Misses XS-XL
A sewing pattern for a complete ensemble from Old Russia that includes jumper, blouse, and apron, along with options for lace and embroidered embellishment.
The Jumper or Sundress (Sarafan) is loose and gathered into a band that fits snugly around the body just above the bust. Back gathers are gracefully fitted to the body with a variety of embellishment techniques, and may be made with traditional fullness, or in a narrower version. The garment hangs from the shoulder straps that join at the center back and hold the voluminous gathers of the blouse in place.
The sleeves and body of the hip-length Blouse (Rukava) are gathered into a narrow neckband; shoulder yokes are often decorated with traditional Igolochky (Russian punch-needle embroidery) or cross stitch.
The Apron (Zapon) is worn over all. It ties at the waist; skirt, bib, and flounce are pleated in place. A narrow ribbon holds bib pleats at top and ties in back of neck.
Wear the jumper by itself, as a sundress, or combine with the other pieces for a variety of looks. Pattern includes historical information about Russian peasant costume and instructions for traditional punch needle embroidery.
Suggested fabrics: Light to medium-weight fabrics such as silk, cotton, rayon, linen, or blends in challis or crepe.
The PDF pattern has instructions and files for copy shop (36” and A0), print at home (A4 or 8.5”x11”)
LEARN MORE:
This dress includes instructions for making it nursing friendly. It also makes great maternity wear. Visit our list of pregnancy and nursing friendly sewing patterns.
Read about how a version of the dress with a box pleated back was made.
Read about how a gathered back version of the dress with ribbon was made.
For tips on sizing up the jumper or sundress, visit our blog post tutorial about how to do it. Also a video below.