Girls Linen Flared Bell Sleeve Dress with Empire Waist

This pattern makes a flowing linen dress for girls, designed around long flared bell sleeves and a gathered empire waist that falls just under the bust. The skirt is softly gathered from the waist seam for easy movement, while a back zipper closure keeps the bodice neat and fitted at the shoulders. The result is a dress that feels dressy without being fussy, and comfortable enough for a child to wear all day.

Fine linen is the natural first choice, giving the sleeves their soft flare and the skirt its gentle drape. Linen blends, cotton lawn, chambray and viscose work in the same way, with lighter weights producing the most movement in the sleeves. Make it in a crisp solid for weddings, birthdays and family photographs, or in a small print for school events and spring and summer outings.

Sizes run from 2Y to 12Y (2Y, 3Y, 4Y, 5Y, 6Y, 7Y, 8Y, 10Y, 12Y). The pattern is a PDF for printing at home on US Letter paper, and it also includes an A0 file for printing at a copy shop. Each size is a separate file, so you print only the size you need.