Kalle Shirt & Shirtdress Pattern
Fabric and Supplies
SUGGESTED FABRIC
Make a fluid, drapey Kalle with soft fabrics like tencel, linen, rayon challis and silk crepe de chine. Crisper fabrics like poplin, chambray, voile, flannel and traditional shirtings will create a more structured silhouette.
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (SIZES 0-20)
View A (Cropped)
45" / 1.15m: 0-6 = 2yd/1.8m, 8-20 = 2.25yd/2m
58" / 1.5m: 0-6 = 1.5yd/1.4m, 8-14 = 1.75yd/1.6m, 16-20 = 2yd/1.85m
View B (Tunic)
45" / 1.15m: 0-14 = 2.5yd/2.3m, 16-20 = 2.75yd/2.5m
58" / 1.5m: 0-6 = 1.75yd/1.6m, 8-14 = 2yd/1.85m, 16-20 = 2.25yd/2m
View C (Shirtdress)
45" / 1.15m: 0-14 = 2.75yd/2.5m, 16-20 = 3yd/2.75m
58" / 1.5m: 0-6 = 2yd/1.85m, 8-14 = 2.25yd/2m, 16-20 = 2.5yd/2.25m
YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS (SIZES 14-30)
View A (Cropped)
45" / 1.15m: 14-20= 2.25yd/2m, 22-30= 3yd/2.75m
58" / 1.5m: 14-20 = 2yd/1.85m, 22-30= 2.25yd/2m
View B (Tunic)
45" / 1.15m: 14-20= 3yd/2.75m, 22-30= 3.25yd/3m
58" / 1.5m: 14-20 = 2.5yd/2.25m, 22-30 = 2.75yd/2.5m
View C (Shirtdress)
45" / 1.15m: 14-20 = 3.5yd/3.2m, 22-30 = 3.75yd/3.4m
58" / 1.5m: 14-20 = 2.75yd/2.5m, 22-30 = 3.25yd/3.2m
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
- Lightweight fusible interfacing
- 1/2" shirt buttons (0-20: cropped = 5, tunic = 8, dress = 9, popover placket = 4, 14-30: cropped = 7, tunic = 9, dress = 11, popover placket = 4)
- Polyester thread
Details
Sewing level: Intermediate
Sizes: 0-20 and 14-30 (see our sizing chart here)
Finished measurements: See complete final measurements here
Instructions: English & French (French instructions available as PDF only)
Print at Home File (Letter & A4): 0-20 = 46 pages, 14-30 =60 pages, sizes are layered.
Copy Shop (36"x48" / A0): 0-20 = 2.5 pages, 14-30 = 3 pages, sizes are layered.
Helpful Resources
Sewalong
- Choosing a Size and Pattern Adjustment
- Sewing a Standard Button Placket
- Sewing a Hidden Button Placket
- Sewing a Popover Button Placket
- Sewing a Curved Patch Pocket
- How to Sew a Shirt Yoke (The Burrito Method)
- Sewing Sleeve Cuffs
- How to Sew a Band Collar
- How to Sew a Collar (Traditional Method)
- How to Sew a Collar the Easy Way
- How to Sew a Curved Faced Hem
- Sewing Bias Hem and Side Seams (View B &C)
Related Sewing Tutorials
Pattern Hacks & Inspiration
Customer Reviews
I had been looking for a shirt dress pattern and was so excited to try this after so many people recommended it. It definitely didn't disappoint! I loved it so much that I made it twice! The instructions are clear but I really appreciated the sew along, especially as a beginner sewist. I made a size 6 and added a few inches to make it a bit longer. I also made the hem the same length in the front and back since I'm not a huge fan of the high-low style. Love this pattern!
With so many options to choose from, it's hard not to find something to love in this pattern. The directions are simple enough, and there's a sew-a-long if you need a visual. My one piece of feedback is that I wish the front hem facing indicates that it could be cut on the fold if you use the popover placket.
With the help of the clear instructions and blog post I made this shirt. No toile just worked from finished measurements and it fits beautifully. I managed to make the shirt from only 75cm of this fabric, using white fabric for facings. Planning on making more shirt and a shirt dress. Thank you
Love this pattern! The instructions are detailed and easy to follow. I’ve made 2 tops using different options and have worn both several times.
Good pattern and easy to follow. I managed to make view A with only one metre of linen by shortening the back and omitting the hem facings, using a bias binding instead.
This is my first Closet Core pattern, and I had been told their instructions are particularly clear. I was not disappointed - very clearly written instructions for a well designed pattern. I was quite surprised to find the 'yoke' is not actually structural, but rather a 'bib' added over the top of the main bodice pieces. This worked quite well for my lightweight fabric, reducing the see-through-ness - not sure how it would go in a heavier/less drapey fabric. I was between sizes (16 and 18) and chose to size down, as I don't usually like my clothes too oversized- but next time I would size up, as this designed suits being quite oversized. I ended up giving my size 16 top to a friend - it looks great and she loves it so win there.
