Timeless fashion meets modern elegance in The Axel Shirt Dress Free Sewing Pattern!
The full-length, collared shirt dress is crafted from a sumptuous silk charmeuse, giving it a sleek and polished look. Simple, yet functional, the short sleeves and silk-covered buttons running down the front add extra charm to the look.
This free sewing pattern allows you to transform simple fabric into a high-fashion dress. A versatile piece that can be dressed up or down, making it ideal for a wide range of occasions. Bring this beautiful design to life and slip into a true showstopper with The Axel Shirt Dress!
Purchase Products Used Below:
- 5 yards of Double-Face Silk Charmeuse 36mm – Black
- 1 yard of Heavy Soft Woven Fusible Interlining Single Side – Black
- 10 each of Mood Exclusive Black Silk Covered Button – 20L/12.5mm
- 1 spool of Gutermann Sew All Thread 1000m – 10 Black
- MDF408 – The Axel Shirt Dress Sewing Pattern (Free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
Download Your Free Sewing Pattern
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Open the email and click the blue link to access the sewing pattern in a new tab.
How To Sew The Axel Shirt Dress Free Sewing Pattern:
Use a 1/2″ seam allowance for all seams unless otherwise specified.
Step 1
Pin and sew the 2 layers of the back yoke to the back pattern.
Step 2
Create the button plackets on the front patterns by folding the edge over and sewing in place.
Step 3
Cut a window out the front pattern to get the perfect pocket placement. Pin the pockets to both sides of the front patterns, then sew along the edges leaving the top open.
Step 4
Sew front and back together at the shoulder seams.
Step 5
Sew front and back together along the side seams.
Step 6
Close the sleeves by sewing the inseam.
Step 7
Finish the the sleeves by sewing a 3″ hem, then fold the bottom edge outward to reach the stitch line.
Step 8
Stitch-in-the-ditch by sewing a straight line through the inseam to keep the fold in place, then sew a small tack on the opposite side.
Step 9
Sew a basting stitch 1/4″ along the top of the sleeve cap, then slightly gather to ease the sleeve into the armscye.
Step 10
Set in the sleeve to the armhole with the inseams lined up, then sew all around.
Step 11
Carefully apply interfacing to the collar. Sew the 2 layers of the collar together along the sides and across the top, then turn right side out.
Step 12
Add interfacing to the collar band before sewing. Pin the top of the collar band along the bottom of the collar, then sew with the collar sandwiched in between.
Step 13
Sew one side of the collar band to the outside of the neckline.
Step 14
Fold the other side of the collar band over and sew along the inside of the neckline.
Step 15
Sew the 2 layers of the belt together, leaving one side open, then turn right side out.
Step 16
Fold the seam allowance inward and top stitch the end of the belt that was open.
Step 17
Thread a hand needle to sew the buttons 4″ apart on the left placket, then sew the buttonholes on the right placket.
The Axel Shirt Dress Free Sewing Pattern by Mood Fabrics
Feel free to share your completed shirt dress pattern on social media to inspire others and showcase your hard work!
Share this post with a friend (or two!), download The Axel Shirt Dress Free Sewing Pattern, and show us which fabrics and colors you choose, using the hashtags #MoodAxelPattern & #MadeWithMood.
Cette robe est magnifique, hâte de m’y mettre merci
Merci, nous l’apprécions
I’m confused, why do we cut 2 yoke pieces and sew them to the back as one piece….with a yoke you’re suppose to sew it so the seam doesn’t show…..
That is correct! A shirt yoke can be made of two layers of fabric, an inside and an outside yoke, to create a clean finish and conceal raw edges.
Very nice pattern, love to sew with polyester taffeta fabric
That’s nice to hear, it will look great in polyester taffeta!
Hi Mike,
What do you suggest for a bottom hem allowance?
Thanks much,
Susan
PS: This is a beautiful dress!
Hello, sew the bottom hem with a 1/4″ double folded hem, which adds up to the 1/2″ seam allowance.
Wow $500 dollars in fabric alone.
And that’s if you are a size small. For an XL which is my size, it’s $600. They must think we are all rich.
Hi Dee, the fabric in the “Shop This Look” widget is just the fabric that we used! You do not have to use this fabric for the pattern. There are a handful of alternate fabric recommendations in the blog post and of course, you can always use fabric that you already have at home for this pattern! Something I’ve been doing a lot recently is thrifting old tablecloths and vintage bed linens and cutting them up to make clothes. They turn out super fun and unique. Show us what fabric you end up using for this pattern by tagging us on socials with the hashtag #MadeWithMood.
Love your patterns. Sewing on my pile of fabric I purchased at your New York store. The last two times I visited. Looking forward to another fabric binge on my next visit. Carolyn
Could this pattern be made in Denim? I think it would look fabulous!
Yes, this pattern can also work well with denim.
This is a really lovely pattern to make. It’s just kind of all the easy parts of sewing and none of the frustrating parts. I encased the raw edges (I sandwiched the back in the yoke and also did French seams all around) and I think it makes for a nicer finished product. Also, I hand sewed the inside of the collar band. And the buttonholes but that’s because I haven’t figured out how to use the foot that came with my new machine yet.
Anyways, good pattern, gonna make a billion more.
French seams are the best! This pattern is just all-around perfect, and we are glad that you love it. 🙂 Happy sewing!
For planning purposes, can you state how much 54″ fabric is required?
Hello, 4 yards of fabric with 54″ width.
Unable to download this pattern
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.
Hola!! Quería saber si los patrones tienen margen de costura incluído.micjas gracias
Si, todos nuestros patrones vienen con media pulgada de margen de costura.
