Merchant & Mills’ Union Dress in Watercolor Linen
For my high school home-ec class we were told to go to the fabric shop and pick out the pattern and fabric of our choice. Most of my classmates arrived prepared to make simple A-line skirts and pillowcases, but I chose a pattern for a fully lined pea coat and 3 yards of synthetic blue fur (yup!). The project may have been a little ambitious (and weird!), but I learned so much more about garment sewing than I ever would have with an easier pattern, and I loved it!
Since then, I’ve approached every project I make as both an opportunity to create and to learn. With clear and concise instructions, Merchant & Mills’ lovely Union Dress pattern offered both! It included my first Henley-style neckline, lots of topstitching practice, and techniques for the perfect dart.
This classic dress looks just right in Purl Soho’s new Watercolor Linen. Soft, cool, and drape-y, I’ll be wearing my Union Dress all season, and for next season… definitely synthetic fur! –Corinne
Materials
- 2-3 1/4 yards of fabric. We used Purl Soho’s Watercolor Linen, 58-60 inches wide, in Rose Quartz.
- Two 110-yard spools of Gutermann’s Cotton Sewing Thread to coordinate with the fabric. We used color 1240.
- Seven 3/8-1/2-inch buttons. We used 2 packages of Purl Soho’s Small Mother of Pearl Buttons.
- 1/4 yard Lightweight Fusible Interfacing
- The Union Dress pattern from Merchant & Mills
Update, May 2024: You can explore our current collection of beautiful fabrics and supplies on our page of Sewing Tools + Notions!
Sizes
(all measurements are shown in inches)
The model is wearing size 8.
Update 2024: You can explore our current collection of beautiful fabrics and supplies on our page of Sewing Tools + Notions!
I wish you would package the whole group together. So I could purchase as a package. love you website can’t wait to come too your store in August.
Hi Anna –
Thank you for writing in!
Packaging the pattern with the fabric and notions is a great idea, however it is difficult for us to do because of the wide range of fabric needed for the various sizes. However, all supplies are available individually through our site!
Happy sewing,
Corinne
I wear a size 20 or 22. Why don’t you show patterns that go up to my size? Generally, your patterns are too small. This is not the first time I’ve fallen in love with a design only to find out that it doesn’t come in my size.
Hello Sharon –
We’re so sorry you don’t see your size here. Unfortunately, because this pattern was produced by another company, the sizing of this particular garment is out of our control. However, we strive to include garments suitable for all of our readers and would love to hear more about what you’re looking for. If you know of a particular brand or pattern that includes the range of sizes you are looking for, we would love to hear about it! It’s great for us know what our readers are looking for for future posts and designs.
Again, we apologize if you felt left out by this pattern and we will certainly keep your comments in mind as we move forward.
Best,
-Corinne
Can you provide the yardage requirements by size (or post a photo of the envelope with the yardage)? Your description notes a wide range and I assume that it’s due to the fabric width and not necessarily the dress size.
Thanks!
P.S. Love the Watercolor Linen fabric (just received my first order and am trying to decide on my next project – might be this dress!).
Hello Marianne –
Thank you so much for pointing this out! We are looking into it and hope to get all of this information up on the site soon!
In the meantime, here is the yardage as recommended on the pattern package:
44-inch fabric
Size 8: 3 1/4 yards
Size 10: 3 1/4 yards
Size 12: 3 1/2 yards
Size 14: 3 1/2 yards
Size 16: 3 1/2 yards
Size 18: 3 1/2 yards
58-inch fabric
Size 8: 2 1/4 yards
Size 10: 2 1/4 yards
Size 12: 2 1/2 yards
Size 14: 2 1/2 yards
Size 16: 2 1/2 yards
Size 18: 2 1/2 yards
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
Is it possible to get a finished bustline measurement for this garment, or at least an indication for how much ease is included in the bust for this design? Many thanks!
Hi Christina –
This is a great question. Because this particular pattern was produced by another company, all of the information that we can offer about sizing and fit is what is available with the pattern itself, and is posted in the “Sizes” section of the pattern. I am sorry we cannot offer any other specifics.
-Corinne
I need 18W size . Do carry” W” sizes?
Hello Rita –
The sizes available for this particular pattern are listed in the “Sizes” section of this post, along with the specific measurements that each numbered size corresponds to. While we don’t carry any patterns with specific “W” sizing, you may find that some brands have a fit more or less suited to your body type. You can see all of our Women’s sewing patterns here. You should be able to find specific information on sizing on each individual product page.
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
This is a perfect marriage of pattern and fabric, and the sample is so beautifully made. I am inspired!
Thank you for introducing me to Merchant & Mills patterns! This dress is just stunning in your Watercolor Linen. A quick question- does the dress have set-in sleeves or, like on the Factory Dress, is it one long seam from fingertip to hem? Thank you in advance.
Hi Robin! So glad to hear you are as excited about Merchant & Mills patterns as we are! This gorgeous dress has a set-in sleeve unlike the Factory Dress. Excellent eye!
Thanks for writing in!
Keith
I agree. Please include all materials needed for the project in your kits.
Hi Pat,
Thank you so much for writing in! Creating a kit for this Merchant and Mills pattern is a lovely idea, but as we wrote earlier it is difficult for us to do because of the wide range of fabric needed for the various sizes. However, all supplies are available individually through our site and we are happy to make suggestions and answer any questions you may have. Again, thank you for writing in!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I looked for the pattern and I get a 404 error. I went to the website and did a search and I couldn’t find it. Can you provide a link for the dress pattern?
Mindy
Hi Mindy,
Thanks for writing in and for letting us know about the broken link. I have inserted an updated link. Unfortunately, the Union Dress has been discontinued by Merchant and Mills and is, thusly, not available anymore. Please do check out their other lovely patterns that are still available for purchase here: https://www.purlsoho.com/patterns/sewing.html?brand=735
Best,
Cassy
I just completed the Union Dress, made with Watercolor linen, and I’m very pleased with the dress. The pattern was easy to follow and the linen is just lovely. Thanks, Purl.
Hello,
The Union Dress pattern is available as a pdf in the Merchant & Mills website
http://merchantandmills.com/store/patterns/union-dress-pdf/
I considering this fabric for a sleeveless summer dress- is it too lightweight it will require lining in order to not see thru it?
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for reaching out! This fabric is a great option for a summer dress, it is very lightweight but not too thin that you would need to use a lining!
Warmly,
Gianna