Oporto Smock Dress — Lulú Ferris

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This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

The Oporto is a loose smock dress that widens toward the hem. Choose an above-the-knee version with three gathered tiers or an ankle-length version with five tiers.

The pattern includes short sleeves with small ruffles. You can omit the ruffles or make a sleeveless version for a cleaner finish.

Its roomy shape does not fit closely through the body, allowing easy movement and space for a growing belly.

What you’ll learn in this class

Stabilize the neckline, shoulders, armscyes, and sleeve caps.
Finish the neckline with bias-cut binding.
Ease the sleeve caps into their armscyes.
Make, gather, and attach optional sleeve ruffles.
Distribute gathers evenly across the dress tiers.
Align tier centers and side seams.

Fabric and materials

Lightweight, drapey fabrics suit the gathered shape. The samples use floral viscose, lightweight polyester Tecnosilk, and embroidered muslin.

Woven or knit fabric can be used. For knits, the class suggests lightweight viscose jersey or modal and recommends the short version because a long knit dress may become heavy.

Make it your own

Use three tiers for the short dress or five for the long dress, and add more if desired. Make every tier alike or combine different colors.

Keep the sleeve ruffle, finish the sleeve with a simple hem, or omit the sleeves and bind the armscyes.

Sizing and fit

The pattern covers paired sizes 34/36 through 54/56. The chart spans busts of 82–130 cm, waists of 66–114 cm, and hips of 78–126 cm.

The dress is intentionally roomy. If you fall between sizes, the class recommends the smaller size unless you want a more oversized result.

The class includes the downloadable Oporto dress pattern.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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