The Nova Midi Dress is a slip on sleeveless tiered dress that has a Boho inspired look. This pattern works well in a print or plain fabric that’s perfect for spring and summer months.
We love this easy slip on dress that can be paired with a heel or slide or styled for everyday with a classic sneaker. The double bodice with no fasteners makes this an easy and quick make. If you prefer a shorter style just leave off the lower tier, but do check your personal length.
Fabric Suggestion
Silk, crepe, rayon, washed linen.
Bodice Tutorial
For help with the Nova Bodice we have a double bodice tutorial which can be found here Bodice Tutorial Click Here
Reviews (16)
16 reviews for Nova Midi Dress
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Multi-Size
j***n(verified owner) – :
A delightful dress, I made a 3 tiered version size 14 with a double bodice in linen using a 1″ gingham. I purchased 3.7mts to allow for matching the checks, still I had left over fabric.
The pattern is true to size. I added 1.5cm to all 3 tiers to have a finished length of 125cm.
If you have had this pattern for a while note that the finished garment length on the 3 tier version is incorrect (size 14 it should be 121cm), Yes I have queried this with Style Arc.
Thoroughly enjoyed sewing this pattern.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
j*********e(verified owner) – :
A winning pattern! I made one for my daughter out of tencel twill, and the drape was perfect. I made only two tiers as I thought three might overwhelm her petite frame, and it was a good call. I will be making another for me!
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Multi-Size
i*************7(verified owner) – :
I made the maxi length dress I made it in a size 12 and it fits perfect I liked the double bodice it looks so professional I have worn it several times now and had many lovely comments
4 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
t********r(verified owner) – :
Used the PDF pattern which I had no problem with.
I altered the bodice by making it narrower down the centre seam and raising the armholes as I felt they sat too low. Shortened the bodice. Angled the bodice slightly more down the side seams.
Made 2 tiers but lengthened them so it’s still midi. Only because I didn’t have enough fabric for 3 layers.
Overall I’m happy with the dress, nice and breezy for summer or can be worn over a long sleeve top.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
j**********1(verified owner) – :
Made this for a friend. Easy and looks great!
3 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
c******0(verified owner) – :
As the pattern would not print out to scale and the answer I got from style arc was not anything that I could understand , as I am not great with the computer. I was very disappointed. Eventually a friend was able to put the information onto a stick and took it to Officeworks. They even had trouble getting it to print to size. I will NOT be getting more patterns by this method. I do like your patterns and have made several styles in the past but was disappointed with the transaction this time. I would be unable to recommend to any of my sewing friends to purchase your patterns by this method in the future.
5 out of 5
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.
I really enjoy PDF. patterns. I get the pattern immediately, and I use thicker paper, so my pattern stays good and does not tear. thank you!!
4 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
dresses without buttons or zips is always a pleasure to make.
made both the 2 level and the 3 level. Easy to alter, I didn’t want the 3 level so long so took 5 cm off each level. Also as I made the 3 layer in a floral fabric the skirt layers didn’t fit across, so cut 3 for 2nd level (just not as long) and 4 for bottom (just not as long)
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
b***h(verified owner) – :
I Think, that it,s fantastic, that I Can sit on the other side of the World and order these beautiful pdf patterns and receive them in few minutes. To Day I ordered Nova Dress and like other patterns from StyleArc it,s very easy to follow the instructions , and the tutorial about the double bodice was a great help for me. So I,m sure, that this dress will be my favorite summerdress when i have finished it.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
t********0(verified owner) – :
For a beginner this is by far my favourite
I am sure I will be making many more
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
a*********h(verified owner) – :
Loved this pattern, I just did 2 tiers and added 10cm to each tier. Beautiful dress, I can’t wait to sew another one. Sizing is perfect (size 10) true to size.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
M*****e(verified owner) – :
Made with a lovely cotton voile, so light and floaty. Used the size based on my upper bust measurement then did a full bust adjustment. The top is a tiny bit roomy, I may have been able to size down one size but might have struggled to incorporate enough with the FBA. I’m 5’4″ so I left the length per the pattern and it turned out to hit at my ankles.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
p*************k(verified owner) – :
I also love the dress is maxi length. I made it out of linen. Had to go 2 sizes smaller though, it runs rather large.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
l*******l(verified owner) – :
Love this dress! I love the boho look and it’s very comfortable. I made it in a beautiful knit and it worked out great.
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
s************1(verified owner) – :
Lovely pattern, well drafted, good level of instruction, unfortunately for me a 5’9” size 20 not a good look !
5 out of 5
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
p**********e(verified owner) – :
Sweet and easy to sew. I love both lengths.
