Sinclair Yasmin Dress Three Ways

This is not a paid review. Sinclair Patterns doesn't know I'm writing this post. They might find it after it’s published, but they don’t know I’m writing it.

I am 4 feet, 11 inches tall, but of average-plus width, so I’m always looking for petite sewing patterns or ready-to-wear clothing companies that come in petite plus sizes - bonus points if they’re drafted for a “pear” shape. 

Somewhere online, Sinclair Patterns came up as offering a petite pattern range. The Yasmin dress was exactly what I wanted, so I bought the PDF pattern.

My Thoughts on the Yasmin Pattern

1. Save your sanity and increase the seam allowance. 

¼ -inch of knit fabric isn’t enough for the pressure foot to grab consistently when sewing with a normal sewing machine. I can’t comment on how it works with a serger. My fabrics had enough horizontal and vertical stretch that I sewed at ⅜-inch seam allowance without adding to the pattern and nothing was too tight.

2. The bodice may be more petite than a drafting for an average-height torso, but it was still too long for me. 

For the green paisley dress, I shortened the bodice by one inch. That puts the waistband under my bustline, as is shown in the pattern photos. It also moves the V up to a place that is comfortable for me.

For the tie-dye and turquoise lace dresses, I did not shorten the bodice. They fit well enough to wear, but I like the look better with the waistband a bit higher. 

3. Beginner sewists may struggle.

The instructions come with plenty of photos, but the technical process of putting pleats into knit fabric, especially with a tiny seam allowance, is challenging. Honestly, on the back, I simplified things by using either one large pleat or gathering.

4. Pick your fabrics thoughtfully.

Even as an experienced sewist of knit fabrics, the double-brushed poly was the easiest to work with. I wouldn't recommend a rayon jersey or anything with more than the recommended vertical stretch for your first try.

Is the Yasmin Pattern Good for Petite Plus Sizes?

That depends on your particular version of petite plus. As I said, at under five feet tall, I still had to shorten the bodice. 

I can’t comment on how it fits around the waist as drafted. I read the finished garment measurements and graded out two sizes at the waist because I didn’t want negative ease around my stomach. All three knits I used were stretchy enough that this wasn’t strictly needed, but it makes me feel better.

I did find the sleeve pattern to have negative ease in the biceps, no matter what fabric I used. That's not a pro or con since each project and each person's preference is different.

The skirt is a circle skirt, or close to it, so there is plenty of hip room. I have a difference of over 10 inches between my waist and my hips/thighs and had no problems with the fit of the skirt.​

Would I Recommend the Sinclair Yasmin Dress Pattern?

Yes. Caveats are explained above. Otherwise, I love how versatile this dress is and how easy the parts are to customize when you have some sewing and drafting knowledge. 

You can see the variety I made and how adding piping or contrasting details changes the look. For the green paisley double-brushed poly dress, I altered the sleeve pattern to be a short semi-flutter sleeve. The blue lace dress is ¾-length sleeves, and the rayon jersey tie-dye dress is elbow-length sleeves.

One of the best parts is that since this pattern is drafted for knit fabric, you can have machine-washable, comfortable fancy dresses, like the blue and white one. The white lining is a cotton blend jersey that is so soft and drapey! Easy peasy, no fuss elegance and no ironing!