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Pattern Description

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Shirred to perfection, and with comfort like no other! The Franconia Dress is a woven pullover dress with dolman sleeves, a bound v-neckline, and inseam pockets. A trendy shirred waistband provides shaping and texture while serving up all-day comfort. Designed specifically for curves, the Franconia is guaranteed to be gape-free with a faux button placket and our signature multi-cup sizing.

Sew up this flowy midi dream in pretty print for an effortless weekend look, or make it in a sheer fabric for a splendid swimsuit coverup.

Pattern Details

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Fabric & Supplies

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Sizing

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Models: Jenny (gingham), Brit (cream), Michelle (black & white)

Jenny

Size	18 G/H
High bust	43" / 109 cm
Full bust	48" / 122 cm
Waist	40" / 101 cm
Hip	47" / 119 cm
Height	5' 6"

Brit

Size	6 E/F
High bust	34" / 86 cm
Full bust	36" / 91 cm
Waist	28" / 71 cm
Hip	40" / 102 mc
Height	5' 6"

Michelle

Size	22 E/F graded to 24 waist and hip
High bust	48" / 122 cm
Full bust	51" / 130 cm
Waist	46" / 117 cm
Hip	54" / 137 cm
Height	5' 6"

Sewalong

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Cashmerette Club

Franconia Shirred Dress

Free with Club

Woven pullover dress sewing pattern with deep shirred waistband and a faux button placket for effortless style with zero gaping.

Size & format: Find my size

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This is a Cashmerette Club exclusive pattern. Join 5,000+ curvy sewists from around the world and download this pattern instantly when you join the Club!

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Why it’s special:

Elasticated waist

Faux button placket

Roomy pockets

Maternity friendly

More like this: Dresses / Woven / Special occasion

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Pattern Description

+ -

Shirred to perfection, and with comfort like no other! The Franconia Dress is a woven pullover dress with dolman sleeves, a bound v-neckline, and inseam pockets. A trendy shirred waistband provides shaping and texture while serving up all-day comfort. Designed specifically for curves, the Franconia is guaranteed to be gape-free with a faux button placket and our signature multi-cup sizing.

Sew up this flowy midi dream in pretty print for an effortless weekend look, or make it in a sheer fabric for a splendid swimsuit coverup.

Pattern Details

+ -

Fabric & Supplies

+ -

Sizing

+ -

Calculate your size

View size charts

Models: Jenny (gingham), Brit (cream), Michelle (black & white)

Jenny

Size	18 G/H
High bust	43" / 109 cm
Full bust	48" / 122 cm
Waist	40" / 101 cm
Hip	47" / 119 cm
Height	5' 6"

Brit

Size	6 E/F
High bust	34" / 86 cm
Full bust	36" / 91 cm
Waist	28" / 71 cm
Hip	40" / 102 mc
Height	5' 6"

Michelle

Size	22 E/F graded to 24 waist and hip
High bust	48" / 122 cm
Full bust	51" / 130 cm
Waist	46" / 117 cm
Hip	54" / 137 cm
Height	5' 6"

Sewalong

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Units:

Sizes:

Learn about sizing

Jump to: Body Measurements Finished Garment Measurements Fabric Requirements

Body Measurements (in)

	0	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16
High Bust	30	31	32	33	34	35 1/2	37	39	41
Full Bust, C/D Cup	33	34	35	36	37	38 1/2	40	42	44
Full Bust, E/F Cup	34	35	36	37	38	39 1/2	41	43	45
Full Bust, G/H Cup	35	36	37	38	39	40.5	42	44	46
Waist	25	26	27	28	29	30.5	32	34	36
Hip	35	36	37	38	39	40.5	42	44	46
Bicep	9 7/8	10 1/4	10 5/8	11	11 3/8	11 7/8	12 3/8	13 1/4	14 1/8

Finished Garment Measurements (in)

