Refresh your wardrobe as the spring blossoms into summer with The Lanai Handkerchief Dress Free Sewing Pattern!
Designed to keep you cool and comfortable, this dress radiates with energy and personality. The Cotton Voile perfectly complements the essence of the handkerchief dress with a vibrant echo.
As we eagerly embrace the sunnier days of the year, our closets look for a touch of brightness and ease. Don’t let its stylish appearance be intimidating, this dress is a beginner-friendly sewing project for sewists of all skill levels. Elevate your style today and make an outstanding piece for those sun-soaked adventures with The Lanai Handkerchief Dress!
Purchase Products Used Below:
- 4 panels of Mood Exclusive Pink Laputa’s Groundkeeper Cotton Voile
- 1 yard of Mood Exclusive Farley Persimmon Cotton Voile
- 1 spool of 375 Light Coral 100m Gutermann Sew All Thread
- MDF378 – The Lanai Handkerchief Dress Sewing Pattern (Free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
How To Sew The Lanai Handkerchief Dress Free Sewing Pattern
Step 1
Pin the two layers of the main fabric, right sides together, then sew center front and center back with 1/2″ SA.
Step 2
Pin the two layers of the lining fabric, right sides together, then sew center front and center back with 1/2″ SA.
Step 3
Create the shoulder straps by folding it over, right sides together, and sew with 1/4″ Seam Allowance. Use a loop turner or a safety pin to turn the strap outward.
Repeat this step for the drawstring measuring 60″ long. Use a hand needle to sew the ends closed for each strap as well as the drawstring.
Step 4
With right sides facing each other, pin the lining to the main fabric at the neckline. Leave 2 small openings, 1 on each side of the back, where the notches are located for the drawstring casing.
Step 5
Pin the shoulder straps to the top front corners, sandwiched facing in between the main fabric and the lining fabric, then sew the two layers together along the neckline with 1/2″ seam allowance.
Step 6
Under stitch the lining fabric to the lining seam allowance as close as possible to the seam. Turn to the outside and press for a crisp finish.
Step 7
Tie the drawstring over the dress to demonstrate where the casing will go. Use pins or tailor’s chalk to create a path indicating where you will sew the casing.
Step 8
Start on one side of the back notch for the drawstring casing, then sew across the top following the path to the other side of the back notch. Sew 2 rows of stitches running parallel, 1 inch apart from each other.
Step 9
Use a safety pin to get the drawstring through one side of the casing and back out the other side.
Step 10
Roll the bottom edge of the lining fabric, 1/4″ twice, and sew to create a rolled hem.
Step 11
Roll the bottom edge of the main fabric, 1/4″ twice, and sew to create a rolled hem.
Congratulations on completing your Lanai Handkerchief Dress! We hope you’ve enjoyed this sewing process as much as we have. Whether you’re basking in the sun at the beach, or enjoying a laid-back picnic in the park, this dress is sure to stand out in so many different fabrics. So, don’t be afraid to show off your bright side by using colorful solids and loud prints this spring/summer!
Share this post with a friend (or two!), download the The Lanai Handkerchief Dress Free Sewing Pattern, and show us which fabrics and colors you choose, using the hashtags #MoodLanaiPattern & #MadeWithMood.
I am old time sewer and unable to use a downloaded pattern. Is there a way of getting a paper copy?
Hello, Please enter your name and email address in the download box when you scroll down the post to where it says “Subscribe to download”. You will receive the free sewing pattern to your email.
What is the amount of fabric you’d need for the dress if you’re not using the panels? The listing for the fabric is unclear, as it says the pattern repeats around 23-24 inches at a time, but the width is 54. So how many yards of the exterior fabric is needed to make this dress?
Hello, you would need 2 yards for sizes 0-14 and 3 yards for sizes 16-32.
This is the ideal dress for vacations or just to laze around at home. Thank you for sharing another awesome pattern, I cannot wait to make it. It is heading for winter on our side here in South Africa so this one has to wait until end August before i make it. God bless you.
This looks so summery and really lovely!
I’m just about to make it, however, I can’t see anywhere in the instructions or the size chart the length and width to cut out the shoulder straps. Additionally , the drawstring is to be cut 60” long, how twice should it be cut?
Thank you
Hi Alison, I just checked out the instructions and the picture in step 3 looks like the final width of the strap is about 1/2 inch. This means that you should cut a strip that is 1.5 inches wide, fold it in half, and sew with 1/4 inch seam allowance so that when you flip it right sides out, it is 1/2 inch wide.
If you do not use panels please advise the dimensions of each panel so we can use from our stash.
Hello, you would need 2 yards for sizes 0-14 and 3 yards for sizes 16-32.
Hi! Such a gorgeous pattern! I’m wondering how many yards of fabric (both self and lining) is needed to make this dress? Thanks!
2 yards of each
This is very helpful thank you
Correction: (stupid autocorrect). I am novelist SEWIST. When I pin the fabric together and sew the center front and center back, how long is this line? I am not understanding the pattern instructions (please no judgment).
This is a lovely pattern! I’m new to sewing and I was just wondering how I would estimate how much fabric to buy to complete the pattern?
Hello, you can use the “shop this look” box on the right side to estimate how much fabric will be needed for each size!
How much fabric would you need if you were not using the panels??
Hello, you would need 2 yards for sizes 0-14 and 3 yards for sizes 16-32.
How much fabric in yards do you think I would need if I don’t use the panels and use other fabric instead? Thanks!
Hello, you would need 2 yards for sizes 0-14 and 3 yards for sizes 16-32.
i like that pattern how long does it takes until it is finished?
The fabric description says it is sold by the panel
and each panel Is approximately 23”.
So, how many panels are needed for this handkerchief dress
using the panels? A bit confusing. Thank you!
Hi Jacqueline! We used 4 panels for sewing a size small Lanai Handkerchief Dress. ✨
Thanks!!