Girls Long Sleeve Midi Dress with Empire Waist

This pattern makes a classic midi dress for girls, with long sleeves, a defined empire waist and a soft, flowing skirt. The raised waist seam sits high above the natural waist, letting the skirt fall freely for easy movement, while the long sleeves give the dress a tidy, finished look. It is an elegant everyday piece that works just as well for family gatherings, school photos and celebrations as it does for ordinary afternoons.

Lightweight to medium-weight fabrics with good drape suit this silhouette best, since the skirt relies on movement rather than structure. Viscose, rayon challis, double gauze, soft cotton lawn or a fine ponte all give the gathered skirt a graceful fall. With its long sleeves and midi length, the dress is well suited to transitional seasons, worn on its own in mild weather or layered over tights and a cardigan once the air turns cooler.

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.