Great knit dresses seem to be popping up everywhere around the blogosphere. With my shape, I have found many of them to be not quite right. With 14 inches difference between my hips and my waist, many of the knit dresses everyone has been making and loving seem to grab me in all the wrong places. Then, a few months ago I came across Greenstyle Creations and their Laurel Tunic or Dress pattern. The empire waist with pleated skirt was just perfect for my body shape.
Greenstyle’s patterns are in PDF form, and they print and go together like a dream. I had this pattern taped together and cut out in less than 45 minutes. The instructions are concise and easy enough for a beginner to follow along. As a slightly more advanced sewist, I used my serger for the majority of the sewing and changed the order in which things go together. First, baste the skirt pleats on a regular machine (if I were using the pockets, sewing them to skirt would be my next step). Second, sew the cowl together to make it round. Third, sew the shoulder seams together. Fourth, insert the cowl and sew it in. Fifth, sew the sleeves in the flat method. Sixth, sew the skirt pieces to the bodice pieces respectively. Last, sew one long seam from the edge of the sleeves to the lower hem. I usually finish it off with a twin needle at the lower hem and sleeve cuff, though on this particular dress because of the heavy cotton wool sweater knit, I opted to hand sew the sleeve cuffs and lower hem with a whip stitch.
Pattern Name: Greenstyle Creations Laurel Tunic or Dress
Sizing: XXS to 3XL
What size did you make: 3XL
What are your measurements and body shape: 52-50-64 I am a pear shape, but with a bit of a low tummy.
What adjustments did you make and how long did they take: I normally take a sway back adjustment. For this pattern, I just curved from the long torso line on the back bodice, which is the size I used for the front bodice piece, up to the short torso line. This gave me the perfect sway back adjustment! It took me about a minute to make this adjustment. Also, I just left out the pockets that are sewn in the side seams. They would have hit me at my widest area, and from experience I know that they would have gaped open because of that.
What did you like: I like that the Laurel Tunic/Dress comes with so many possibilities. Sleeves alone are offered in short, elbow length, three-quarter and long lengths. The pattern offers regular shirt length, tunic length, just above the knee length, and dress length skirts. With my curvier body, the above knee is more tunic length on me, and the dress length is more above the knee. I am 5’6” and am not sure what height these patterns are made for, but I do realize that the curvy factor takes up some length as well. The pattern also can be made for short, regular or long torsos. I make the long torso for the front as mentioned above, and then grade down to the short torso for the back bodice piece. One last variation, you can make the skirt without the pleats in the back or with, but if you are curvy like me, you will need the pleats!
What will you change next time: Nothing, I love this pattern straight from the printer!
What advice do you have for curvy sewists: If you have a large behind leave the pleats in the skirt back piece. If you are really busty you may need a FBA with this pattern. I am only D-cup, and if you were any larger, you would end up with the waist seam up on your chest. Also, the directions for the tunic are fine as printed, but do yourself a favor and sew the sleeves in the flat method instead of doing a sleeve insertion!
Curvy Rating: 5 out of 5 stars! Between the knit materials and the full skirt, this pattern is a 5 all the way for me and the sizing is very comparable to RTW!
Angie from Greenstyle Creations has offered to give a copy of the Laurel Tunic to one lucky CSC reader. Please tell us why you want a copy of this pattern by January 26th (Monday) for a chance to win!
About Me: I am a 30-something plus size gal who is working hard to sew a great wardrobe that actually fits. I also am a thrifter who loves a good refashion, and you never know what great treasures I might find at estate and yard sales. You can follow my adventures in sewing at pandorasews.blogspot.com!
Great style, I’ve made a similar style dress myself and love it’s ease of wearing.
I wonder how the horizontal creases on the bodice of this top version could be avoided?
It would take darts on either side to avoid the creases, I believe. Though if you were to size up, that would probably negate some if not all of the creasing as well. I just prefer things to be really fitted in the upper bodice, and am too lazy to throw a dart in a knit.
Yeah, that sounds good, I’d rather not add darts either!
Thanks.
I would love to try out this pattern, it will ease over my abs. I’d like to try out these Greenstyle patterns as they hold a lot of promise!
I have had great success with the Green Style Centerfield raglan t shirt as well.
Thanks so much for the pattern review. I downloaded the pattern a while ago but have been a bit chicken about trying it. You look great in it and your review is so thorough that I feel confident to tackle it this weekend.
