Since first releasing the Sawtell dress and top patterns in our Curated by ITF subscription, these have become some of our most sought after designs.
Questions like "How can I buy the Sawtell dress pattern?" and "How long til the Sawtell patterns are released in the extended size range?" have become regular refrains in our inbox.
Which makes it all the more wonderful to FINALLY be able to tell you that the Sawtell dress and Sawtell top patterns are now available to purchase in our shop and in our extended size range!
(And, if you’re interested in reading about the process we went through to increase the sizes offered in our patterns, check out this blog post. We’ve also got a blog post about Plus Size Sewing Resources here.)
It’s all in the details of sawtell
The Sawtell dress is a sophisticated, yet versatile, wardrobe staple with a range of design details that will appeal to the sewist who is seeking to expand their techniques and skills.
Made in a lightweight fabric this garment will play the role of summer cover-up perfectly. In something heavier and more structured, styled with a turtle-neck and tights, it will become the mainstay of your cooler weather wardrobe.
Featuring an inset placket with pleats and bust darts, the Sawtell dress has a yoke and box pleat in the back, capped sleeves and a wide hem. The neckline is finished with bias binding and pockets are inset for an eye-catching design feature and new technique for you to learn.
Designed with longevity in mind, the Sawtell top comes with four sleeve options - straight, gathered, flared sleeve and a fun dropped gathered sleeve. With these sleeves in your pattern stash (and our guidance in the Fit Kit) you’ll be able to make lots of different Sawtell tops, or add the sleeves to the Sawtell dress pattern or another pattern in your stash!
In the version below, Emily added the long gathered sleeves and inset placket to the Sawtell dress.
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If you're looking to be supported, motivated and inspired through your sewing journey our Curated by ITF subscription might be just what you're looking for.
As well as a monthly sewing project, you’ll gain access to our private member platform where you can receive feedback and advice from the ITF team and other experienced makers, participate in sew-alongs and make sewing besties all over the world!
There’s something about Sawtell
Sometimes you release a pattern and you never expect it to be as popular as it is. And that’s exactly the case with the Sawtell designs.
There’s just something about the versatility of these designs that our customers love… so we thought we’d share some of the makes from when Sawtell was first released, so you can see the design in action and hear firsthand what it is about Sawtell that everyone loves.
Here’s a selection of three Sawtell dresses, all made by Lynn who, to date, has made a total of nine! Pretty sure that speaks for itself. Lynn’s makes really show how versatile this pattern is when it comes to fabric choice.
Caroline made the most of a smaller piece of very special fabric, combining it with a matching solid for the neckline placket.
“My Sawtell is finished and feels like the perfect dress for a hot, humid day. This lovely linen is from Injalak Arts, an indigenous gallery in the Northern Territory, Australia. The design by Eva Nganjmirra is called Mandem (Waterlillies).”
Saritha chose one of the simpler Sawtell views, but used her fabric and print selection to create a combination that really sings!
“I used the sawtell dress pattern with all the adjustments to make the bodice as per the instructions and the straight sleeve. Also took out the front pleat. I like it better this way.”
Less is more with Sue’s classic natural linen version!
“Thanks Emily for designing the Sawtell! I just love it so much - it’s everything I have wanted in a dress, and in a sewing project! It totally feels curated for me. 🤩”
Get the fit right with the Sawtell Fit Kits
Our Fit Kits have become a much-relied on resource for our Curated by ITF members (like Nadia below), with a plethora of tutorials to help you get the right fit for your body, and not just for In the Folds patterns! Our Fit Kit adjustments can be applied to many different designs and patterns, making them a valuable resource to add to your sewing kit.
Released with all our new patterns as part of our Curated by ITF subscription, they’re now available as a standalone resource OR bundled with the related pattern at a significant discount!
“I wanted to share my final version of the Sawtell dress. I’m so happy with it! I’m really glad I did a toile as it allowed me to practice the techniques and check the fit. This is my best sewing to date and thanks to ITF for pushing me to learn new skills!”
Not just for neutrals
Shelby’s Sawtell is giving definite 60s vibes and we’re here for it!
“It was so satisfying sewing the placket and pockets! I was nervous about them but am really pleased with how they turned out.”
Shuay is one of our most adventurous members - she’s always willing to give a new pattern a go and in many different fabrics and iterations!
“I made the dress in this busy print. Wanted to skip the collar as I thought the print is too busy for a pattern with collar. I was wrong. The collar made it so fabulous!”
We are so happy with how well-received this pattern has been and we’re excited to see this continue with the extended size range.
If you’ve make a Sawtell garment and share it on social media, make sure you use the Sawtell hashtags - #sawtelldress or #sawtelltop - so we can see it!
Finally, a very big thank you to our photo team members (Sara @fabric_scraps, Melissa @melissalowrydesign and Karina @lovemade.handmade) for their help in photographing the Sawtell patterns in it’s different versions!
Happy sewing,
Emily
