Not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.

Sizes 2-20

Sizes 18-34

The Charm School Uniform is a sleeveless button-front dress designed to be worn as a layering piece. It has a deep V-front open to the waist, a waistband, and a three-quarter circle skirt with inverted box pleats.

As a layering piece, the garment is designed to fit with 3-1/2 inches (8.9 cm) of ease in the bust and 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 inches (3.8 to 4.4 cm) of ease at the waist. Hip ease does not matter, as the skirt is very full.

To wear the Charm School Uniform as a dress or as a skirt separate, you may wish to size down so the finished measurements are closer to your body’s measurements.

Recommended Fabrics

We recommend medium-weight wovens: cottons like denim, corduroy, sateen, and twill; linen and linen blends; silks with body like dupioni and shantung; wool suitings, flannel, and tweed; brocade; or silk/wool blends.

For the bodice lining, we recommend: lightweight silks like charmeuse, crepe de chine, or habotai; lining fabrics like rayon bemberg, acetate, or silky polyester; cotton lawn; and silk/cotton blends.

For the optional front inset panel, we recommend: your fashion fabric, a contrasting fabric in a similar weight, or a lace or embroidered tulle fabric with coordinating organza or tulle used as a lining.

Stretch wovens are possible, but knit fabrics are not recommended for this design.

Notions & Supplies

• Fabric for the dress or skirt
• Lining fabric for the bodice
• Fabric or lace and lining fabric for the front inset panel (optional)
• Thread to match
• Lightweight fusible woven interfacing
• Eight 1-inch (2.5 cm) buttons
• Ten 1/0 sew-on snaps (for the optional front inset panel)

Coming soon!

The companion sew-along video is exclusive to Sewing Circle members and it is available on Patreon.

Susie is fit for school wearing the Charm School Uniform over a short sleeve Patsy Blouse with the Charm School Necktie, and over a black Rita Blouse. Mistress Gertie is ready to lead her lessons with the Uniform worn over a Patsy Blouse (with the Mutton-Sleeve Expansion) and Charm School Necktie, and in a black merino wool jersey Barbie Top with the Turtleneck expansion. Margo is wearing her Uniform skirt with a pink wool Barbie Top, with and without a white boiled wool Judy Vest.

Gertie is wearing the Uniform skirt paired with a red Extra Credit Wrap Top. She also wears it with the Patsy Blouse mentioned previously and the Valedictorian Bow Tie and Suspenders Set.

And the Uniform Dress is extra glam in green silk with a green lace inset panel. The inset panel is removable, so Gertie also pairs her cocktail Uniform Dress with a black velvet Landis Bustier.

Measure yourself around your upper bust (under your armpits and above your breasts, without a bra on), the fullest part of your bust (while wearing your preferred bra), the smallest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips (this is likely around the fullest part of your butt). Make sure to hold the measuring tape snugly and parallel to the ground. Compare your body measurements to the size chart.

Find your upper bust measurement on the size chart to find your garment size, and then scan down the cup sizes in that garment size column to find your cup size. For instance, a 37-inch upper bust will make you a size 10, and a 39-inch full bust means you need a B cup. Don’t worry if your waist doesn’t match the size 10 column’s measurement of 32 inches; you can grade the waist in or out as needed. It is most important to choose a size to fit your upper bust and cup size, as the waist is easier to adjust up or down.

Sewing pattern sizes are very different from ready-to-wear garments and bra sizes, so be sure to work with your measurements when choosing a size.

Charm’s 2-20 size range is designed for a body with an hourglass shape. Our 18-34 size range is designed for a body with less waist definition.

Still not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.

If you have never used a PDF pattern before, this short video is full of tips: How to Use A PDF Pattern.

It will show you how to choose which PDF format to use, how to print just your size(s), and how to easily assemble and cut out your pattern pieces.

We offer digital patterns in two formats: letter-sized PDFs to print at home and A0 sized PDFs to print at a copy shop. In the US, we highly recommend printing A0 files with The Plotted Pattern. Outside of the US, these printers have been recommended.

When you join us as a Sewing Circle member, you will receive one vintage-inspired sewing pattern a month (with a companion sew-along video) and join the most creative and fun sewing community around!

Specific benefits at the Sewing Circle tier include:

• A vintage-inspired sewing pattern on the first day of every month
• A companion sew-along tutorial video for the pattern
• Access to the entire archive of Sewing Circle patterns and videos!
• A monthly live Crowdcast with Gertie where she shares the history and inspiration behind that month’s pattern
• Access to our community hub on Discord to post your projects, ask for advice, and chat with other members
• One Charm Pattern for free randomly every calendar year (Gertie’s choice)

To view all of the patterns in the Sewing Circle archive, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability = All Sewing Circle Patterns.”

Yes, absolutely! Unlike other monthly sewing memberships, when you are a Charm patron, you get access to the entire archive of sewing patterns available to your tier.

To view all of the membership patterns available at each tier, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability.”

Click here to join the membership on Patreon. There is no long term commitment required, and you can cancel at any time.