The Lena Shift Dress sewing pattern features a sleeveless, trapeze shape with a boat neck, large inseam pockets, hem facing, and a calf-length hemline.
Trapeze shape
Calf length
Boat neck
Sleeveless
Large inseam pockets
Hem facing
Fabric Suggestion
Linen, cotton, crepe
Reviews (9)
9 reviews for Lena Shift Dress
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Single-Size
s**************2(verified owner) – :
I love this pattern. So quick and easy to sew…..and very flattering and stylish
It’s my go to dress to wear, will be making many more
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
w******m(verified owner) – :
Fun easy dress. I did make a sample in the size that was recommended to me but it was to big. I went one size down and had to make the arm holes a bit bigger. I also made it a V neck. I like my dress and hope to make more in the future.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
l*************3(verified owner) – :
I love this dress! My fabric wasn’t wide enough to do the entire width of the lower part on the front. I cut both off at the facing line and created a solid contrasting band at the bottom. I needed more details in the directions for completing the armhole facing. I’m an experienced sewist, but had never seen it applied like that. I like the look it creates and will continue to use it in the future.
4 out of 5
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Multi-Size
c*****************0(verified owner) – :
I used this pattern to make a fancy dress costume, needed and easy dress to make so long as it was pink. This was a very easy sew. I omitted the pockets because I was short on time but if I make it again, I’ll definitely add them.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Single-Size
j**y(verified owner) – :
What an easy, but oh so cute dress. I knew that there had to be an easier way to attach facings via the sewing machine & this pattern teaches it! Maybe this makes a statement about how mundane my life is, but ‘Lena’ taught me the foolproof way to attach the facing & dress without having to do the old fashion way of hand sewing & the pockets are easy: I love to learn new things & ‘Lena’ taught me those two so I am very happy. It’s not that I do not like hand sewing but doing projects on the machine is faster & more secure. It’s a great pattern & dress.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Single-Size
l**a(verified owner) – :
Have already made 2 of these dresses, pattern is easy to follow and ture to size. With my last Lena, i added a large band in a plain colour, just cut the patterne at the shorten line and used that as a template.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Single-Size
l*******n(verified owner) – :
I love this pattern! I have made 3 new dresses from it. I shortened the length a bit and altered the pockets to be on the outside of the dress.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
M************r(verified owner) – :
I’m in the process of making my 5th Lena. As I used patterned fabric I omitted the bottom strip which makes it a quicker sewing project. I also assembled the top of the dress as you do when making the June Sheath dress. As I’ve made 20 June dresses so I’m a bit of an expert assembling the bodice. Lena is such a comfortable dress with beautiful roomy pockets. I’ve also made one with a lawn fabric and lined it with muslin. The size 14 fit perfectly with no adjustments required.
