PATTERN AND INSTRUCTIONS: The Scout Dress
Update 4/14/2023: The Scout Dress is now available in sizes 2-20 and 18-34 (A-H cups). We've updated the instructions to include cutting layouts for both directional prints and solids/non-directional prints.
Update 7/19/2021: Hey all, just wanted to let you know that we found a small error on the pattern. The Back Neck Facing is 5/8" too wide at the outer edge, so it did not match the front facing. This is an easy fix on your own, so no need to reprint if you've already printed the files. Simply shave off 5/8" at the outer edge of the back facing before seaming it to the front facing. The files are now updated if you have not printed it yet. Thanks for your understanding!
Meet the Scout Dress! This adorable 50's style shirtdress is the perfect addition to your wardrobe. The styling possibilities are endless: go for polka dots to lean into a vintage feel or make a cheerful floral number to brighten up every room you're in (after you've made your scouting uniform to match us, of course!) Plus, show off your merit badges in style with our fabulous Charm Scout Sash--a bonus project for you this month. And don't forget to check out our new Camp Gertie-themed Spoonflower prints! (We also have a new blog post telling you how to adapt the Scout Dress for a border print. Check it out here!)
Wondering about fabrics and supplies? Check out the written instructions at the bottom of this post for links and recommendations. You'll also 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 pdfplotting.com).
We hope you love the #ScoutDress!
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. Love our custom covered belts? Here's a tutorial on how to make your own.
Comments (193)
I have made this dress twice (so far), and am loving it. I plan to make several more. I thought perhaps others might like to know about a couple of variations I have made so far. And I would love to hear about other peoples’ variations! The first one I made was a butter yellow colour, and I added a blue bias strip along the front edge next to the buttonholes, and around the lapel and colour. I used blue buttons on the front and sleeves. I might add a blue strip along the top of the sleeve band, but this is going to take some thinking about. I also plan to make a blue dress with yellow. For the next one, I had some nice red floral fabric that I only had a metre of, so I used it for the bodice, collar and facings. Then I used a dark brown fabric for the skirt and sleeves. Red buttons on the brown and brown buttons on the red. I got ChatGPT to show me what it would look like before I made it, and I realised it needed a waistband to look more like a top and skirt. To make the waistband, I cut two lengths of the skirt fabric, the same length as the lower edge of the bodice (for me, size 20, this was 120cm). The width was the finished width plus two seam allowances (I did 10cm cut width). I also cut a piece of interfacing and applied it to one of the fabric pieces, then I basted the two layers of fabric WS together. Overlocked (serged) the short ends. I sewed the interfaced side of the waistband to the bottom of the bodice, RS together, then overlocked (serged) the seam. Then I marked on the waistband lower edge with pins where the seams on the bodice came to, and used these to help me to pin the skirt to the lower edge of the waistband, RS together. Sewed then overlocked the seam. Pressed both seams towards the waistband, and top stitched to hold in place (I chose a red thread to contrast with the brown fabric). The other thing I found was that the waistband really needs a button to look “finished”, but the folded-over waistband at that point is too thick for a nice-looking buttonhole. So I sewed a buttonhole through just one layer (before I did the other buttonholes, to make access easier), and didn’t cut it. Then I put just a button there, sewn over the centre of the non-functional buttonhole, and put a hook and bar below to hold the waistband closed. I hope this helps someone, and I would love to hear about other variations you have tried!
This is the first time I've seen bust dart markings like this, and it's not addressed in either the written instructions or the video. It's true that I've made plenty of bust darts in the past, but if I use the one that ends at the bust apex and follow it down to the waistline, it creates a dart that's much too big for my bodice front size. I don't understand what I'm supposed to do. I can take a ruler and just make a line that connects the dot at the top with the (probably) correct line going down to create a longer dart of more reasonable width. And I've seen questions about this in the comments of both the pattern and the video, and I've scrolled down looking for one that has been answered, but no luck. If it has ever been answered, it's buried so deep in the comments that I can't find it.