Seeing Pandora in her gorgeous makes and seeing the exact same pattern on the original model, I am impressed at how beautifully the pattern equally flatters two very different body shapes. I am also a sucker for a pattern that gives me customising options. I do hope I will be picked, but if not I will happily purchase this pattern!
Oooooo I just love this silhouette! It would flatter my curves and those pleats will keep my post baby body feeling sexy.
I would love to add this to my wardrobe. It looks very flattering, and I love the sleeve/length options and the cowl neckline! I could see making several for work. It’s so hard to find tops that aren’t too tight in the hips, but this looks great!
There is so much to love about this pattern from the empire waist to the pleats to the pockets. I’m just beginning to sew with knits and this would give me a chance to quite a few things out and would be flattering as well. Thanks for the review and the giveaway.
I’d love to give this pattern a try! I’ve just recently gotten brave enough to start sewing for myself and not just for my daughter. This looks like the shape would be flattering for me as well.
Wow! Super cute and looks so comfortable! 😀 I’d love to give this pattern a try! I’m around the same size as you so I’m hoping I can rock it just as well.
I would love to have this pattern because I just went through Collette’s Wardrobe Architect and this is one of the silhouettes I have up next to sew! Love it!
Cute! I love the fabric you used for the pattern! It’s a cute dress/tunic!
The fabric is an Italian Wool Knit from Mood, and it is divine!
I’m starting to try out the whole knitting fabric thing, and this looks like it would be easy enough for me to make 🙂
I love the look of empire waists, plus when I was pregnant knit empire waists stretched enough that I could wear non-maternity tops. I’d love to make this for now and for when we start trying for #2!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this pattern! I’m just starting to sew again after 15 years and this is the first one that I’m excited about.
I would like to try this pattern because empire waistline are flattering on me and I’m curious to try pleats with knits. Also, POCKETS!
I would like this pattern because I wear a lot of leggings with loose tops and this one has some shape to it so it would flatter my body more. Sounds like I’ll have to do a FBA, though, as I’m a DDD. Thanks so much for all the information you post. It sure helps me find better patterns and the adjustments I need to make.
I would like to win this pattern for several reasons. I like working with PDF patterns (I think it’s the tape – I have a thing about tape), it looks like it would sew up quickly, it looks comfy, and I’m currently into tunic-length tops. So if you pick me, I would be ecstatic!
I would love this pattern! I carry my weight in the belly and I think this would be a great style for my shape.
I’ve never tried a pdf pattern and the styling of this one would make it a good starting place for a new experience.
I would like this pattern as I babysit my grandson 4 days a week and it would be something easy and stylish I could wear. I have never used PDF patterns before and I would love to try them out.
Even though I babysit most days I still want to stay looking stylish. This pattern can dress up or be more casual and still have the comfort and ease that I need to chase around a 2 yr old.
Hooray, this is my favourite knit dress pattern: it’s super duper awesome! Here are my two versions: there will be more! https://sparkleneedles.wordpress.com/2014/12/14/green-style-laurels-aka-the-worlds-most-comfy-frocks/ Good luck to everyone, this is a great pattern to win!
I’m also a pear shape (curse you wide bottom) and have the same problem with all of the wonderful knit dresses everyone always seems to post. Mary’s most recent dresses made me turn all kinds of green with envy.
I love A-line and circle skirts, but sometimes I just want something a little more streamlined, with straight lines and just a little curve hugging.
I’ve looked at this pattern for a while but I was really nervous about how the finished product would look on a curvy pear shape – but this review has definitely given me hope!
I’m a Mum of three small boys and need practical clothes for looking after them and figure forgiving clothes for my post three kids figure! This pattern seems to fit the bill and would make me face my fear of pdf patterns
I would love this pattern because it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for…a beginner-friendly tunic that will flatter my shape. I would also love to try an indie pattern. Retired on a limited budget, I haven’t ventured into those waters yet. If I could try a pattern first, I would be more willing to spend the big bucks on the next one. 🙂
This looks so comfortable, and I have just purchased/stashed a lot of knit fabrics. Would love to keep give these fabrics a chance to make it out of the tubs and into the real world.
This tunic just looks so comfy get classy, and I’d love to try an empire waist top.
