Pattern and Instructions: The Princess Coatdress
The Princess Coatdress is one of those magical garments that refuses to be put in a single category. Is it a dress? Is it a coat? The answer is a very glamorous "yes."
Inspired by the elegant princess-line coatdresses of the 1950s, this design uses Charm’s Princess Coat as the base pattern to create an elegant, multi-use garment with a deep-V neckline, pleated skirt, and optional belt and collar. This is an expansion pattern for the Charm Princess Coat, so you will need that pattern to be able to complete this project.
The real joy of the Princess Coatdress is that it can be whatever you need it to be. Sew it in a colorful cotton print or chambray for a practical house dress worthy of the most stylish homemaker, or indulge yourself by making it in satin or brocade for an elegant coatdress fit for luncheons, holidays, or an evening at the theater. You can even make it as a tailored coat using a lovely wool melton or suiting!
Pay very close attention to the notes about sizing and fit, and then be sure to share what you make with me. I can’t wait to see your combinations!
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 #princesscoatdress and #charmpatterns!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (52)
"The Coatdress sleeve is not interchangeable with the Princess Coat bodice; it is designed to be used with the Coatdress only." - this makes sense, but wanted to ask - can you use the Princess Coat sleeves on the Coatdress pattern? (LOVE the lantern sleeves and planning to make the coatdress as a coat. THANKS
Ok hear me out, this is gorgeous, but with Halloween around the bend…I wondered could this help create the Titanic Rose’s ship boarding outfit???
Just when I was thinking oh, i don't have the Princess Coat pattern, I saw someone comment that we get it for free! I am now excited! Always wanted it! There are many expansion patterns for the coat like the hood and Rose dressinggown. Can't wait to try them! This dress is so beautiful!
This is gorgeous but I’m completely confused about the sizing. The finished measurements in the coat dress instructions seem to suggest I should pick my normal size for 3” ease at bust (20fg in plus) because if I go down a size as instructed according to the size chart I’d only have 1” of ease at the bust.
Hi Vivienne, 3 inches of ease is a bit more than we usually include for a closely fitted garment like a dress, so that is why we suggest sewists consider going down a size. Of course, if you prefer a bit more ease (or if you're planning on wearing this as outerwear), you can sew your typical size!
I can't wait to make this, and I love that blue fabric!
I’m very excited about this dress.
I want this on my body IMMEDIATELY. One in every. Single. Jewel tone. 💖
This dress is everything I hoped it would be. Fabulous!
Loooooove
You dropping this just after I went to the Queen Elizabeth Fashion Exhibition.
I've got tickets for this in November. Is it good?
Gorgeous! But... to where does one wear a coat dress? To an outdoors event??
Do you wear another dress underneath??
Wow...this has holiday fabulousness written all over it! Gorgeous. 🌹
I love coat dresses. I’m psyched. Thank you.
So happy to get a new expansion for the princess coat !!! I love this pattern !! Is the pattern for the 15th, that can be made from scraps of fabric from the dress, that clutch Suzie is showing off 😃?
You'll find out soon!
Wahoooo! I just popped the expanded size block in my cart to purchase when I saw this! Thank you! (I have the paper pattern in the OG size range, but never found the energy to adjust for my size. 😅)
*wild muppet flailing* I'm so excited! When did the Princess Coat get the expanded body block??? *MORE FLAILING*
This is lovely but even though I do own the Princess Coat pattern a) I don't feel great about it requiring people paying for Patreon to buy it in order to have anything useful this month and b) this feels like a pattern hack I can do myself. Appreciate that might not be the same for everyone but this month doesn't feel like the usual value to me.
Imogen, you may not be aware, but all patrons received a copy of the Princess Coat pattern earlier today. https://www.patreon.com/gertiesworld/posts/surprise-charm-168294388
This is just so yummy of a look
This is beautiful! I have a maybe stupid question, but what is the difference between this and the princess coat? I can’t quite tell! Thank you 😊
Hi Crystal! Some of the pattern pieces are changed to offer a closer fit since this isn't meant to be worn as outerwear (which is also why we suggest taking a second look at the size chart for the pattern), and there are new styling options like the collar, the shorter sleeve, and the sash to make this look more like a vintage coat dress than outerwear. Hope that helps!
Immediately yes! I love a coat dress. A million thanks to the charm team
OOOOOH! Love this. The red version is fabulous!
Is Suzie's clutch going to be s bonus pattern?
The instructions say Suzie is carrying the "Charm Envelope Clutch", which definitely sounds like an upcoming pattern!
LOVING THIS!!!
That’s gorgeous!! I think it might be my favourite so far this year!! 😍
This is EVERYTHING I’ve ever wanted since the original Princess Coat pattern came out! Can’t wait to make this one.
I'm so happy I can barely breathe 🥰🤯😍🥰🤯😍🤩
I'm very excited about this and never thought to make the princess coat as a dress! The princess coat has a lot of ease since it's designed to go over clothes... If we wanted to make this dress, would we just size down or remove inches from the waist? What would you recommend?
We address this in the Coatdress Instructions. For a dress, you'll likely want to size down one size, but be sure to make a muslin first!
Awesome! I also love the coat dress in the ultimate book for better sewing… and I really love the ‘robe-manteau’ style ❤️
Oooo.... I love 🤩
Love this!
This is wonderful!!!!!
Oh wow, I wanted to redraft princess coat with this exact style of collar just a month ago! Honestly, great job at reading minds! 😂
oh my, this is so fabulous
Love this!!!
gorgeous
Love this!!
OMG I’ve been dreaming about this!! And I had already planned to wing a hack for my wedding coat. Now I have this to help me, wonderful !!
This is fabulous! Thank you!
Ok I love this.. but is it a coat or a dress? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😍😍😍
Both? Both. 😅
Ohhhh this is lovely!
100% winner, this is completely my style. Best release of the year by far.
Oh my gosh SO BEAUTIFUL 😍😍😍
it's so Beautiful like OMG