Hi! The waist darts are cut-out darts, and they are sewn a bit differently from regular darts. The short marked lines (that go to the circle at the tip of the dart) are the sew lines. You'll cut the dart out following the pattern piece edge, and this will take a "wedge" of fabric out of the dart. Pin those raw edges together to create the dart. Start sewing the dart at the waistline, and use your usual 5/8" (1.5 cm) seam allowance to sew the dart until you get to the marked sew lines that go to the circle. Then follow the marked lines and end your dart at the circle.
Question for Charm Patterns: I’m very confused by the waist dart on the Bodice Front, A cup, size 2-20 (Scout Dress). There is a higher dart with a dot for marking that does not go down to the waist seam, but is floating over the LOS lines, then a lower dart drawn under it that does go to the waist seam. I have not seen that before in any pattern. Are we to choose the one that best suits bodice length and apex location and sew that one? I am cutting out size 8. Is there something I am missing?
Is this pattern available for purchase in a printed version. I don't do well with piecing together pattern pieces for anything larger than doll clothes :-)
No, this pattern is only available as a PDF. But it's available as an A0-sized PDF, so you can work with ThePlottedPattern.com or PDFPlotting.com to have it printed for you.
I don’t understand how to sew the pockets together and to the skirt. 😅 I didn’t see it in the video and I’m a visual person so the written doesn’t help at the moment. Any tips?
Has anyone made a lined version? I have a beautiful rayon that i think would be a beautiful option but its quite sheer and would need a lining, I was hoping one of you lovely people might have some experience you could share?
My instinct would be to flatline your pieces (attach the rayon to your lining fabric and treat it as one piece of fabric) or alternatively, just make a sheer dress and wear a slip underneath! (That would be pretty historically accurate in terms of 40s/50s fashion!)
Thank you so so SO much for the expanded sizes! Can’t wait to see them for the Night and Day dress and the Liz Dress! 🧡
HOORAY for updated sizes!!
Hi, I'm searching for the tutorial on the covered belt but can't find it. Does anyone know where it is? Thanks!
Did you ever find it I am currently in the same boat
Is there a plus size version of this?
Just checking in to see If I have missed the size up grade?
Still waiting for it to be released in the curvy sizes :)
I joined for this pattern - disappointed it isn’t in the larger size.
Thanks so much for your messages! We don't yet have The Scout Dress available in the new range – all new patterns moving forward will come in the new range (in both our Patreon and Charm Patterns), but we are still going through our existing pattern archive and resizing. When a pattern becomes available in the new range, we'll post to our social media and email list, at which point those who have purchased the pattern can access it :) thanks so much for your patience as we take on this exciting project!
Thank you for all of your work on this. It's so very appreciated!
Any news on this pattern on the larger block yet?
Is there any tips on making a long sleeve variation to this dress?
I was wondering that! Let me know if you find out ;)
Me too Christie… I need between a 26-28. I’m trying to be patient but I see there are not any answers to this particular question??
Did the larger sizes come out yet? I really want to make this dress??
I’m just dying to make the scout dress, but I’m a size 30 and would have to do crazy alterations to make it work. Is there a ETA on when the larger sizes will be out?
Is there any ETA on when this will be released with the larger block? I'm dying to make it but would have to make a TON of alterations to get the bodice to fit me. :(
Not sure if anyone else noticed, but there are 9 buttons required for the sleeveless, not 8.
Hi Patreon Team Mates! I'm so excited to make the Scout Dress, I'm going to make a muslin first, but need some guidance on expanding the waist of size 18. I have a 49" waist, which is 7" more than the what's on the actual pattern. Normally I would grade the seam to expand to my needs but this is larger gap than I've worked with before. Any tips to help me? Also, I had no problems shortening the back bodice piece but was not as successful with the front bodice piece and the dart lines. They became too distorted for me to match up the darts. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. I've made some of Gertie's patterns for my friends, that are not on the plus side, but this is my first time making something for myself. I enjoy all of the patterns and videos!
OK friends... I'm dead I thought to myself DAMN I want this pattern.... here. It. Is YEEESSSSSSSSS
When I try to open the link to the blue border print on Spoonflower it says "Sorry! you do not have permission to view this page"
Hi, Rhonda. Fabric charts says 5 meter for the dress and 0,5 meter for the sleeves (for 150cm wide fabric). The interfacing is a layer you iron on (or sew on) to make certain parts stiffer. On the amount of fabric to buy: if it is a cheap fabric you can/want to make something else out of, buy the 7 meters. If it is expensive I would either make it from a muslin fabric first or I would cut out the pattern pieces and lay it on the ground (and measure it that way). Usually the required fabric measurements are pretty liberal (Gerties layouts are closer to what is needed, but with some compagnies I am left with 25 procent of fabric.