Great fit. I cut out my true size. Very pleased with my purchase. I will be coming back for more. thank you!!
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Garment Measurements & Fabric Estimate
Finished Pattern Measurements (cm)
sizes
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
Bust
85.0
90.0
95.0
100.0
105.0
110.0
115.0
120.0
126.0
132.0
138.0
144.0
150.0
156.0
164.0
172.0
180.0
Hip
127.0
132.0
137.0
142.0
147.0
152.0
157.0
162.0
168.0
174.0
180.0
186.0
192.0
198.0
206.0
214.0
222.0
Shoulder breadth
34.4
35.6
36.8
38.0
39.2
40.4
41.6
42.8
43.4
44.0
44.6
45.2
45.8
46.4
47.0
47.6
48.2
Centre back length
96.2
96.8
97.4
98.0
98.6
99.2
99.8
100.4
101.0
101.6
102.2
102.8
103.4
104.0
104.6
105.2
105.8
Hem circumference
157.0
162.0
167.0
172.0
177.0
182.0
187.0
192.0
198.0
204.0
210.0
216.0
222.0
228.0
236.0
244.0
252.0
Finished Pattern Measurements (inches)
sizes
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
Bust
33 1⁄2
35 3⁄8
37 3⁄8
39 3⁄8
41 3⁄8
43 1⁄4
45 1⁄4
47 1⁄4
49 5⁄8
52
54 3⁄8
56 3⁄4
59
61 3⁄8
64 5⁄8
67 3⁄4
70 7⁄8
Hip
50
52
53 7⁄8
55 7⁄8
57 7⁄8
59 7⁄8
61 3⁄4
63 3⁄4
66 1⁄8
68 1⁄2
70 7⁄8
73 1⁄4
75 5⁄8
78
81 1⁄8
84 1⁄4
87 3⁄8
Shoulder breadth
13 1⁄2
14
14 1⁄2
15
15 3⁄8
15 7⁄8
16 3⁄8
16 7⁄8
17 1⁄8
17 3⁄8
17 1⁄2
17 3⁄4
18
18 1⁄4
18 1⁄2
18 3⁄4
19
Centre back length
37 7⁄8
38 1⁄8
38 3⁄8
38 5⁄8
38 7⁄8
39
39 1⁄4
39 1⁄2
39 3⁄4
40
40 1⁄4
40 1⁄2
40 3⁄4
41
41 1⁄8
41 3⁄8
41 5⁄8
Hem circumference
61 3⁄4
63 3⁄4
65 3⁄4
67 3⁄4
69 5⁄8
71 5⁄8
73 5⁄8
75 5⁄8
78
80 3⁄8
82 5⁄8
85
87 3⁄8
89 3⁄4
92 7⁄8
96 1⁄8
99 1⁄4
Fabric estimate cut on the open
sizes
4-14
16-22
24-28
30-36
Width 148 cm (58")
2.00 m (2.20 yds)
2.50 m (2.75 yds)
2.75 m (3.00 yds)
3.20 m (3.50 yds)
Fuse estimate for neck facings
sizes
4-36
Width 90 cm (36")
46 cm (18")
Size Chart
Womens Size Charts
Please use the body measurements size charts below to determine your best size.
All Style Arc patterns are in Australian sizes.
Style Arc patterns are drafted for a B bust cup size and a height of 167cm (5'6").
Size Chart - CM
Size
A. Shoulder Breadth (cm)
B. Upper Arm Girth (cm)
C. Bust (cm)
D. Waist (cm)
E. Hip (cm)
4
34.4
26.4
77
60
83
6
35.6
27.6
82
65
88
8
36.8
28.8
87
70
93
10
38
30
92
75
98
12
39.2
31.2
97
80
103
14
40.4
32.4
102
85
108
16
41.6
33.6
107
90
113
18
42.8
34.8
112
95
118
20
44
36
118
100
124
22
45.2
37.2
124
106
130
24
46.4
38.4
130
112
136
26
47.6
39.6
136
118
142
28
48.8
40.8
142
124
148
30
50
42
148
130
154
32
51.2
43.8
156.0
139.0
162.0
34
52.4
45.6
164.0
147.0
170.0
36
53.6
47.4
172.0
155.0
178.0
Size Chart - Inches
Size
A. Shoulder Breadth (inches)
B. Upper Arm Girth (inches)
C. Bust (inches)
D. Waist (inches)
E. Hip (inches)
4
13.5
10.5
30.3
23.5
32.6
6
14
10.9
32.3
25.5
34.6
8
14.5
11.3
34.3
27.5
36.6
10
15
11.8
36.2
29.5
38.6
12
15.4
12.3
38.2
31.5
40.6
14
15.9
12.8
40.2
33.5
42.5
16
16.4
13.2
42.1
35.5
44.5
18
16.9
13.7
44.1
37.5
46.5
20
17.3
14.2
46.5
39.5
48.8
22
17.8
14.6
48.8
42
51.2
24
18.3
15.1
51.2
44.5
53.5
26
18 3⁄4
15 5⁄8
53 1⁄2
46.5
56
28
19 1⁄4
16 1⁄8
56
48.5
58 1⁄4
30
19 3⁄4
16 5⁄8
58 1⁄4
50.5
61
32
20 1⁄8
17 1⁄4
61 3⁄8
54 3⁄4
63 3⁄4
34
20 5⁄8
18
64 5⁄8
57 7⁄8
66 7⁄8
36
21 1⁄8
18 5⁄8
67 3⁄4
61
70 1⁄8
Size Conversion Table
ALPHA SIZING
AUSTRALIA
UK
US
FRANCE
ITALY
JAPAN
XXS
6
6
2
34
38
5
XS
8
8
4
36
40
7
S
10
10
6
38
42
9
M
12
12
8
40
44
11
L
14
14
10
42
46
13
XL
16
16
12
44
48
15
XXL
18
18
14
46
50
17
How Do I Know What Size I Am?