	0	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16
Full Bust: C/D cup*	45	46	47	48	49	50 1/2	52	54	56
Full Bust: E/F cup*	45	46	47	48	49	50 1/2	52	54	56
Full Bust: G/H cup*	45	46	47	48	49	50 1/2	52	54	56
Waist**	45 1/8	46 1/8	47 1/8	48 1/8	49 1/8	50 5/8	52	54	56
Hip	63	64	65	66	67	68 1/2	70	72	74
Sleeve Opening	14	14 1/2	15	15 1/2	16	16 1/2	17	17 1/2	18
Back Length	44 3/4	45	45 1/4	45 1/2	45 3/4	46	46 1/4	46 1/2	46 3/4

*NOTE: Although the finished measurements of the bust are the same for all cup sizes, the shaping is different, so be sure to choose your proper cup size.

**NOTE: The waist measurements shown are the stretched measurements. The shirring will reduce the waist measurement by approximately 20-25", so that the final waist measurement is slightly smaller than the body measurement.

Fabric Requirements (yd)

MAIN FABRIC	0	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16
45" wide	3 7/8	3 7/8	3 7/8	3 7/8	3 7/8	4	4	4	4
55" wide	3 1/4	3 1/4	3 1/4	3 1/4	3 1/4	3 3/8	3 3/8	3 3/8	3 3/8

Interfacing: 1/4 yd of 45" wide interfacing for all sizes.

Jump to: Body Measurements Finished Garment Measurements Fabric Requirements

Body Measurements (in)

	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32
High Bust	37	39	41	43	45	47	49	51	53	55	57
Full Bust, C/D Cup	40	42	44	46	48	50	52	54	56	58	60
Full Bust, E/F Cup	41	43	45	47	49	51	53	55	57	59	61
Full Bust, G/H Cup	42	44	46	48	50	52	54	56	58	60	62
Waist	32	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52
Hip	42	44	46	48	50	52	54	56	58	60	62
Bicep	12 3/8	13 1/4	14 1/8	15	15 7/8	16 3/4	17 5/8	18 1/2	19 3/8	20 1/4	21 1/8

Finished Garment Measurements (in)

	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32
Full Bust, C/D Cup*	52	54	56	58	60	62	64	66	68	70	72
Full Bust, E/F Cup*	52	54	56	58	60	62	64	66	68	70	72
Full Bust, G/H Cup*	52	54	56	58	60	62	64	66	68	70	72
Waist**	52	54	56	58	60	62	64	66	68	70	72
Hip	70	72	74	76	78	80	82	84	86	88	90
Sleeve Opening	16	16 1/2	17	17 1/2	18	18 1/2	19	19 1/2	20	20 1/2	21
Back length	46 1/4	46 1/2	46 3/4	47	47 1/4	47 1/2	47 3/4	48	48 1/4	48 1/2	48 3/4

*NOTE: Although the finished measurements of the bust are the same for all cup sizes, the shaping is different, so be sure to choose your proper cup size.

**NOTE: The waist measurements shown are the stretched measurements. The shirring will reduce the waist measurement by approximately 20-25", so that the final waist measurement is slightly smaller than the body measurement.

Fabric Requirements (yd)

MAIN FABRIC	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32
45" wide	4 1/8	4 1/8	4 1/8	4 1/8	4 1/8	6 3/8	6 3/8	6 3/8	6 3/8	6 3/8	6 3/8
55" wide	3 1/2	3 1/2	3 1/2	3 1/2	3 1/2	4 1/8	4 1/8	4 1/8	4 1/8	4 1/8	4 1/8

Interfacing: 1/4 yd of 45" wide interfacing for all sizes.