I will start with a 5 meter (cheap) cotton and I think that will be enough.
So this will be my first project, I would like to make sure how many meters of fabric I need. Do I add up what I need for yardage in all parts showing each part of the garment? So if I needed the 12-20 size I would purchase 7.3m? Thank you for your help in advance.
Happy 4th to all the USA people if you celebrate it!!!
Hey team! I sent you all a message, but i never received my June merit badge. Apparently, some people have been receiving multiples though! Do you know when I might expect my badge?
I sent one too, ain't got mine, i'm crying..honest i am!! :(
Lovely! A dress with buttons down the front. I struggle with dresses which zip up at the back or are just pulled over my head. I panic! I've had to alter so many patterns for that reason. This one is perfect.
Uau 😍✨amei!
I just want to say that I joined your Patreon last month and it exceeds all my expectations so far - very happy!
This pattern looks absolutely fabulous, just what I've been on the look-out for! I could also imagine using the dress pattern but combining it with other sleeves ("ordinary" short sleeves or 3/4 length sleeves ...). Maybe there will be some sleeve variations in the future? ;)
Love it so much!
Love, love, LOVE! Thank you, Gertie!! I'm excited to get busy and add to my wardrobe makes!
Awesome! I've been on the hunt for the perfect shirt dress for so long!
Omg this is so exciting!! I've wanted a button up "house dress" for forever <3
Very excited to make this dress! I tried to create something similar by combining two vintage patterns last year - one of which was a 4-H uniform pattern - with not so much success. This will let me live out that fantasy ;)
I know someone already bought the green twill fabric. The pink and green twill links aren’t working for me. Can anyone tell me where the fabric came from? Thank you!
So excited for this one 😍
Yay this is amazing. What kind of fabrics do you recommend we get the camp Gertie prints done on? And what fabrics did you use for the shoots? Love this
This is lovely! Finally a shirt dress that will fit me in the bust! I'm so excited to be able to make one that fits! (I'm not so good at FBAs)
OMG I love the fabrics you made. Any chance we can get some of that lovely prints? Can't wait to try out this pattern, printing as we speak! And the shoes, I can't look away... I totally have shoe envy.
Lovely pattern, and gorgeous border print! I can't wait to try this with one of my many Spoonflower border prints, it will just be a matter of deciding which one!
Thank you so much! Have been looking for the perfect shirtdress pattern for a long while.. and this is GORGEOUS! Love the slight puff on the sleeves and the fullness of the skirt! Dreaming of this dress in a ditsy floral for a deeper dive into Cottagecore amazingness 😍
The matching belts everyone is wearing, is that a part of the pattern too?
There's supposed to be a tutorial on the blog at some point today, I think.
What a marvelous pattern! You all look stunning 😍 Thank you for all your hard work so that we can create our own 😘
What would be the best fabric choice for a scarf from spoonflower? The pattern is gorgeous. I have some thrifted fabric which I am going to use 😍
I've been wanting a good shirt dress for quite some time! And that fabric! The custom belts!
I love it!!!
Wow it looks gorgeous xxx
Whose the fabric for the pink shirting by? The link seems to be broken for me.
Love this!
I absolutely adore this! All of you look so good in these dresses! Can't wait to make it with a circle skirt #B6094!
Yay! When I was in my teens, I wore my mums shirt dress for the longest time until it literally tore apart in the back, I've never been able to find a pattern close to it, this one is the closest I've seen. Thank you so much! I'm super excited for the belt tutorial!
Another amazing pattern! Thank you so much!
Omg 😍 I love this pattern so flattering and I love love love the Scout fantasy ❤❤❤
This dress is gorgeous, love the sleeve detail! Thank you!
I love it already!! This is the shirt dress pattern I’ve been looking for, I can’t wait to make one (or several) 😍
Wow!!! Amazing. Yay I’m so excited. I can’t quite get the fba correct on the shirt dress
What a wonderful dress!!!! I even love it bevor I sewed it!!!!!!
