The Boundless Knit Dress by Patterns for Pirates

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Hi, it’s Marnie from Horris and Deedle reviewing The Boundless Knit Dress from Pattern For Pirates. I just want to start by saying - Judy Hale, what a deadset legend she is when it comes to drafting patterns that actually fit women’s bodies. After spending all winter in variations on her Women’s Raglan, I expected big things of this dress, and it has not left me disappointed at all.

The Boundless Dress is a simple to sew knit dress pattern that includes the following options:

*Short sleeves, long sleeves, 3/4 length sleeves and sleeveless

*Four different lengths - mini, knee length, tea length and maxi

*Two different bodice/skirt placement options - empire or waist

*Optional Pockets

It’s got options to suit every body type out there and the size range is huge - XXS through to 3X. It represents great value for money, without being too confusing with options.  Skirt measurements are included with the pattern which saves time and cost on printing pattern pages. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and an advanced beginner could tackle this and create a fabulous dress. Oh and all you pregnant ladies - the Empire waist makes for a perfect maternity dress too!

I made two different dresses - both with waist seams instead of empire, and both with short sleeves. My first one I used a cotton lycra knit and did a knee length dress. It’s not quite knee length on me, but that is more about my figure and less about the pattern. I really love this dress, it’s simple and comfortable and will be so easy to wash and wear now that it is warming up here.

My second version I made a maxi length out of a viscose/lycra jersey. Jersey with viscose tends to drape beautifully  and given that this is a European jersey, I knew the quality would be great and that it would make a perfect maxi. I raised the neckline on the back piece of this dress - I actually really like the look of the low neckline, but I burn so easily and the sun is so strong here that I prefer to keep my back covered.  This is a very simple alteration that anyone could do. I also added a neckband to finish the neckline rather than self lining the bodice.

Overall, this pattern is a real winner for me - it’s a very flattering design that would suit pretty much every body type. The most important part of the pattern is to get that seam where the top and the skirt join in the right place for your body. If you are choosing the waist option, this needs to be right on your waist - any lower and you will start to look a little less fabulous and a little more frumpy, and you may need to make a muslin first to get this length right for your figure.  The Boundless  Knit Dress is also perfect for whichever side of the world you live on - if you are headed into the warmer months like me, try a short sleeved version or a tank top version. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, add some length to your sleeves and layer it with the Pattern for Pirates Peg Legs and Grandpa Cardi for a stylish Autumn (Fall) option. I’ve certainly added this little beauty to my list of “go to” patterns and Judy Hale - I love your work!! Thanks for reading along,

Marnie