Jump to: Body Measurements Finished Garment Measurements Fabric Requirements

Body Measurements (cm)

	0	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16
High Bust	76	79	81	84	86	90	94	99	104
Full Bust, C/D Cup	84	86	89	91	94	98	102	107	112
Full Bust, E/F Cup	86	89	91	94	97	100	104	109	114
Full Bust, G/H Cup	89	91	94	97	99	103	107	112	117
Waist	64	66	69	71	74	77	81	86	91
Hip	89	91	94	97	99	103	107	112	117
Bicep	25	26	27	28	29	30	31	34	36

Finished Garment Measurements (cm)

	0	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16
Full Bust: C/D cup*	114	117	119	122	124	128	132	137	142
Full Bust: E/F cup*	114	117	119	122	124	128	132	137	142
Full Bust: G/H cup*	114	117	119	122	124	128	132	137	142
Waist**	115	117	120	122	125	128	132	137	142
Hip	160	163	165	168	170	174	178	183	188
Sleeve Opening	35	37	38	39	41	42	43	44	46
Back Length	114	114	115	116	116	117	117	118	119

*NOTE: Although the finished measurements of the bust are the same for all cup sizes, the shaping is different, so be sure to choose your proper cup size.

**NOTE: The waist measurements shown are the stretched measurements. The shirring will reduce the waist measurement by approximately 51 - 64 cm, so that the final waist measurement is slightly smaller than the body measurement.

Fabric Requirements (m)

MAIN FABRIC	0	2	4	6	8	10	12	14	16
115 cm wide	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.6	3.6	3.6	3.6
140 cm wide	3	3	3	3	3	3.1	3.1	3.1	3.1

Interfacing: 0.3 m of 115 cm wide interfacing for all sizes.

Jump to: Body Measurements Finished Garment Measurements Fabric Requirements

Body Measurements (cm)

	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32
High Bust	94	99	104	109	114	119	124	130	135	140	145
Full Bust, C/D Cup	102	107	112	117	122	127	132	137	142	147	152
Full Bust, E/F Cup	104	109	114	119	124	130	135	140	145	150	155
Full Bust, G/H Cup	107	112	117	122	127	132	137	142	147	152	157
Waist	81	86	91	97	102	107	112	117	122	127	132
Hip	107	112	117	122	127	132	137	142	147	152	157
Bicep	31	34	36	38	40	43	45	47	49	51	54

Finished Garment Measurements (cm)

	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32
Full Bust, C/D Cup*	132	137	142	147	152	157	163	168	173	178	183
Full Bust, E/F Cup*	132	137	142	147	152	157	163	168	173	178	183
Full Bust, G/H Cup*	132	137	142	147	152	157	163	168	173	178	183
Waist**	132	137	142	147	152	157	163	168	173	178	183
Hip	178	183	188	193	198	203	208	213	218	224	229
Sleeve Opening	41	42	43	44	46	47	48	50	51	52	53
Back length	117	118	119	119	120	121	121	122	123	123	124

*NOTE: Although the finished measurements of the bust are the same for all cup sizes, the shaping is different, so be sure to choose your proper cup size.

**NOTE: The waist measurements shown are the stretched measurements. The shirring will reduce the waist measurement by approximately 51 - 64 cm, so that the final waist measurement is slightly smaller than the body measurement.

Fabric Requirements (m)

MAIN FABRIC	12	14	16	18	20	22	24	26	28	30	32
115 cm wide	3.7	3.7	3.7	3.7	3.7	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.8	5.8
140 cm wide	3.2	3.2	3.2	3.2	3.2	3.7	3.7	3.7	3.7	3.7	3.7

Interfacing: 0.3 m of 115 cm wide interfacing for all sizes.

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Our patterns are designed for curves in cup sizes C-H. If your cup size is smaller proportionally to your shoulders than our C/D cup size, you will need to do a small bust adjustment. To calculate how much width you need to remove from your pattern piece, divide the total SBA amount needed by two (as the pattern piece represents half the garment). How to do an SBA >

Our patterns are designed for curves in cup sizes C-H. If your cup size is larger proportionally to your shoulders than our G/H cup size, you will need to do a full bust adjustment. To calculate how much width you need to add to your pattern piece, divide the total FBA amount needed by two (as the pattern piece represents half the garment). How to do an FBA >

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Frequently Asked Questions

Fronicia

An easy and very wearable dress to make. The shirring was a bit of a challenge to me but once I got the tension right it all turned out well.