The dress of my dreams! Such a flattering cut and sleeeeeeeves 😍
I need the Charm Scout fabric!
Loving this months pattern!!!!
It's everything I ever dreamed of! The perfect dress <3
LOVE IT 💓💓💓💓💓. Thank you, Gertie!
Oh wow! This pattern is just wonderful!
I was wondering about the skirt for Melishas pink printed dress. It looks like a circle skirt option but that’s not in the line drawing. Can I ask what skirt this is?
Hi! It's the skirt in our pattern actually :) The only skirt that is different is the printed one that Gertie's wearing, which is a straight gathered skirt (since it's a border print and wanted to keep it continuous.)
Fantastic! Thanks Gertie x x x
Yay!!
I love this pattern so much!
The last picture is giving me life!! ❤️🔥
I recommend the new Spoonflower Lawn- it's dreamy!
Thanks for the suggestion! I've never ordered from them.
Yes!!! Love it!!!
So cute!!!
Love this soooo much!!
YES! YES! YES! All the things! All the fabrics!
Yes!!!! Thank you 💖💕💖
I love it! So excited to do this one:) Thank you!
I love it!!!
I love the charm fabric! ❤️🔥
I could just cry with tears of joy !!!! This is exactly the pattern I have been searching for !!
YES! YES! YES!!! ❤️
This!! This is the pattern I have been waiting for. ❤️
Ohhhh my goodness!!!!!’ 😍😍😍😍
Super excited and cannot wait to make this!!!
Okay, I am officially bowled over by all the incredible quality content the Charm Team has created for us this month (and EVERY month.) This totally makes up for last month’s pattern(s) not being for me, and then some. Cannot wait to make absolutely everything put out this month! 💖
This is fantastic!!!! Thank you! 😍
Hell YEAH!!! I was just trying to make a shirt dress that went terribly wrong...I cannot WAIT to make this! wooooo hoooo! ((just in time for Viva too!))
This is the dress of my dreams! I have some fabrics I think will look AMAZING in this pattern. ooooh.
Thank you so much, I needed this soooo much, love you charm guys so much
Ahhhhh!!!! It’s SO good! My Charm Scout senses are tingling telling me that a covered belt tutorial might be following soon! 😏
Ha! And now I see in the video post that Colin shows us how to do exactly that! Yay!
OMG, I’m dead ♥️. I just ordered some fabric. I’m in love 😍
Love it! Because pleats do not look good on me I am thinking of using the Night and Day dress skirt instead. Thank you Gertie and thank you Collin for the tutorial!❤️
IVE BEEN PRAYING FOR THIS DRESS! 🙌🙌🙌
ADORABLE!
Omg the fabrics are a fussy cut DREAM!
Oh fantastic! I'm so happy we'll know how to do the belt too I was wondering about that.
Absolutely love love love this dress!!
Squee! The excitement is real!
YAY!!! I was going to try to make the Presley Shirt into a shirt dress and so glad I can just use this instead!
OMG. Just when i thought that i love gerties blue dress i read that we can order it from spoonflower 😍😍😍😍😍 but. I need to sell one of my organs to order the needed amount of fabric … or maybe i can wait for christmas 🤶🏻 🎄
Literally my dream summer dress. So stoked on the belt tutorial 😍😍😍😍
I am soooooo excited! The dress is an absolute dream and I could not be more in love with the fabric! I screamed so loud that my daughters came running because they thought something was really wrong - lol. Thank you, Gertie! You knocked this one out of the park!
This is absolutely amazing, Miss. Gertie! I love it so much!! Stupid question, are you able to switch out buttons for a zipper front?
In looooooove with this!!!!!
OMG! have you already seen the scarves? I'm in love!
I was right in my guess!!! With the sneak picture it looks like the 4th model on the camp Gertie cover photo!!! Soooooo cute!
I totally love this. It’s going straight to the printers now❤️
Yay! I've been wanting a nice shirt dress! 😍
😻😻😻 I’m in LOVE with everything about this months pattern!!
Gorgeous!! What fabric are the pink dresses made from?
Oh my that's beautiful 🤩❤️!
