Pattern and Instructions: The Make Do and Mend Dress expansion
The Make Do and Mend Dress builds on the spirit of the original Make Do and Mend Overalls, transforming that same ingenuity and spirit into an equally hardworking and adorable dress.
Designed as an expansion pattern, it features practical A-line skirt pieces that can be swapped with the overall pants, allowing you to mix, match, and stretch your wardrobe with intention.
Whether worn on its own or paired with a blouse or top, the Make Do and Mend Dress offers comfort without sacrificing character. Like the overalls, it’s an example of how beautiful items of clothing can move seamlessly between work and home in your everyday life.
You will need the Make Do and Mend Overalls pattern to complete this project.
IMPORTANT: You'll find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like ThePlottedPattern.com). Please note that we have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about which size to sew, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
Don't forget to share your makes with the hashtags #makedoandmendoveralls and #charmpatterns!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (45)
This is PERFECT!!!! Thank you so much!
Love the make do dress expansion thank you
Best day ever 😍🙌🏻
I’ve been trying to figure this out on my own. What blouse is pictured here? Is it the Niagara bodice with elastic on the sleeves?
It's the Rita Blouse!
Seeing this in linen makes me want to give this a go. I can see this as a staple in my summer (too hot for pants) wardrobe.
Now this is for me, super excited to try this :) just in time to get it ready for my spring collection.
I was so excited about the overalls, but I"m even more excited about the dress! Cant wait to make both patterns!
I’m thrilled!!! Thank you, Gertie!!! I have Crohn’s Disease, so overalls aren’t really something I can wear. Like, ever. So, I’d looked at some different “make pants into a skirt” pattern alterations… but, really, in my heart of hearts, I just wanted *you* to make a dress pattern from the overalls. 🤪 Wish granted! Hopefully, it’s enough to inspire me to tidy up my cutting table and pull out the Levi’s denim I have been hoarding.
Oh, my giddy aunt, this is just what I wanted!
How cool xxx
As a person that’s the opposite of blessed in the booty department, I don’t believe in pants 😹 I was planning on hacking the overalls to a random skirt pattern, but now you’ve solved the problem, and it looks fantastic!
IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL I’M GONNA DIE! Thank you!!
I love this so much. I want to make this and a Rita blouse for summer now! Thank you!
I love this.
So delighted for the skirt expnsn! I was just going to wing it but yet again you get me! N love the Rita with it!
Oh, how adorable! I like the bowling bag pockets too! I have a purse pattern to match! I especially like the long bodice. Looks slimming even if my midriff grows in it!
This feels like the perfect summer outfit…
I love the dress version!!!! Now to order fabric!
I too can't wait. If only I didn't have a hundred other projects to finish. I may have to move this one up in the list. 😆 🤣
new fave pattern alert 🚨 it’s pretty, it’s casual, it’s comfy, it’s flattering, it’s vintage, it’s FORTIES, it’s versatile, it’s effortless, it’s darling!
I'm nearly finished with the overalls, guess I'll be moving on to the skirt next. I really, really love the Make Do and Mend pattern - thanks Charm!
I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!! This is literally the pinafore OF MY DREAMS. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m gonna make a dozen of them 😁🥰
Love it! 💖 And I also see myself making a skirt version using some elastic in a waistband, or a section of shirring.
My dream dress for real 😹♥️ I actually plan to make one from wool suiting
Yasssss!!! I was hoping for a dress expansion. 😍😍😍
Omg!!! Sooo cute! Thank you!!!
😍
Yessssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!! And it has pockets!!!!!!!!!
Amazing! Loving February's patterns so much x x x 💜
Hooray! Just what I wanted to make!!!
I love this so much! I lov overalls, but can't wear them because when I have to use the bathroom, it's an emergency and I can't afford to be stuck. This solves my problem!
NO WAY!!!! I've seen dresses lile these and wish there was a pattern out there and now there is!!!! Yay!!! 🎊
HOLY WHAT THE WHAT?! Gertie! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for the link to this A-MAZ-ING pattern printing service! I am too excited to even talk like a normal human right now! This is so freaking awesome on so many levels! I am getting so many patterns printed 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Yes! I can't wait to make this version!
This is perfection! ❤️
Perfect! The overalls are adorable and this is just next level! Love, love, love!
I freaking love a pini.
😍😍😍
I was just considering patterning my own skirt extension! Thank you for reading my mind!
Love, love, love this!!!!
Omg!!!! IM IN LOVE! Belated Vday present ♥️🤣♥️
Love it😍
Yasssssssssss! 💕 That is all.
Eeek. Not sure if I love the skirt version or the pant version more. Guess I need to make both.