Dear readers,
I am so excited to finally introduce not one but two new patterns, the Estelle Cowl Dress and the Kiara Knit Dress.
This release started with a conversation with one of you. You told me how much you love winter dresses and that it was a pity my collection did not really include any. I love getting this kind of feedback. And while I rarely have the perfect answer on the spot, they stay with me.
Fast forward a few days, and I'm engaging in my favourite hobby after sewing: browsing Net A Porter. I kept noticing all these chic knit dresses that looked incredibly comfortable yet refined. The kind of dress you can wear to a holiday dinner, then style with boots and tights for everyday life all winter long. I thought again about that conversation, and suddenly there were two designs I was obsessed with and I loved equally.
So instead of choosing, we worked as fast as we could to bring you both. Estelle and Kiara are soft, sculptural and easy to sew, designed to help you feel put together throughout the holiday season and the cooler months that follow.
Meet the Estelle Cowl Dress
Estelle is a refined knit dress that combines timeless elegance with effortless comfort. It features a softly draped cowl neckline integrated into the front bodice, a bust with negative ease, a fitted waist and an A line skirt that flares gently to mid calf. The long trumpet sleeves widen from the elbow for a graceful silhouette, while the shaped center back seam provides subtle contouring and a flattering fit.
The back neckline is finished with a clean binding, and all hems are overlocked and hand catch stitched for an elegant finish. You can sew Estelle with an overlocker or a regular sewing machine using a stretch stitch. A coverstitch machine is not required.
Meet the Kiara Knit Dress
Kiara is an elegant knit dress that blends soft draping with a modern asymmetric silhouette. It features a relaxed bodice that falls gracefully off the right shoulder, creating an easy, flattering neckline. The dolman sleeves taper into a fitted shape below the elbow, which balances the fluid bodice with a more structured lower arm.
The fitted skirt contrasts with the draped top to create a sleek line that works just as well for elevated everyday outfits as it does for evening occasions. Designed for knit fabrics, Kiara brings together comfort, warmth and sophistication.
Fabric suggestions
Both Estelle and Kiara are designed for medium-weight knit fabrics that have a nice drape, horizontal stretch, and reliable recovery.
Some of my favourite options include viscose, bamboo or Tencel™ jerseys, wool jersey, silk jersey, sweater knits, interlock and Milano knits. Fabrics with a bit more body will emphasize the sculptural shapes of the cowl, funnel necklines and sleeves, while drapier knits will create softer folds and a more fluid look.
Lightweight jerseys without enough recovery are not recommended, as they may not support the neckline shapes and could grow over time.
Sizing and samples
Both dresses are drafted for a height of 5'5" (1m65) and follow the usual Just Patterns sizing.
- Estelle Cowl Dress is available in two size ranges, 34–46 drafted for a B/C cup and 46–60 drafted for a DD cup. The bust is designed with negative ease for a close but comfortable fit through the upper body, while the skirt flares gently to mid calf.
- Kiara Knit Dress is available in sizes 34–60, with a relaxed bodice and fitted skirt that skim the body without feeling restrictive.
I am 5'3" (1m60) and wear:
- Estelle in size 34 graded to 36 at the waist and hips in brown velvet jersey and black lurex.
- Kiara in size 34 with no modifications in blue sweater knit and black lurex jersey.
Lilli wears:
- Estelle in size 52 with no changes.
- Kiara in size 52 for the bodice and 54 for the hips in grey sweater knit.
What is included
Just like all my patterns, Estelle and Kiara come with everything you need to create a high quality, professional looking garment:
- Sizes 34–46 drafted for a B/C cup and sizes 46–60 drafted for a DD cup (for Estelle). Kiara is available in sizes 34–60.
- Layered PDF files so you can print only the sizes you need, including Print at home (A4 and US Letter), A0 copy shop and Projector files.
- Detailed instructions and a curated Resource Page with tutorials for the trickier steps.
- A shorter order of construction for the experienced sewist who prefers a concise overview.
- Seam allowances included.
- Lengthen and shorten lines on all pattern pieces.
Launch sale
To celebrate the release, both Estelle and Kiara are 15 percent off for one week. There is no code needed, the discount is automatically applied at checkout on each pattern.
If you are a newsletter subscriber and decide to treat yourself to both dresses, you get an extra little thank-you. When you purchase Estelle and Kiara together using the same email address for your newsletter subscription, the code JUSTPARTY will be applied automatically to your cart, bringing the total discount to 20 percent off the regular price.
Whether you sew just one dress or both, I hope they become pieces you look forward to wearing all season.
Happy sewing and happy holidays!
Dephine