Yayyyyy!! Can't wait!
I am so excited about this!!!!
😻😻😻😻😻😻
Omg!!! I can't wait to make this!!?
Omgoodness!!!! LOVE the print with the pink sky!!!
OH EM GEE !!!! Cannot wait to get started!
Beautiful but omg, where can I get that charm scout's fabric?!
Yay!!!! This is what I've been waiting for, so excited...and what about that charm scout fabric, amazing!
Oh I love it
I am in love! So excited for this pattern! Been refreshing my emails all day at work (I'm the UK) got over excited when I saw the email come through, then another excited noise when I saw the pattern!!
Squeee I LOVE it! 💖 can't wait to (try) and make this 😍
I love it so much
Love it! And love those sleeves... :-) So funny, every time I've gone in my stash one particular fabric keeps popping out at me and when I went to look at my fabric database to see what I have 5 metres o,f that's pretty much the only one that is the right fabric weight and length (hope I can squeeze the sleeves out of it too!) for this pattern! LOL
Love it!
Yaaaaaaay!
Eeeek this is so beautiful!! 😍😍😍
Ahhhh!!! That is so cute!!!
My local Charm Scouts guessed it was the shirt dress and I'm so excited - I've been eagerly awaiting this one since the sketches! 😍
Excellent :)
YEAH!!! Love this!!!!! I have just the fabric that's been waiting for this dress!! 😍
How gorgeous are these fabrics too! Really suit the pattern xx
This is amazing!
O H - H E L L - Y E S S !!!!!!! So damn great! And we have Scout Naty and Scout Suzie as well, how awesome! Cannot wait to make this one. 😍😍😍
ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!
It’s so beautiful! I can’t wait to make this dress! And see everyone’s hacks!
LOVE!!!! 😍😍😍
Yassss!! I’ve been waiting for this since it was first shown on the illustration! Sooo happy and excited! And omg the fabrics!!! That is SOO cute!!! You rock team Gertie! 💖
Aaaaa! I love this!!!
Naty is modeling!!
Yay! Love it!!
YES! Love this!!! Thank you Gertie 💕💕💕
oooooh love this! I already wonder if it is possible to mix and match other Gertie sleeves with this pattern? :D I was just thinking about I wanted to make a dress like this the other day!!
ps any news on a sash pattern 😅 xoxo
Absolute Lovely!😍
Yaaaaaaaas!!! I’m in love 😍😍
Those custom prints! 😍
Awesome sauce!!! Love everything about this. Especially the new fabrics.
You are amazing ladies! I love this and thanks for the extras 💕
Love it, Thanks!!
Yay!!!
OMG the fabric prints!!!
I yelled WHAT?! out loud upon seeing this! So excited! It's a beautiful dress!
Exactly what I was looking for 😍
The one of all 4 of you in pink is too cute. Can't wait to make this one!
Love it!
Girl, you DID NOT with the custom print!! Dying over here/in love!
Love the sleeveless version!
So cute!!
Adooorable!!!
I. LOVE. EVERY. STITCH. OF. THIS!!!!!!! 🤩🤩🤩
Yyyeeeessssssss!!!!!!!!
Omg that fabric!!!!! I love this. Thank you Gertie ❤️💚💙🧡💛💜🖤🤎🤍
HOW GERTIE?! I was just looking at my patch envelope after finally getting my mail and was just thinking that I wanted to make the dress!!! 💖💖💖💖
Super cute!!!!!!😍😍😍😍 Thank you for another amazing pattern!!!
Omg, yes! Absolutely love this!
I am in love ❤️ thank you Gertie!
🥰🥰🥰
Oh wow! This is such an amazing pattern!
Wowser! You are spoiling us. Love tjis! 😍😍
Ahhhhhhh charm Scout fabric!!!!!!
And omg the picture with all four of you in the uniforms!😍😍😍😍
It's perfect!! Thank you! Beautiful 😍
Already obsessed 🥰🥰🥰
Just this morning I was looking for a pattern just like this!!! Amazing!! Thank you!!
Yay a shirt dress. I’ve been looking for the perfect shirt dress.
Omgoodness so cute!
Yay!!!!!!
Omgggggg I’m freaking ouuuuut
cute!!