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

Sizes 2-20

Sizes 18-34

The Dolly Bell Bottoms are knit pants that can be worn as a separate (with the waistband) or attached to the Lorelei Gown bodice to create a jumpsuit. They are fitted at the waist and hip, and expand extravagantly at the ankle. They are meant to be close-fitting, so they have negative ease (meaning the garment measurements are smaller than the body measurements) where it counts.

The pattern is designed to fit with between 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of negative ease at the waist and 3/4 to 2 inches (1.9 to 5.1 cm) of negative ease in the hips.

Recommended Fabrics

For the outer fabric, we recommend: knits with 25–40% stretch in the widthwise grain and zero to very little stretch in the lengthwise grain. This means that if you take 4 inches (10.2 cm) of relaxed fabric in your hands, it should stretch to 5 or 6 inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm). We recommend ponte, double knits, and stretch denim. The pant legs require structure to flare out; drapey jersey or rayon stretch knits will not be able to support the bells, so they are not recommended.

For the interfacing, we recommend: medium-weight knit or tricot interfacing.

For the waistband underlining, we recommend: medium-weight/regular or heavyweight/firm nylon power net with 10–25% spandex. Power mesh is not a suitable substitute

Notions & Supplies

• Fabric for the pants
• Power net for the waistband underlining
• Thread to match
• Medium-weight fusible tricot or knit interfacing for the bell support
• 1-1/4-inch-wide (3.2 cm) fusible knit stay tape to stabilize the zipper (alternatively, cut a strip from a scrap of fusible knit or tricot interfacing yardage)
• 30 inch (76 cm) invisible zipper (for a jumpsuit, shorten as needed)
• 9 inch (22.9 cm) invisible zipper (for pants separates)

Coming soon!

The Dolly Bell Bottoms can be worn as separate pants, like Susie is wearing. Her pants are stretch denim and are paired with the Gina Bustier in white eyelet. Gertie has combined the Dolly Bell Bottoms with the Lorelei Gown bodice (slightly modified) in a black ponte knit to create a jumpsuit. Click here for instructions on how to recreate the jumpsuit.

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 Glamour Circle member, you will receive one or two vintage-inspired sewing patterns a month (with a companion sew-along video) and join the most creative and fun sewing community around!

Specific benefits at the Glamour Circle tier include:

• A vintage-inspired sewing pattern on the first day of every month
• A companion sew-along tutorial video for the pattern
• Another pattern or issue of Vintage by Gertie digital magazine mid-month
• Access to the entire archive of Glamour 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 Glamour Circle archive, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability = All Glamour 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.