Girls V-Neck Linen Dress with Empire Waist

This pattern makes a girls dress with a soft V-neckline, a gathered empire waist and a relaxed, easy-moving skirt. The raised waist seam sits above the natural waistline, so the skirt falls freely without pulling, giving the dress a romantic look that still feels comfortable for everyday wear and play. The cut suits children who dislike fitted clothing but still want something dressy.

Linen is the natural choice here, from lightweight handkerchief weights to mid-weight linen blends that hold a gentle drape at the gathers. Cotton lawn, chambray and double gauze also work well if a softer hand is preferred. Make it in a pale shade for summer holidays, family celebrations and photographs, or in a deeper colour layered over a long-sleeved top for cooler months.

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.