A Twiggy-Inspired Above the Knee Dress Is Now Available as an Individual Pattern

Several of you have asked whether you could purchase individual patterns from our former Design Secrets collection. The answer is now yes!

Introducing the Royals & Rebels Designer Pattern Collection, featuring distinctive designs inspired by fashion icons and timeless style.

You can now purchase our Twiggy-Inspired Diamonds and Rust Above-the-Knee Pinafore Dress individually on Etsy, in an inclusive size range from 6–24X. Enjoy the clean lines of 1960s-inspired fashion, with a modern A-line silhouette designed to flatter a range of figures.

Featuring French dart shaping, a defined waist seam, a fully lined interior, and a centre-back zipper, this versatile jumper dress is ideal for layering over blouses, fine-knit turtlenecks, and fitted sweaters.

Love the Twiggy look? Now you can sew your own, in your size.

See the Offer on Etsy

💃 Why This Pattern Works

The Diamonds and Rust Mini Dress combines clean lines with thoughtful shaping.

• French darts shape the bust without bulky waist darts.

• A defined waist seam creates proportion and balance.

• An A-line skirt provides ease through the hips.

• Sleeveless construction makes layering easy.

• A fully lined interior gives the garment a clean, professional finish.

For cooler weather, consider wool melton, boiled wool, brushed wool, or suitable wool blends. The dress also works with a variety of other fabrics, depending on the look you want to achieve.

📏 Pattern Specs at a Glance

• Skill Level: Intermediate

• Silhouette: Shaped through the bust and waist, with an A-line skirt that falls above the knee

• Closure: Centre-back zipper

• Seam Allowance: 3/8 in (1 cm)

• Hem Allowance: 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm), depending on the finishing method

• Intended Height: 5 ft 5 in–5 ft 6 in (165–167 cm)

• Main Fabric: Light- to medium-weight coating fabrics, including wool melton, boiled wool, brushed wool, wool blends, cashmere coating, and medium- to heavier-weight wool flannel

• Lining Options: Acetate, polyester, or silk-cotton lining

• Needle: 80/12

• Thread: 40 wt polyester

• Zipper: YKK nylon closed zipper; check the pattern's size chart for the required length.

Fabric Requirements

For fabric 60 in (152 cm) wide:

• Sizes 6–14: Approximately 2¼ yd (2.06 m)

• Sizes 14X–24X: Approximately 2¾ yd (2.51 m)

Check the pattern's cutting instructions before purchasing fabric.

🧵 Thoughtful Structure, Wearable Shape

🪡 French Dart Contouring: Creates a smooth, shaped bust line.

👗 Defined Waist Seam: Adds structure and defines the silhouette.

🧥 Layer-Friendly Design: Wear it over sweaters, blouses, or fitted knits.

🔒 Center-Back Zipper: Provides a neat, practical closure.

🧵 Fully Lined Interior: Includes a clean neckline finish, bagged armholes, and professional hem options.

🪶 A-Line Movement: Offers comfortable ease without excessive fullness.

See the Offer on Etsy

✂ Construction Highlights

This pattern uses several techniques that benefit from careful preparation and pressing.

• Stay tape stabilises the armholes and neckline.

• French darts are pressed downward for smooth shaping.

• Waist-seam notches must be matched accurately.

• Armholes are finished using a bagging technique.

• The centre-back zipper is enclosed neatly between the main fabric and lining.

• The hem can be blind-stitched or bagged out.

Pressing tips:

• Press darts towards the centre back.

• Press the waist seam open.

• Clip the neckline carefully.

• Understitch the lining where required.

These details help create a clean finish both inside and outside the garment.

💃 Styling the Diamonds and Rust Jumper

This dress lives in the layering season.

🍂 Autumn Classic:
Charcoal wool jumper over a thin black turtleneck. Knee-high boots. Structured leather bag.

☕ Weekend Polished:
Brushed wool in camel layered over a cream blouse. Tights. Loafers.

🌲 Winter Heritage:
Deep forest wool flannel. Ribbed knit underneath. Tall boots. Long wool coat.

🖤 Modern Minimalist:
Solid black wool. Bare arms for evening. Gold hoops. Clean lines.

🍷 Soft Texture Play:
Try wool blend in rust or wine. Pair with soft ivory knit and suede boots.

🧠 Fit Notes

• Shaping comes from the French dart and waist seam.

• Hip circumference is measured approximately 7¾ in (19.7 cm) below the waist seam.

• The specified bust-shaping difference is 2 in (5.1 cm) for sizes 6–14 and 1 in (2.5 cm) for sizes 14X–24X.

🌸 A Thoughtful Note

The Diamonds and Rust Jumper Dress is designed for a carefully constructed, long-lasting wardrobe.

Choose your fabric, take time with the fitting and pressing, and finish the lining neatly for a garment you can wear season after season.

Ready to make your own Diamonds and Rust Jumper Dress?

See the Offer

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