25 cm) less ease in the bust and 1” (2.5 cm) of added ease in the waist.

To find the finished length of the dress, measure from the neck/shoulder point to the hem. The finished length of the waist-length top ends right below the natural waist. The finished length of the hip-length top ends above the hips. The finished length of the dress is a midi length ending mid-calf. Review the finished garment measurements to determine if you would like to adjust the length.

CUSTOM-FITTING ADJUSTMENTS

All our patterns include basic custom fitting adjustments, but you can find more detailed adjustments and fitting advice in our fitting post here. As always, we recommend sewing a muslin or test garment in non-precious fabric first to check the fit before sewing your final version. If you need additional help or have questions, please feel free to email me or join the Chalk and Notch Patterns Facebook Group – I’m always happy to hear from you!

FABRIC & NOTIONS

Main Fabric

This is a quick overview of the fabric and notion requirements, but if you are looking for specific fabric recommendations and inspiration, you can find more in our fabric post here.

This style is designed for 6-9 oz medium weight knit with 65-85% stretch and good recovery. The shape of the Tess is fitted.

If your fabric has less than 65% stretch or less than 90% recovery, it’s recommended to use rib knit fabric for the neckband and/or armbands.

Recommended Main Fabrics

Medium weight knit fabrics with a good stretch and recovery like jersey, french terry, sweater knit, rib knit, and wool knits are recommended.

More info on fabric recommendations can be found on our Tess Pinterest Board here.

Fabric Chart

The minimum fabric required is listed. If you think you will need more for shrinkage, directional print, pattern matching or print repeat, please purchase accordingly.

Notions

Very few notions are needed for sewing the Tess. You might even have everything already, but here’s a list of what to gather before getting started.

• Stretch Needle for your sewing machine
  
• Coordinating Thread
  

Optional Notions

• 1 YD (1 M) Tricot Fusible Interfacing for the dress view
  
• Tailor’s Chalk or washable fabric marker.

TESTER PHOTOS

Testing a pattern and getting feedback from our sewing community members is always a highlight of the development process. The Tess pattern testers were so kind, thorough, and helpful as we worked through the process. While styled photos are never a required part of testing, we love sharing any photos that are submitted. Seeing a pattern on a variety of people and in different fabrics can be a valuable tool. You can find our tester post here.

I’d love to see what you come up with, so if you share your makes, please tag @chalkandnotch and use the hashtags #cntess and #chalkandnotchpatterns so I can see your creations.

Thanks for reading all about the Tess sewing pattern!