Choosing your pattern size is the most important step and we will help you determine this with these easy to follow steps.
When taking your measurements ensure that you take them against your skin and not over clothing. One can wear a comfortable bra and knickers whilst measuring, as this will provide you with the most accurate measurements.
Tape measure has to sit firmly around the points you are measuring. But be careful not to pull it too tight, as this will give you the incorrect size.
When measuring circumferences (B, C, D, E) it is important to note that the tape measure must remain parallel to the floor. It is sometimes best to take the measurements in front of a mirror; this will help you see the angle of the tape measure.
You will only require the basic body measurements to determine your pattern size which is indicated on our mannequin below:
A. Shoulder Breadth
Place the tape at the edge of the shoulder. Measure along the top of the shoulder blade/across the highest point of the shoulders to the other edge, following the natural slope and allow an extra finger for ease of any movement.
B. Upper Arm Girth
This point is taken as a circumference at your widest point of your upper arm.
C. Bust
This point is taken as a circumference parallel to the floor at the fullest part of your chest.
D. Waist
This point is taken as a circumference and taken at the smallest part of your waist.
E. Hip
This point is taken as a circumference parallel to the floor at the widest part of your hips.
Pattern Format Details
Pattern Format
Printed Pattern - Single-Size
Single-size hard copy sewing pattern, mailed to your delivery address.
Multi-size PDF sewing pattern download, sent to your email address in multi-sheet/tiled format for printing at home on A4 or US letter size paper and single-sheet/wide format for printing at a copy shop. Please note that the wide format files are set up for printing on 36" wide (or wider) paper rolls, and also A0 paper sheets. A projector file is also included.
Single-size PDF sewing pattern download, sent to your email address in multi-sheet/tiled format for printing at home on A4 or US letter size paper AND A0 format for printing at a copy shop. You get the size you order, PLUS the two closest sizes.
For more information on digital patterns click here.
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Single-Size
s**************2 (verified owner) – :
I love this pattern. So quick and easy to sew…..and very flattering and stylish
It’s my go to dress to wear, will be making many more
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
w******m (verified owner) – :
Fun easy dress. I did make a sample in the size that was recommended to me but it was to big. I went one size down and had to make the arm holes a bit bigger. I also made it a V neck. I like my dress and hope to make more in the future.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
l*************3 (verified owner) – :
I love this dress! My fabric wasn’t wide enough to do the entire width of the lower part on the front. I cut both off at the facing line and created a solid contrasting band at the bottom. I needed more details in the directions for completing the armhole facing. I’m an experienced sewist, but had never seen it applied like that. I like the look it creates and will continue to use it in the future.
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Multi-Size
c*****************0 (verified owner) – :
I used this pattern to make a fancy dress costume, needed and easy dress to make so long as it was pink. This was a very easy sew. I omitted the pockets because I was short on time but if I make it again, I’ll definitely add them.
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Single-Size
j**y (verified owner) – :
What an easy, but oh so cute dress. I knew that there had to be an easier way to attach facings via the sewing machine & this pattern teaches it! Maybe this makes a statement about how mundane my life is, but ‘Lena’ taught me the foolproof way to attach the facing & dress without having to do the old fashion way of hand sewing & the pockets are easy: I love to learn new things & ‘Lena’ taught me those two so I am very happy. It’s not that I do not like hand sewing but doing projects on the machine is faster & more secure. It’s a great pattern & dress.
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Single-Size
l**a (verified owner) – :
Have already made 2 of these dresses, pattern is easy to follow and ture to size. With my last Lena, i added a large band in a plain colour, just cut the patterne at the shorten line and used that as a template.
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Single-Size
l*******n (verified owner) – :
I love this pattern! I have made 3 new dresses from it. I shortened the length a bit and altered the pockets to be on the outside of the dress.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
M************r (verified owner) – :
I’m in the process of making my 5th Lena. As I used patterned fabric I omitted the bottom strip which makes it a quicker sewing project. I also assembled the top of the dress as you do when making the June Sheath dress. As I’ve made 20 June dresses so I’m a bit of an expert assembling the bodice. Lena is such a comfortable dress with beautiful roomy pockets. I’ve also made one with a lawn fabric and lined it with muslin. The size 14 fit perfectly with no adjustments required.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
d*********o (verified owner) – :
Great fit. I cut out my true size. Very pleased with my purchase. I will be coming back for more. thank you!!