Welcome to the first episode of 2026, where we’re talking all things Ines dress.
The Ines dress by Just Patterns is a 90s-inspired, 13-panelled dress, perfect as an easy-breezy summer option or, depending on your fabric choice, something a bit more fancy. The bodice is fitted, cinching in at the waist and bust before flaring out into a midi-length skirt.
It was great to speak with Delphine from Just Patterns, the designer behind Ines (and plenty of other brilliant patterns). Listening to her talk through her sewing and patternmaking experience was genuinely inspiring, and it gave me a fresh appreciation for the thought that goes into a well-drafted, classic pattern.
The Pattern Low-Down
Pattern : Ines Dress by Just Patterns
Size sewn : 40
Fabric : Cotton Chambray
Label : Handmade Rainbow By KATM
Sizing and fit notes
I cut a size 40 and then took it in slightly at the high bust. This is a brilliant pattern for easy fitting because of all the panels. It’s unlikely you’ll need a bust adjustment (or even a toile) because you can fit it directly to your body. If you’re in doubt, size up, then try it on inside out and pin-fit the panels.
That’s exactly what I did, I sewed all the panels, inserted the invisible zip, then put it on inside out and tweaked the fit. Mine mainly needed adjusting at the high bust and it was genuinely straightforward to do.
One thing I missed at first is that the pattern is drafted for someone 5'5" (165cm). I’m 169cm, and if I made it again I’d add a little length to the bodice.
Fabric Choice
There are so many fabrics that work beautifully for the Ines, depending on the mood you’re wanting. Delphine’s go-to is linen for that effortless, breezy feel, but she’s also made a light denim version that’s perfect for everyday and gets a lot of wear. And if you want to dial it up, a brocade (or any statement jacquard) would turn it into a proper party dress without changing the pattern at all. I’m also tempted to make another in a woven with a little stretch so I can get an even closer fit through the bodice.
Tricky Bits And tips
The trickiest parts of the sewing are the invisible zipper and the narrow straps when attaching the lining. Don’t skip the stay stitching, and definitely reinforce the top of the panels with interfacing. You really don’t want that neckline edge stretching out. A confident beginner could absolutely give this a go, as long as you follow the instructions carefully. Just don’t choose this dress as a “quick sew”. It’s not something you can churn out in an evening because of the multiple panels, but those panels are also the hero of the whole dress because they make the fit so good. So strap yourself in and enjoy the process.
Next Time!
I regret not topstitching the panels on my cotton chambray. At the time, I knew I had a lot of sewing ahead of me (all those panels plus the lining) and convinced myself skipping topstitching would save time. It did, but I don’t think it was the right call. If I made it again, I’d topstitch. (But obviously fit first before topstitching!)
Kylie also used her Bernina 10D topstitching foot, which is a great tip for getting perfectly straight topstitching. Most machines will have an equivalent topstitching foot, often called an edge stitch or edge-guide foot, and it’s well worth digging out if you’ve got one.
Kylie made a few changes to the pattern with her version by creating a straight line at the top of the bodice and adding adjustable straps, which is such a great hack. Take a look at Kylie’s fabulous version of the Ines Dress here.
In summary Kylie and I rated the Ines Dress as one of our favrouite all time makes - so defintiely give it a try for yourself!
If you're keen to sew he Ines Dress for yourself, don't miss Episode #20 of our podcast on platforms like Spotify , Apple Podcasts , Audible , and Google Podcasts for all the details. Use the code SEWINGCLUBPODCAST for a discount on the pattern at the Just Patterns website.
Happy sewing, everyone! 🎉✂️🧵
