THE UPDATED FRINGE IS HERE!

EDIT: We have updated the Fringe. The new size range is 0-30, with two bust cup options. Size charts have been updated below.It’s no secret that the Women’s Fringe pattern has been a best-seller for Chalk and Notch, and I am thrilled to bring you an improved version! I talked a bit about my 2019 plans in this post, and I really hope that this update makes it easier for more people to sew Chalk and Notch patterns. It was also important to me that any patterns going to print would include these updates.
Before getting to the update details, I want to say I’m so thankful for sweet friends that are generous with their time. Susanna is one of my new fit models and was gracious enough to fit and take photos for this update. It’s super important for me to fit on live models before I proceed with any testing. I couldn’t have done this update without her help and the help of my other fit models who are also dear friends. For reference, Susanna is wearing View A with View B cuffs and waist ties inserted in the back darts. I believe the fabric is from Atelier Brunette but from an older collection. I couldn’t find a link to it anywhere.

Changes to the Fringe Pattern

You might be wondering what exactly has been updated, so I have listed the changes below. However, if you already own the Fringe and are happy with the fit, there is no need to make any changes to your pattern.
  • The pattern and tutorial have been updated to include the new branding and layout. If you own the Girls Fringe, the Orchid Midi or the Pixie Tee, you will already be familiar with the new branding and layout.
  • There are more sizes. The new Chalk and Notch size range is 0-30. This will be the size range for all future patterns.
  • This pattern includes two bust cup options: A/B & C/D. The new bust cup addition is basically a built-in Full Bust Adjustment. For reference, the cup size is determined by calculating the difference between the high and full bust. If the difference between your high bust and full bust is between 0” and 2” (5 cm), use the A/B cup. If the difference is between 2” (5 cm) and 4” (10 cm), use the C/D cup. You can see the updated size chart and garment measurement chart below.
  • During testing, we decided to move the back darts towards the center by 1″ (2.5 cm).
  • To allow for more ease in the hips, I added 1/2″ (1.25 cm) to the width of the skirt pattern on the center front/center back fold line, adding 2″ (5 cm) total to the skirt width.
In celebration of the updated release, the Women’s Fringe pattern and the Girls’ Fringe pattern will be on SALE through Wednesday, March 27th.

DOWNLOADING THE UPDATE IF YOU ALREADY OWN THE FRINGE

If you already own the Fringe, the updated files will appear in your account, so no need to repurchase it. To access your files, log into your account by clicking on the icon that looks like a “person” in the upper right-hand corner of the Chalk and Notch website.
After you enter your username and password, you will see a button labeled “downloads” on the left-hand side. Your purchased patterns should all be there. Please download the updated Women’s Fringe files for your records. If you are missing anything, please feel free to email ([email protected]) for assistance. If you purchase the Fringe from a third party, I will be sending shops the updated files shortly, so you should be able to get the files from your accounts there.

PATTERN DETAILS

The Fringe pattern is a woven dress and blouse with two views. View A has a button up front, elbow sleeve and sleeve tab. View B has a pull over, notched front with a cuff. Both views include optional waist ties, and the sleeve/cuffs are interchangeable.

The pattern details are very similar to the original Fringe. The main difference is that the C/D bust cup option includes a bust dart.

The pattern is listed as INTERMEDIATE sewing level with the most challenging sewing steps being: sewing the facings, gathering the skirt ruffle and sewing the buttonholes on View A. These steps are not difficult, but they may be a new skill to learn. I have included sewing instructions to give you a clean finish when possible for a professional-looking result. There are detailed, step-by-step illustrated instructions to help 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 the testers are members there, so you have great resources if you ever need them.

HOW TO PICK A SIZE

Cup Size

First, determine what cup size to make. The cup size is determined by calculating the difference between the high and full bust. If the difference between your high bust and full bust is between 0” and 2” (5 cm), use the A/B cup. If the difference is between 2” (5 cm) and 4” (10 cm), use the C/D cup.

Body Measurements

It is very common to fall across a few different sizes. After you determine what cup to make, pick a size that works for your High Bust, Full Bust & Waist. There is 12″ (30.5 cm) of ease in the hips, so that measurement is less important for fitting. If you need to blend sizes or make custom adjustments, there is more on that below.

Garment Measurements

Use the garment measurement chart to review the intended amount of ease included in the pattern. This style is designed to have 3” (7.5 cm) of ease through the bust. There is 4” (10 cm) of ease through the waist for the A/B cup and 5” (12.5 cm) for the C/D cup. The added ease in the C/D cup waist is to accommodate the bust in this pull over style. There is 12” (30.5 cm) of ease through the hips. The waist is adjustable with optional waist ties.

CUSTOM FITTING ADJUSTMENTS

There are custom fitting adjustments included in the pattern, but I have also put together a post with more details here. After testing the Fringe pattern with almost 100 women (during two separate tests), I have addressed a variety of custom fitting questions. I hope you find all of the information you need to fit your Fringe!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 & TRIMS

Fabric

This style is designed for a light to medium weight woven fabric with nice drape. So many fabrics work with the Fringe pattern; all you have to do is search #fringedresspattern to be inspired! I also have a post up here with some really cool prints available from some of my favorite indie fabric shops.Recommended main fabrics: rayon challis, rayon crepe, rayon voile, cotton lawn, cotton voile, cotton shirting, linen, double gauze.

Fabric Chart

TESTER PHOTOS

We had a wonderful team of nearly 50 women who helped make this pattern update a reality. I never require styled photos as part of the test, but many sent over photos to share. Here are just a few of the testers who made this update possible. I’ll be posting a round-up of all of the tester photos soon.I’d love to see what you come up with, so if you share your makes, please tag @chalkandnotch and use the hashtags #fringedresspattern #chalkandnotchpatterns so I can see your creations.Thanks for checking out the updated Fringe pattern!XO, Gabriela