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
Bust
86.0
91.0
96.0
101.0
106.0
111.0
116.0
121.0
127.0
133.0
139.0
145.0
151.0
157.0
High waist
88.0
93.0
98.0
103.0
108.0
113.0
118.0
123.0
129.0
135.0
141.0
147.0
153.0
159.0
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
Centre back length with 3 tiers
110.2
110.8
111.4
112.0
112.6
113.2
113.8
114.4
115.0
115.6
116.2
116.8
117.4
118.0
Centre back length with 2 tiers
83.2
83.8
84.4
85.0
85.6
86.2
86.8
87.4
88.0
88.6
89.2
89.8
90.4
91.0
Finished Pattern Measurements (inches)
sizes
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
Bust
33 7⁄8
35 7⁄8
37 3⁄4
39 3⁄4
41 3⁄4
43 3⁄4
45 5⁄8
47 5⁄8
50
52 3⁄8
54 3⁄4
57 1⁄8
59 1⁄2
61 3⁄4
High waist
34 5⁄8
36 5⁄8
38 5⁄8
40 1⁄2
42 1⁄2
44 1⁄2
46 1⁄2
48 3⁄8
50 3⁄4
53 1⁄8
55 1⁄2
57 7⁄8
60 1⁄4
62 5⁄8
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
Centre back length with 3 tiers
43 3⁄8
43 5⁄8
43 7⁄8
44 1⁄8
44 3⁄8
44 5⁄8
44 3⁄4
45
45 1⁄4
45 1⁄2
45 3⁄4
46
46 1⁄4
46 1⁄2
Centre back length with 2 tiers
32 3⁄4
33
33 1⁄4
33 1⁄2
33 3⁄4
33 7⁄8
34 1⁄8
34 3⁄8
34 5⁄8
34 7⁄8
35 1⁄8
35 3⁄8
35 5⁄8
35 7⁄8
Fabric Estimate - DRESS WITH 3 TIERS AND A DOUBLE BODICE
sizes
4-30
Width 148 cm (58")
3.10 m (3.50 yd)
Fabric Estimate - DRESS WITH 2 TIERS AND A DOUBLE BODICE
sizes
4-30
Width 148 cm (58")
2.10 m (2.30 yd)
Fuse Estimate - NECK STAYS
sizes
All Sizes
Width 90 cm (36")
15 cm (6")
Size Chart
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 - Multi-Size
Multi-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.
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 single-sheet/wide format for printing at a copy shop. You get the size you order, PLUS the two closest sizes. Please note that the wide format files are set up for printing on 36" wide (or wider) paper rolls, not A0 paper sheets.
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Multi-Size
j***n (verified owner) – :
A delightful dress, I made a 3 tiered version size 14 with a double bodice in linen using a 1″ gingham. I purchased 3.7mts to allow for matching the checks, still I had left over fabric.
The pattern is true to size. I added 1.5cm to all 3 tiers to have a finished length of 125cm.
If you have had this pattern for a while note that the finished garment length on the 3 tier version is incorrect (size 14 it should be 121cm), Yes I have queried this with Style Arc.
Thoroughly enjoyed sewing this pattern.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
j*********e (verified owner) – :
A winning pattern! I made one for my daughter out of tencel twill, and the drape was perfect. I made only two tiers as I thought three might overwhelm her petite frame, and it was a good call. I will be making another for me!
Format Reviewed: Printed Pattern - Multi-Size
i*************7 (verified owner) – :
I made the maxi length dress I made it in a size 12 and it fits perfect I liked the double bodice it looks so professional I have worn it several times now and had many lovely comments
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
t********r (verified owner) – :
Used the PDF pattern which I had no problem with.
I altered the bodice by making it narrower down the centre seam and raising the armholes as I felt they sat too low. Shortened the bodice. Angled the bodice slightly more down the side seams.
Made 2 tiers but lengthened them so it’s still midi. Only because I didn’t have enough fabric for 3 layers.
Overall I’m happy with the dress, nice and breezy for summer or can be worn over a long sleeve top.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
j**********1 (verified owner) – :
Made this for a friend. Easy and looks great!
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
c******0 (verified owner) – :
As the pattern would not print out to scale and the answer I got from style arc was not anything that I could understand , as I am not great with the computer. I was very disappointed. Eventually a friend was able to put the information onto a stick and took it to Officeworks. They even had trouble getting it to print to size. I will NOT be getting more patterns by this method. I do like your patterns and have made several styles in the past but was disappointed with the transaction this time. I would be unable to recommend to any of my sewing friends to purchase your patterns by this method in the future.
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.
I really enjoy PDF. patterns. I get the pattern immediately, and I use thicker paper, so my pattern stays good and does not tear. thank you!!
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
s******5 (verified owner) – :
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10158115263056502&set=p.10158115263056502
dresses without buttons or zips is always a pleasure to make.
made both the 2 level and the 3 level. Easy to alter, I didn’t want the 3 level so long so took 5 cm off each level. Also as I made the 3 layer in a floral fabric the skirt layers didn’t fit across, so cut 3 for 2nd level (just not as long) and 4 for bottom (just not as long)
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
b***h (verified owner) – :
I Think, that it,s fantastic, that I Can sit on the other side of the World and order these beautiful pdf patterns and receive them in few minutes. To Day I ordered Nova Dress and like other patterns from StyleArc it,s very easy to follow the instructions , and the tutorial about the double bodice was a great help for me. So I,m sure, that this dress will be my favorite summerdress when i have finished it.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
t********0 (verified owner) – :
For a beginner this is by far my favourite
I am sure I will be making many more
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
a*********h (verified owner) – :
Loved this pattern, I just did 2 tiers and added 10cm to each tier. Beautiful dress, I can’t wait to sew another one. Sizing is perfect (size 10) true to size.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
M*****e (verified owner) – :
Made with a lovely cotton voile, so light and floaty. Used the size based on my upper bust measurement then did a full bust adjustment. The top is a tiny bit roomy, I may have been able to size down one size but might have struggled to incorporate enough with the FBA. I’m 5’4″ so I left the length per the pattern and it turned out to hit at my ankles.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
p*************k (verified owner) – :
I also love the dress is maxi length. I made it out of linen. Had to go 2 sizes smaller though, it runs rather large.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
l*******l (verified owner) – :
Love this dress! I love the boho look and it’s very comfortable. I made it in a beautiful knit and it worked out great.
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Multi-Size
s************1 (verified owner) – :
Lovely pattern, well drafted, good level of instruction, unfortunately for me a 5’9” size 20 not a good look !
Format Reviewed: PDF Digital Pattern - Single-Size
p**********e (verified owner) – :
Sweet and easy to sew. I love both lengths.