The Mini Southport Dress

The Mini Southport Dress

07.31.18

SEWING

Handmade

In true mom form, I had the pattern all cut out and ready to go to sew myself my own Southport dress, and then decided to go ahead and make one for Caroline first. I’m not entirely sure what prompted me to change course so suddenly, but I think it had something to do with the notion of this fabric in my stash and this pattern together – it felt like a perfect pair, and it totally is!

To say we both love the final product is an understatement. Caroline has a lot of dresses we love, both handmade and ready to wear, but this one has shot to the top of her list of favorites. There is so much to love about this dress – the simple, relaxed silhouette, the waist tie, the button placket. I have no doubt that this pattern will be a workhorse for me going forward and I am already brainstorming which fabric I will sew it up in next. Have you made a mini Southport or Southport? What sort of fabric did you use?

Scroll down to see the full gallery of photos and read my notes on the pattern and construction.

My Notes

Fit

The fit was true to size for Caroline. She is seven years old but I most often buy her size 8. I sewed a size 8 and it fits nicely with a bit of room to grow.

Pattern

The pattern is very clear and combines lovely techniques for a beautiful finish. I loved the use of hidden bias tape to finish the neckline and armholes.

On that note, this bias tape tutorial by Made Everyday is SO helpful! I have been cutting and making bias tape for a while, but her method for how to cut the strips of fabric is genius and helps get so much bias tape out of what seems such a small piece of fabric.

Difficulty

Advanced beginner – not an ideal choice for a first sewing project, but maybe a good time to try out button holes, bias tape, and elastic if you haven’t already.

Mini Southport Dress - full view
Mini Southport Dress - back view
Mini Southport Dress - button placket
Mini Southport Dress - neck and armhole detail
Mini Southport Dress
Mini Southport Dress
Mini Southport Dress
01/07
Mini Southport Dress - full view
Mini Southport Dress - back view
Mini Southport Dress - button placket
Mini Southport Dress - neck and armhole detail
Mini Southport Dress
Mini Southport Dress
Mini Southport Dress
View as a List
  • Mini Southport Dress - full view
    Mini Southport Dress - full view
  • Mini Southport Dress - back view
    Mini Southport Dress - back view
  • Mini Southport Dress - button placket
    Mini Southport Dress - button placket
  • Mini Southport Dress - neck and armhole detail
    Mini Southport Dress - neck and armhole detail
  • Mini Southport Dress
    Mini Southport Dress
  • Mini Southport Dress
    Mini Southport Dress
  • Mini Southport Dress
    Mini Southport Dress
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