Tessa Sheath Dress

37 customer reviews

$12.50

All Love Notions Sewing Patterns are digital downloads, you may print them at home or send to a copy shop. A physical pattern will not be mailed to you.

The Tessa Sheath Dress is a simple knit dress with lots of style. The dress features a bateau or scoop neckline, optional yoke detail and five sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 and long. Two hem lengths are also included- above knee and shin. Bonus- the bodice part of the pattern can also be easily mashed with the Sybil Skirt Collection! The Tessa Sheath Dress has feminine shaping at the back and the pattern is packed with tips on customizing the dress to your unique shape. The Tessa dress is a quick sew with no closures or darts! The neckline can be finished with binding, bias tape or a facing. The newly updated Tessa Sheath Dress now includes sizing XS through 5X as well as a full bust option!

Tessa Sheath Dress Features:

  • Meant for knit fabrics
  • 2 lengths: knee and shin
  • 5 sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 and long
  • Shaping at back
  • Optional yoke detail
  • Binding, bias tape or facing neckline finish options
  • Full bust option
  • Bateau and scoop necklines

Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Pattern Formats Included:

  • Print at home for US letter & A4 paper, trimless format with layers
  • Large format file for copy shop printing. This file will print on four A0 (33″ x 46″) size sheets. Be sure to instruct your printer to print actual size in black and white on their cheapest paper. We recommend PDFPlotting for printing the large format files.
  • A projector file is also included for those using projector technology

 

Description

The Tessa Sheath Dress pdf instant downloadable pattern contains:

  • The Tessa Sheath Dress pdf sewing pattern contains 2 dress lengths, 5 sleeve lengths and 2 neckline options.
  • Bonus pattern- the bodice of this dress will work with all the Sybil Illusion Skirt styles!
  • 2 pages of inspiration photos from pattern testers.
  • Cutting guide
  • 5 pages of bright and clear step by step illustrations and photos.
  • 2 page to customize the fit.
  • Included is a print chart to only print the pages you need for your style choice.
  • In addition to the print-at-home file, an A0-sized large format file for copy shop printing is also included
  • A projector file is included for those using projector technology
  • Optimized for most tablets with links to each part of the pattern. Print only the pattern pieces and use a tablet or computer to read the instructions to save on ink and paper!
  • This pattern has the ability to print just desired size(s) and in addition, features trimless pattern assembly! Open the PDF in Adobe, select the layer thumbnail on the left-hand menu and then select the size(s) to print. See this tutorial for more information.
  • Designed for both letter and A4 paper printing.
  • Because we value work at home business, feel free to use this pattern in your home sewing businesses.

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More for Tessa Sheath Dress

Size chart

Fabric Requirements

Line Drawing

ERRATA

Files completely updated 12/10/21 to be redrafted on the current block as well as to add sizes 4X & 5X and a full bust option.

Large format file updated 2/2022 to include missing front bateau neck facing

All files updated 9/5/23 to fix yoke cut line, missing seam allowance

37 reviews for Tessa Sheath Dress

  1. Evelyn

    As always, love the options, so far I have done sleeveless, 3/4 sleeve, bateau and scoop neckline. Pretty fun!! I especially love Tami’s purple testing picture!

  2. Victoria

    I’m writing this review while currently wearing my Tessa Sheath dress bodice/Sybil Skirt mashup. I adjusted this with a dartless FBA in the front, and the results were unlike anything else I could find in RTW. I have four of these dresses in my closet and I’m planning many more. I usually leave off the sleeves to make room for blazers and cardigans, but I hope to make one with 3/4 sleeves. When you add this pattern to the Sybil it just gives you so many options. Another great pattern that is so worth the money!

  3. Tiahna Conrad (verified owner)

    Such a great pattern and a good staple! Fit it perfect and is easily dressed up or down depending on fabric choice. Can be worn year round and I love it! Especially when mashed with Sybil illusion collection – infinite options!

  4. Zulma (verified owner)

    Tessa is a super versatile dress, so flattering in all body shapes and super accurate instructions, I love it!

  5. jillscookiesanddreams (verified owner)

    I LOVE the Tessa dress!! I’ve made two so far: one yoke option out of double brushed poly and one with a sweater knit. The DBP dress fits well and I made it before church one morning. It’s a quick sew with easy to follow directions. I should have sized down on the sweater knit as it’s baggier, but still pretty and comfortable. I plan to make lots more of these!

  6. Patty

    The trimless pages make assembly so easy! Another great pattern for my hard to fit short body. Thank you!

  7. Amanda (verified owner)

    The Tessa dress is a breeze to make, and fit me perfectly! I made one (my first dress ever!) to wear to a wedding, and I got so many compliments on it.

  8. Elspeth (verified owner)

    Delighted with this dress! It came together with lighting speed; I made it on a Sunday and wore it to work on Tuesday. My coworkers kept calling me “First Lady!” So glamorous and so comfortable. I made a straight 22 with the midi length.

  9. Amy (verified owner)

    Such a beautiful pattern for a classic, timeless sheath dress! This pattern went together so quickly, and I was able to get a size large sleeveless from only 1 yard! The instructions are great and the final fit is spot on. Depending on the fabric you use, this could work for a summer sundress, a beautiful business casual dress for the office, or even a formal cocktail dress. I love that it can be mashed with the sybil skirts as well. This will be a staple in my closet for sure!

  10. Hannah Carriere (verified owner)

    Another winner from Love Notions! Fun and easy to sew, fits great and is super flattering.

  11. Lindsey (verified owner)

    My daughter’s favorite dress pattern! I love the way this dress turned out. Stunning!

  12. Brenda (verified owner)

    Such a classic silhouette! I’m able to easily change the look with the addition of a belt, or a side ties, etc. Fantastic pattern for making that little black dress that everyone needs in their closet!

