Author, Marjorie Vaudreuil: Sewing Pattern Secrets, Design Secrets and TheSewingBrew

There’s something magical about sewing a holiday dress for a child—the ritual, the fabric choices, the anticipation of seeing her light up the moment she puts it on. It’s more than a garment… it’s a chapter in her story.

Sewing Pattern Secrets’ Girl’s Holly-Annah Holiday Heirloom Dress captures that feeling perfectly. This is the kind of pattern that makes you want to pull out your best fabrics, cue the Christmas playlist, and settle into the joy of creating something beautiful.

Think vintage-inspired charm blended with modern comfort: a clean, classic bodice, a soft twirl-ready skirt, and a signature oversized bow that gives the design its unforgettable silhouette. It’s the kind of dress you see in boutique holiday style books—the ones that always feel elegant, timeless, and impossibly sweet.

Perfect for Christmas gatherings, winter portraits, holiday concerts, and every festive moment in between, this design takes center stage no matter the fabric you choose: velvets, taffetas, brocades, holiday cottons, satins, or even understated woven blends with a hint of shimmer.

And the best part? You get that high-end designer finish without complicated steps.

This pattern was designed for real sewists—women who love to create, who want polished details, and who appreciate when a project feels special from the very first seam.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• A fully lined bodice for structure and comfort

• A classic silhouette that flatters and twirls beautifully

• An oversized bow feature for that boutique “wow” factor

• Clean construction methods that elevate the finish

• A timeless fit that works across seasons and traditions

Whether this dress becomes her Christmas Eve outfit, the one she wears in family portraits, or the piece she insists on twirling in every time she passes a mirror, it’s destined to be remembered.

Because that’s what an heirloom dress does.
It doesn’t just outfit a moment — it imprints one.

And when you’re the one who made it?
That’s the real magic. ✨🎀

[Members Download the Pattern Now] 💼

Holly-Annah Dress Pattern (Sizes 5-12)

Our Holly-Annah children’s dress is an excellent project for Intermediate-Advanced Sewists, this dress is great for working with woven fabrics with up to 3% elastane.  Use blends of linen/silk, cotton/silk or cotton/poly types. Intermediates should not work in satins and silks.

See the article on working with Satins

Advanced sewists could use silks, satins, crepes, taffeta, linens or eyelet.

Pattern Features

• Lined Bodice

• Burrito Roll Construction

• Princess Seams/Panels

• Ribbon Bow with Tails (no belt) Attach with hook and eye or velcro, if desired.

• Skirt Overlay

• Gathered Waist

15″ Back Invisible Zipper

Please read below for more detailed information about this pattern.

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Shop the Trend: Mary Jane Shoes

Classic Sweetness: Timeless Mary Janes! 🎀👧

Mary Jane shoes are timeless, adding the perfect touch of charm to any outfit. These adorable Mary Janes are just the thing to complete our Girl's Holly-Annah Special Occasion Dress—a festive design that brings joyful elegance to every gathering.

Whether she’s attending a holiday party, family photos, or a special event, this pairing is sure to make her look unforgettable while keeping her comfortable and stylish.

Ready to Get Started?

For our paid members, you can download the Holly-Annah pattern right now from your library. We can’t wait to see your creations!

[Click here] to unlock the Holly-Annah Dress and start sewing today!

Don’t have the Sewing Database Yet? We offer a database of over 160 sewing patterns, instructions, 50+ supporting sewing tutorials, 5 ebooks, 1 Flashcard System and 2 planners. Learn More

Holly-Annah Dress Fabric and Notions Requirements

Fabric: Mid-Weight Wovens with none, or up to 3% elastane

Silk, Linens, Cottons or Blends Silk/Linen, Silk/Cotton, Poly/Cotton

Advanced Sewists may like to try silks and satins on the bias. For that, you may need to add up to 2X the fabric requirement.

See the information on working with satins.

Notions:

15” Closed Invisible Zipper

(See our comprehensive blog article on interfacing)

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