The Silo Dress is the one pattern, from our 2022 capsule styles, I haven’t been able to work into my home sewn wardrobe. I want to like dresses, but pants and jumpsuits are the stars in my closet.
It’s so disappointing to spend time making a piece of clothing and then have it just hang it your closet. I only want to make things that I truly love, which is why I’ve become much more meticulous about planning my sewing projects thoroughly before I even purchase materials.

Materials

Silo Dress Pattern
Pattern paper
Pattern weights
Ruler
Pencil
Paper scissors
Fabric scissors
Woven fabric
Size 30 Ligne buttons
*Optional: Interfacing according to you fabric selection*

Fabric: I used a 8 oz cotton denim and it had enough drape as well as the right kind of structure to achieve the intended look.

Lucky for us sewists, we have the ability to repurpose items in our closet that aren’t exactly right for us. I thought the Silo Dress could be more than just a dress pattern and could use a hack. This pattern tutorial is pretty simple and straightforward, but mostly it’s a reminder that the patterns you purchase can keep serving your home sewn wardrobe, even after it’s first make.

Scroll to the end to watch the video or follow along to these steps to make your own:

Pattern

The Front Dress and the Collar will be the only pattern pieces to edit for this pattern hack.

Measure 1 5/8” away from straight edge of the paper and draw a line along it that is the length of the pattern.
Line up edge of the Front Dress with the line you just drew. Trace pattern and mark all notches.

Extend a straight line from the center front of the pattern to the edge of the paper.

Mark 1/4” seam allowance from the edge of the paper.
Mark a notch for the fold line 1 3/4” from the edge of the paper.

Cut the pattern out, leaving the neckline uncut.

Fold paper at the 1/4” seam allowance.
Then fold at the fold line notch.

True up the neckline by cutting along the line, with the pattern folded at the notches in previous step.

Line up one of the long edges of the Collar piece with the straight edge of the pattern paper.
Measure out 1 1/8” from side of pattern and draw a line the length of the Collar. Draw a right angle connecting the new line with the pattern.
Repeat on opposite side. The new Collar pattern will measure 26 3/4” x 8 3/4”.

Mark all notches and draw grainline.
What used to be the center front notch, will now be the center back notch.

Add these patterns to the Back Dress, Pocket and Bias Binding Pieces.
Prep and cut your fabric.
Consider adding interfacing to the Collar and along the center front placket, depending on your fabric.

Sewing

Fold and press the center front seam allowance, 1/4”.
Fold and press again at the notch and pin in place.

Edgestitch 1/8” along folded edge. Continue all the way to the hem.
Optional: repeat on opposite side of the placket.

Match up notches at center back, with the right side of the collar to the wrong side of the dress.

Attach the collar to the the dress neckline, in between notches on each end, with 3/8” seam allowance.

Press neckline seam up toward collar.

Pre-press collar seam allowance 3/8”, on opposite side.

Fold collar in half, with right sides together.
Stitch closed 3/8” from edge. Repeat on opposite side of collar.

Turn collar right side out.
Topstitch collar to neckline by placing pre-pressed edge just over seam. Stitch 1/8” from folded edge.
Pin collar at the side seams and center back to make sure it’s going on straight and layers are feeding under the presser foot at the same rate.