Double the Fun! My Anna Dress Review

I have been admiring the Anna Dress pattern by ByHandLondon for years now but somehow never made it until a couple weeks ago. I have fallen hard for it and I am on a mission to make it one of my go-to patterns. So far, I have made it twice with minor adjustments to my second version. I am sharing my thoughts on this pattern and the slight adjustments I have made for a better fit.

Pattern Details

The Anna Dress features double pleats at the bust, grown-on sleeves, an A-line paneled skirt, two neckline variations, two length variations, and an optional thigh-high slit if you dare. It comes in two size ranges B cup (up to 54”bust) and D cup (up to 67”bust) which are sold separately FYI.

I sewed up a size US12/UK16, B cup (based on the finished garment measurements) but graded up slightly at the waist (more details under ‘adjustments’). For reference my body measurements at the time of sewing this were: bust 40.5”, waist 34”, hips 44.5”.

Fabric details

For my maxi length dress, I used 100% rayon fabric gifted by The Maker Studio (3.5 metres). For my polka dot mini dress, I used a rayon linen fabric I bought from Sitka Fabrics (2 metres). The wonderful thing about this pattern is that a wide of fabrics can be used. However, I highly recommend using fabrics with a lot of drape. I personally think it looks great in such fabrics. Ok now let’s jump right into what adjustments I made.

Pattern Adjustments (maxi length dress, 100% rayon)

1. Waist - The finished garment measurement puts the waist for size US12/UK16 at 32.5”. Since my waist usually floats around 34” to 34.5”, I added 1/2” to each side of the bodice pattern (i.e. a total of 2 inches to the bodice pattern once sewn up). Surprisingly, I ended up taking out the 2 inches out after trying the bodice on the first time because it was too big at the waist. I was very confused by this but I think my fabric contributed to that. Although I used a woven fabric, it had some give when stretched horizontally so there was really no need to add 2 inches. I even inserted the zipper an inch from the back edge (instead of 5/8”) and it still fit great.

P.S. This issue is very specific to the characteristics of the fabric I used so although I removed the additional 2inches from the side seams, I did not make that change on the paper pattern.

2. Length - This pattern is LONG! I ended up shortening it by 8 inches for the maxi dress. I am 5’4 so just make sure you are aware of this and adjust before cutting to save some fabric.

Pattern Adjustments (mini length, 70% rayon 30% linen)

1. Waist - The finished garment measurement puts the waist for size US12/UK16 at 32.5”. Since my waist usually floats around 34” to 34.5”, I added 1/2” to each side of the bodice pattern (i.e. a total of 2 inches to the bodice pattern once sewn up). This fabric has a slightly heavier weight compared to the fabric I used for my maxi version so it fit just right.

P.S. I inserted the zipper an inch from the back edge (instead of 5/8”) so really, I should have added less than 2 inches overall but I like inserting zippers at that measurement so I decided to leave it as is.

2. Length - The pattern features a midi and maxi length but I decided I wanted this one shorter so I shortened the midi length by 4 inches.

3. Bodice length - I shortened the bodice pattern by 1 inch. Although the original bodice length works (as seen on the maxi dress version), I typically prefer by bodice pieces to sit a little higher than most people. I love where my new bodice sits.

4. Bodice pleats/darts - Next time, I will lower the darts by 1”. Because I shortened the bodice length above the darts, it meant the darts moved 1 inch higher than where they originally were so they are not sitting under the boobs like they should. Of course I should have known that reducing the bodice length the way I did would mean readjusting my pleat/dart length. It is an easy fix that I can actually still correct on my polka dot version.

5. Neckline Facing - This is not an adjustment but thought it was worth mentioning. Although the instructions ask to topstitch the facing at the neckline, I chose to under stitch for a cleaner look. I also stitched the facing down at the shoulder seams using the ‘stich in the ditch’ method. Once the zipper was inserted I sewed down the facing to the zipper as well. This ensures that the facing is not popping up while wearing it.

6. Slit - I think I am going to move the slit to the right the next time I make it just to see which side I’d prefer to have it on. The pattern originally has it on the left.

Additional Feedback

Patterns with grown-on sleeves typically do not become a favorite of mine but there is something about this one that just worked for me (probably because they are short sleeves). The neckline is a smidge too wide which means your bra strap may show depending on what type it is. I didn’t bother to make any adjustments to it because I have bras that work for it. Also, sneaky bra straps do not bother me enough for me to make any adjustments. We’ll see if I change my mind.

For such a beautiful pattern, it is quite a quick and easy sew and a great one for beginners to try. Depending on the fabric used, this could be a super casual or super glam dress. There are endless ways to hack this pattern. I cannot wait to make all the versions I have dreamed up already. It may only be February but I am confident this is going to be one of my staple patterns this year.