I’d love to win this pattern because I’m re-entering the sewing world from many years ago, and received a new serger sewing machine for Christmas, but been to intimated to try it. Your description putting this lovely pattern together have given me confidence it’s the right choice to get started again, and now I can’t wait try. I’ve never tried the “flat method” of sewing the sleeves before, but feel this is something I could do. I adore the empire waist of this pattern, which is perfect for my body shape, and I can see myself making many of different clothing options with it to wear both at the office, and for casual occasions.
Why do I want to win this pattern? Because I was just looking at Blue Fish Clothing, drooling over the same top at $218!!! I can’t afford that but I would love to make it using this pattern!
I have a long torso and I usually have to adjust for that, so a pattern with a longer torso is a winner for sure – though you did say you went sure what height pattern was drafted for and you used long torso at front. I’m 5″ taller than you. Anyway, I’d like to try it and keen to make more knits, so I’d love to win it.
What a great review, and thanks so much for all the photos… I love it! I would love this pattern for myself but I could also see my daughters loving it (especially my younger daughter who is also a bit curvy). It’s is very flattering and looks comfy and stylish… love it!
Thank you so much for this review Sew Pandora! I spotted this pattern a few months ago and been thinking about buying it. If I don’t win it randomly, I’m definitely going to buy it next week! I’ll be bookmarking your review for when I make it. I just got my first serger for christmas and been experimenting with a few knit makes already (even though I still have no idea how to work my serger), and I know I would get a lot of wear out of the Laurel.
I pinned a dress from etsy a couple of weeks ago because I thought I could hack a replica from the renfrew, but this seems to be the exact dress! Hooray for saving time!
I would love to try this pattern! I have wanted to try knits but am terrified of them (although the more CSC posts I read, the less scary they seem!) and I have a long torso, so I am extremely excited about the long torso possibilities with this pattern!
I’ve been looking for dresses that fit well and empire. This looks like it would fit very well.
It’s a lovely dress and thank you for introducing me to this pattern company. I’d like a copy of the pattern due the large behind I have, it would be nice to wear something that was designed to accommodate it.
I would love to try this pattern! The raised waist would be so much more flattering than the majority of waistlines in RTE.
Appreciate your blog and the pattern info you provided!
I recently lost 120 pounds and this would look wonderful. My new measurements are very similar to yours now, and you look hot! I want to look hot too!
Thanks, Kathy (blush). I know if you sew it, you will look hot too!
I’m a curvy woman and would love this pattern because I can never find anything in standard patterns that is pretty and figure flattering. This dress / tunic offers that and more! I be proud to wear this as a dress or a tunic, and would definitely make up a few of each. 🙂
What a pretty pattern, and you look fabulous!
Thank you!
I love that you can go from casual to dressy with this pattern
I have been lusting over this pattern for quite some time. Winning this could be my leap into digital patterns and that excites me:)
*you look great in the dress!
Thanks, Buffy!
Wow, you look really good! I saw the yellow Verizon on the pattern and though that’s a sad looking dress, but your two versions are very very happy! 🙂 must be the big smiles 🙂
I’d love a copy of this Patten to make happy dresses like yours 🙂 thank you for reviewing!
Thank you, Elizabeth! Sometimes patterns don’t always present in their best light, and you just have to use your imagination to see what the pattern can be.
This pattern looks great! I want it because most shirts are too tight around my abs and I hate that. This just hangs there instead of being tight. I’m sick of maternity clothes because regular clothes never fit right.
I love this pattern on you! It sounds like its a breeze to put together, and with all the options on the dress, you could make a whole wardrobe of them!
Thanks, Lori. It is very easy to put together. You can really cut and sew it all in an evening.
This looks like a great pattern for my body shape! Love it!
I’m a beginner sewist and would like to make more of my own clothes. I’d love to make a tunic to go with a pair of leggings!
This looks so flattering on you.
I’m in.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks, Kathyh!
I love this pattern on you, Alicia! I’d love to make this up for a comfy winter dress. 🙂
Thanks, Andie! This pattern would be right up your alley!
I’ve been thinking about making more empire waisted things. This looks like a great option! I love that there are so many built in options for adjustments, too.
I am so tired of mainstream patterns that don’t really allow for curves. This sounds like the perfect pattern to try from an independent. I have been looking for one not only for myself, but for a dear friend who is going thru a rough time; I know a new dress that fit well would allow her to feel attractive and that would certainly help!
I have a hard time with empire waist dresses. I love the look of them, but I cannot get them just right for me. Maybe this pattern will change all that. I sure hope so. Thank