  13. Jaye Holland (verified owner)

    This is a classic! I just love the side tie option for this dress.

  14. stacie.small (verified owner)

    Such a wonderful pattern. I just love this dress.

  15. Sarah (verified owner)

    I love how easy this pattern is to make. It can be a simple black dress, or more dressy in a stretch lace. Lots of fun options.

  16. caci

    Easy quick sew for a wonderful dress. Pattern is laid out with very clear concise directions including help if you need to make adjustments for Full bust, swayback, petite, etc

  17. Gaby20ster (verified owner)

    Love notions patterns are the best I have found in fitting!! This dress saved me. I had a conference and I put one together in about 30minutes!!! Their instructions are easy, super true to size and their recommendations and support are awesome!

  18. Robyn Gerard (verified owner)

    The sheath is my favorite style of dress, and the Tessa Sheath is a great sew! Right after I finished sewing it, my 14 yo son looked at me and said, “Where are YOU going? That dress looks nice.” That was all the affirmation that I needed! Get this pattern if you haven’t already.

  19. Coreen Russell (verified owner)

    I’ve made about ten of the Tessa dresses. My daughter loves a sheath dress for work and she loves this. She’s got elbow sleeves and sleeveless and the latest dress has the waist tie. Such a great pattern with lots of good options.

  20. Jennifer Berkich (verified owner)

    I love this dress. So quick and easy to put together. I admit, I had to add a dart at the bust but when I figured out what I needed, I quickly sewed up 2 more dresses! LN has the best, easy to understand patterns out there!

  21. a.yaraskovitch (verified owner)

    Just ok. I’m not a fan of either neckline finishing option, and the drafting through the waist is a tad bizarre…it comes to a literal point at the waist for some reason. The curve below the waist to the hip is far too round. I understand that we are all shaped differently, but I can’t imagine anyone’s waist coming to a sharp inward V point and then suddenly flaring outwards toward the hip. I also found the shoulders far too narrow (not a problem I’ve ever experienced from other designers). I made a muslin so I can adjust the fit, but I wish I didn’t have to make quite so many modifications. Built-in swayback adjustment is a nice touch though.

  22. powejj01 (verified owner)

    I was hesitant to try a sheath dress because of my mom belly, but it actually looks great!

  23. Anna M (verified owner)

    Love this- I used a double knit. Effortless style.

  24. Andrea Goldman (verified owner)

    I have made two Tessa dresses. I am short-waisted and thought I would need to shorten the bodice, but I was wrong. I did a sway back and “tech neck” adjustment and the dress fits me beautifully! I can’t wait to try more LN patterns!

  25. Patryc Barnes (verified owner)

    The Tessa is my favorite…so far. I’ve made two. I plan on using the back seam to fancy exposed zipper. I always think those dresses are so classy!

  26. Elisabeth Hirschi (verified owner)

    I love classic elegance of this dress! It’s is hard to find this style RTW that fits me, it’s so nice to be able to nail the fit by making it myself. I’m hoping to try out the maternity verse mentioned in Tessa’s blog post.

  27. marahhulse (verified owner)

    Talk about a dynamite dress! So beautiful and flattering for all body types-I see why they call this type of dress a classic. I made one for work and plan to make more with Sybil skirt mashed on for all the pretty classy and comfortable work dresses in knit.

  28. odyjimg (verified owner)

    VAVA VOOM!!! This is your little black dress!!! The fit is so flattering!! Yet the Tessa is very versatile in that you can mash up the Sybil skirts and have totally different looks and styles. I did a HRB adjustment, lowered the waist area, and just tweaked my muslin to fit here and there. I am planning on making another one in this lovely deep purple for fall.

  29. Kathy Norris (verified owner)

    If I could give this pattern a 10 I would. I was dealing with extra Covid/thyroid weight and my favorite brand Talbots no longer fit me. Now I can customize the pattern to fit my body. This dress was so slimming and comfortable. I made two in ponte one using a band for the neckline and the other a facing. My friends still can’t believe I made them.

  30. Lori Jessen (verified owner)

    This dress is so flattering! This one already has several versions in my closet already, and there will be many more–especially as I think about the Sybil skirt hack possibilities. You can’t go wrong purchasing this pattern.

  31. Christine (verified owner)

    I give this pattern 5 stars for the fit and ease of sewing. It is very versatile. I’ve sewn it in “ fancy” fabric for a night out as well as a cute print for a summer tee dress. Love It!

  32. Becky Hubbard (verified owner)

    The Tessa Sheath Dress is a really great pattern! I love how elegant it is, without being complicated. I love the 3/4 length sleeve option and that it can be mashed with the Sybil skirt collection.

  33. Margaret (verified owner)

    This pattern sews up very quickly. I made the Tessa sheath dress in one evening. I chose the scoop neckline, and altered the sleeve to be a full sleeve with a cuff at the wrist. I took a chance and sewed it without making a muslin first. It fit like a glove. There are so many possibilities with this pattern, and I can see myself making more of this pattern.

  34. Katherine Todd (verified owner)

    So great to finally have a sheath dress pattern with a full bust option! And the scoop neckline is so much more flattering for me, brilliant to have so many customisation options!

  35. Kathryn King (verified owner)

    Fast, simple and great options. I made a semi-formal dress with a sequined velvet jersey mashed with a Sybil A-line for dancing ease–turned out so well (teen daughter approved) and just right for a last-minute sew.

  36. ekrisinger (verified owner)

    The Tessa has become my new go to dress. No wrinkles in the armpits for me and includes a back seam for better shaping.

  37. Luv SODA (verified owner)

    Yes I have bought this pattern. I also love the options. I can’t decide ??? I have more makes planned than time LOL I also love the hand holding support group Thanks Love Notions!

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