Rio Nursing Dress, Sweatshirt, or Sweater
In this class, we’ll sew a nursing dress. You can also make the sweater version, with or without a hood—it’s practical and comfortable. Patterns included!
Project preview
This video is for members
Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.
What you’ll make
Sew the Rio as an above-the-knee nursing dress, a sweatshirt or a lighter sweater-style top.
Every version has an overlapping front. Lift the upper panel for nursing access while the lower front remains in place.
The pattern includes the full dress length and a marked cutting line for the shorter sweatshirt version.
What you’ll learn in this class
- Choose and cut a knit with suitable stretch.
- Read fold lines and transfer matching notches.
- Construct the overlapping nursing front.
- Match the sleeves to the front and back.
- Sew stretch seams by machine or serger.
- Distribute stretch through cuffs and a lower band.
- Attach either a hood or neckband.
Suitable fabrics
Use a knit with some elasticity. Options shown include brushed sweatshirt knit, French terry, quilted knit and lighter jersey knit.
Rib knit or cuffing works well for the sleeve cuffs and lower band. A stable woven fabric without stretch is not recommended because it would reduce comfort.
Make it your own
Choose the dress or shorter top length, then finish the neckline with a hood or neckband.
Finish the sleeves and lower edge with rib-knit bands or hems. If omitting a sleeve cuff, lengthen the sleeve before hemming it.
New to tiled patterns? Review how to use a PDF sewing pattern before cutting.
Size and length range
The pattern includes sizes 34/36 through 54/56. Chest and hip measurements run from 90–96 cm to 130–136 cm; waist measurements run from 68–74 cm to 108–114 cm.
The listed dress length increases by size from 86 cm to 91 cm. Consult the complete chart before selecting a size.
The video class includes multi-size A4 and A0 patterns with dress, sweatshirt, hood and neckband options.
Pattern & materials
Patterns are included with membership
Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.
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