Beautiful dress pattern! I entered my name and email as I usually do to download on this site, but the pattern isn’t showing up in my inbox. Could you help me, please? I’m eager to make this!
Hello, please email info@moodfabrics.com for any issues with pattern downloads.
I do not receive an email with the link to download pattern. I have submitted three times
Hello, please email info@moodfabrics.com for any issues with pattern downloads.
Hello,
I can’t download the pattern.
Hello, please email info@moodfabrics.com for any issues with pattern downloads.
Hi, it’s such a beautiful pattern. Could one use 100% cotton fabric?
Yes, 100% cotton will also work well for this pattern.
looks beautiful, looking forward to reciewing the pattern, thank you very much!
You’re very welcome, we hope you continue to enjoy our free sewing patterns!
Hello Mike,
This is a beautiful pattern! And it’s free!! Thank you.
I sewed this up in 3 yards of 52 inch wide navy linen blend from my fabric stash. I shortened it to a long midi. Since I only had 3 yards I made a center back seam below the yoke for the dress back, and a center back seam on the inside yoke.
I also adjusted the Axel sleeve ends to accommodate your Bristol shirt cuff, because I absolutely adore that shirt!
I had almost zero fabric left, so I was not able to make the tie belt. However, it’s a lovely dress without a belt, or with one of my own belts.
Again, thank you, Mike,
Susan
Hi Susan, that is so nice to hear! I am glad that you have enjoyed making this free sewing pattern, and I am inspired by your process in making your own adjustments. Keep up the hard work and I hope you continue to like the free patterns at Mood Fabrics! Happy sewing 🙂
Lovely pattern, Mike. What is the recommended amount of ease?
Hi there, thank you! The Axel Shirt Dress pattern includes about 3″ of ease at the bust and 2″ at the waist. If you prefer a similar fit, you can use the pattern as is. Otherwise, you can adjust based on these measurements to achieve your desired fit. The size charts compare body measurements to finished garment measurements, showing the ease for each size.
Are there finished measurements showing ease for around the hips? I looked on the pattern and the page but am not seeing it. Thanks!
Hello, the finished measurements for this garment have a 10 inch ease around the waist.
Hello Mike, could you tell me for what stature is this sewing pattern ? I’m 5’11 tall so I probably need to make some adjustements… Thank you, Murielle from France
Hello there, the model is 5’10”. At 5’11” tall, you will likely not need to make adjustments based on height. Happy Sewing!
how do you not download all the sizes? Most PDF patterns have a way to not print all the sizes. Am I able to do that with this pattern?
Thanks.
Hello, in order for our patterns to remain free, they must be printed in A4 and letter sizes.
The only reference to yardage I can find is 5yards of fabric and 1 yard of interfacing. No mention of width. Can’t imagine this is the correct yardage for all Ives from 00 to 32. Is the actual amount in the download?
Hello, the fabric used for this project was 44″ in width, while the yardage requirement varies within 5 yards for sizes S-M and 6 yards for sizes L-XL.
Hi! I am very confused. The collar seems to be a few inches short lining up with the dress. Do you have any advice? Are you supposed to gather it to fit inside the collar?
We suggest to measure the neckline of the dress and compare to the length of the collar band. If needed, use pattern paper to add the length to the collar band pattern to match up with the neckline.
Mike,
This is the shirtwaist pattern I have been hoping to find. Thank you.
It is both flattering and an efficient sew. It will be a pattern I reach for every time I have a destination to plan for.
That’s absolutely wonderful to hear! We’re thrilled the Axel Shirt Dress is exactly what you’ve been hoping to find, and that you consider it both flattering and an efficient sew. Knowing it will be your go-to pattern for future travels makes us so happy! Happy sewing!
Bonjour, Je trouve ce patron canon !! Merci
We’re so glad you love the pattern! Thanks for your kind words! ✨ Nous sommes ravis que vous aimiez le patron ! Merci pour vos gentils mots !
I do love your patterns. It there a way to print them on a large format printer?
Hi! Thank you for your interest! At the moment, our patterns are only available in A4/Letter size, but we’ve noted your request for a larger format as we’re always exploring updates. Can’t wait to see what you create! ✨
This is a fantastic pattern! I’ve made four of these so far, and am getting ready to start #5. (Mine are all in light cotton, for summer, and sleeveless.)
I *love* shirtdresses, and have a couple go-to shirtdress patterns with princess seams, but this one is more casual, with a bit more ease–with princess seams the ease can just look sloppy or too big, but it’s perfect in this pattern!
I omitted the chest pockets and added in-seam hidden pockets at the hip; omitted the sleeves, as I mentioned (summer in TX are hot, y’all!), and shortened it considerably, as I’m not even 5’1–my total shoulder-to-hem length is about 34 inches. I also added a couple of small beltloops to keep the sash or belt in place (I occasionally add a regular bucked leather belt to this one, if the mood strikes me), as otherwise it can ride up a bit on my short-waisted self.
The whole thing comes together in about a day, and works for everything from appointments to walking the dog (at least, it does in a casual cotton). So flattering and comfy! Now I’m working on matching shorts to go underneath, just for fun.
Skill Level required for this pattern, please?
Hi Dee, this is an intermediate pattern.
Hello. If I wanted to convert to a zipper, would that be very difficult? Would I still need button placket?
Thank you
This is not a stupid question at all! I don’t think it would be super difficult, as long as you have a zipper that’s long enough to open the dress wide enough to fit over the chest and shoulders. If using a zipper a zipper than can separate on the bottom, you would need one that is as long as the front opening of the dress. If using a zipper that stays closed on the bottom, you would have to insert the zipper into the front on both sides, then sew the seam under the zipper shut, similarly to inserting an invisible zipper into the back of a dress.