Pattern Review: Sew DIY Lou Box Dress #1

Hi sewing friends!

I’m super excited about this pattern review, because Sew DIY has officially released the Lou Box Dress #1 (and #2) in her updated sizing and both patterns now go to a 32! For Sew DIY a size 32 is a 58″ bust, 48″ waist, and a 58″ hip. The box dress #1 is very loose fitting cocoon style dress that can be made using a woven or knit fabric.

It has two views, View A is a cocoon style dress with elbow length cuffed sleeves and in seam pockets, and view B has short sleeve cuffs and patch pockets. For the knit version, there’s also an optional hem band, so yay for not having to hem!

I sewed up a View B in linen for my box dress #1. I knew there was a lot of ease with this pattern, so for sizing, I used a 28 for my bust and then graded to a 30 for my waist/hips. If this was a more fitted pattern, I would have graded out to a 32 as that’s where my hips fall. I’m 5’9 and since this pattern is drafted for 5’10 I didn’t have to add any length. After I finished my dress, I realized it was shorter than I’m used to so in future versions I would probably add 1-1.5 inches to the hem just for my own comfort.

I love this pattern. When I was sewing it up I was worried it would be too baggy for my shape, but sizing down one size really helped it be baggy but not too baggy. If you want to make this dress, I would suggest looking at the finished measurements for the size you think you need and decide whether to go down or up based on that. When I put this dress on for the first time, my first thought was how great of a travel garment this would be. It’s extremely comfortable yet it looks like you put in some effort when you wear it, which as a comfort first person, is my favorite type of garment to wear/make.

Beth always has patterns that go together seamlessly and her instructions are some of my favorite to follow. They’re very clear and easy to understand. My favorite thing about this pattern may be that there’s a facing for the hem, because I don’t know anyone who genuinely enjoys the hemming process!

My ratings for the Lou Box Dress #1 pattern:

1. Size Range (1-5): 5! Every time Beth releases expanded sizes in her old patterns, I get so excited because that means I can actually sew them up now.
2. Instructions (1-5): 5 I felt that the instructions were well thought out, clear, and easy to follow along with.
3. Construction Process (1-5): 5 All of the notches for the facing, made the end of this process very quick! All of the pieces fit together without any easing in needing to happen, construction was a breeze.
4. Final Fit (1-5): 4 The only part of the fit that I wasn’t 100% happy with was the length. It’s definitely one of the shorter dresses I own, but after wearing it out once,  I’m not uncomfortable in it. I do plan on added about an inch to future dresses (and there will be a-many!)
5. Overall Rating (1-5): 5 Between the easy to pieces pattern, to the clear instructions I really love this dress. By the time you finish, because of all of the finishing steps, you have a really well put together garment. It looks professional and the best part? It’s so freaking comfortable. This is definitely a “secret pajamas” pattern that I’ll be wearing all the time on days where I just want to be comfortable.

I love this pattern. I’ve already made a second and I’m sure I’ll be making more. It’s probably the most comfortable dress I’ve ever worn and it’s so cute on top of that. The sleeves are perfect for Phoenix’s version of fall and winter, and the button detail in the back makes it seem like I took more time making this garment then I actually did. I’m also really happy to support Beth and her patterns because she has been working so hard on updating her patterns with her expanded size range. Inclusion is so important in our sewing community and I’m always going to shout to the world about companies who are thinking about the curvy sewists when they make their size ranges.

Are you going to make a box dress? I’d love to see your version!

Happy sewing y’all,

Leanne