Shirring isn't so bad

When I see a pattern that requires me to do something new, I sit on it a bit before I make it. I love that there's a sew-along to watch to help guide me through the new processes. This dress is not at all difficult, especially given that the sew-along takes you through all the steps. I made mine out of designer deadstock that looks surprisingly like the pattern image. I wore it mini-golfing recently in 93F degree weather and it was still comfortable to wear (airflow for the win!). As the pattern suggests, it does run a tad large, so don't bother making any pattern adjustments if you need a somewhat larger waist or hips.

Surprisingly beginner friendly, great video sewalong

When the Franconia pattern was released I immediately printed and cut the pattern and the fabric. And then life happened and here we are almost a year after the release. I still wanted to write a review because I absolutely LOVE this dress.

I've never shirred anything in my life. I have another sundress pattern and I just didn't make it because of the shirring. But with the written instructions and the video sewalong, I learned that it's actually fairly easy.

My Cashmerette size is easy. I'm a 20. When I make something fitting I grade a little between sizes but for the Franconia I felt no need to do so because the dress is so wide before shirring. And I just love the result! I opted for the fitted version with 9 lines of shirring and it's just wonderful. It looks fitted but feels so comfy!

This will definitely not be my last Franconia. Thanks for yet another great and unique plus size pattern.

This is now my "it" dress

I love wearing dresses for both ease and comfort, but due to some chronic health conditions, I have trouble with anything too fitted, especially around my middle. I'd discovered the super soft elastic for my waistbands (all the way around because flat fronts still manage to be overwhelmingly uncomfortable), but even those stretchy waistbands are too painful at times. This means I have been wearing a lot of tent-like clothes for a while. I love the way shirring feels, but it can be hard to find in ready to wear, and I didn't see a lot of patterns using it either. I was too intimidated to try to figure it out on my own. Then I found this dress, and it's pretty much the whole reason I joined the club. I mean, I'd been eying the other patterns as well (I will be making a bomber jacket for this fall), but this dress looked like it might manage to both provide the extreme comfort I need on a "bad" day AND give me a figure in the process.
Thanks to the fantastic instructions, I figured out the shirring fairly quickly and I even made some small pattern adjustments with a high degree of confidence. The test garment I made from an old sheet turned out well enough to wear around the house (I made a weird mistake that resulted in an "inside seam" outside on my shoulder, so I'm not wearing it out unless I can cover that up!), and I immediately made 2 more! It's the perfect dress. Now I'm just trying to decide how I can hack it to make even more and not have them all look exactly alike!
Thank you SO MUCH for creating a pattern that fits my life and my needs as well as my body!

Perfect hot day dress

I made my Franconia in a linen cotton blend. Its is very comfortable to wear and perfect for a hot day, were you want to look smart but not have clingy fabric sticking to you. If shirring is to tricky then I think an elasticised drawstring waistband wouldn't be hard to substitute. Mine is size 20 G/H.

Who knew??????

What a brilliant dress - who knew this style was to die for and suits me too.
Being a size 22GH I would never have thought a shirred waisted dress would suit me but........ being a club pattern it was free, I have loads of fabric in my stash, it's wet and windy here in the UK so..... why not give it a try?
I LOVE it, so comfortable and love the sleeves too.
I have quite a lot of button fronted dresses (thanks to the Hampden & Lennox :) ) so opted not to do the front placket.
I've been sewing nearly 50 years and first time ever doing shiring but the instructions and video where so helpful I don't know what I've been worried about all these years.

So Franconia number 1 in the wash again but numbers 2, 3 & 4 are about to be cut out and so excited to make.

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