Your Cashmerette Makes: the Wonderful World of Wayland

Our new strappy Wayland Dress is already a fan favorite! Keep reading to see over 20 gorgeous versions from makers in sewing community.

Meet the Wayland Dress sewing pattern: a fitted, princess-seamed dress with a sweetheart neckline and a slim, tailored skirt. Its signature feature is a shirred back bodice panel, which gives the fit built-in stretch, so it looks elevated but feels super comfortable. Make it your own with wide or narrow straps, with or without a center-back zipper, a knee-length or kick-pleat midi skirt, and an optional boned bodice for extra support — and mix and match with the Upton pattern line for even more options!

We asked our collaborator community to put their own spin on the Wayland, and the results are simply wonderful. Keep reading to see them all!

Leinin’s Wayland Dress

“The fit of the Wayland Dress is incredible. The princess seams were perfect on the first try- no adjustments needed! I love that the wide strap view allows you to wear a real bra without it peaking out, a must for those of us with larger busts! The tailored fit of the skirt has just the right about of ease, being comfortable without being an A-line. This style is definitely a new summer staple. Two already made and I am already planning my next one! ” – Leinin @leininlovesit

• View: Midi length with wider straps and no zipper
• Fabric: Cotton-linen jacquard
• Size: 20 C/D graded to 22 at the waist and 26 at the hip
• Measurements: 45″ (114 cm) high bust, 48″ (122 cm) full bust, 42″ (107 cm) waist, 56″ (142 cm) hip

Samantha’s Wayland Dress

“Love it, I wanted to make something unexpected and when it’s not 4 degrees outside I will make a summer version! It’s elegant, comfortable and really suits me I think. I was surprised at how much I do love the final dress.” – Samantha @samanthapopecreations | blog

• View: Wayland bodice with wider straps and a center back zip, paired with the Ellington Dress‘s skirt (slashed and spread for additional fullness)
• Fabric: Gold foiled print on black georgette, medium-weight polyester lining, black ITY for the center back lining
• Size: 18 G/H graded to a 22 waist
• Measurements: 43″ (110 cm) high bust, 48″ (122 cm) full bust, 43″ (108 cm) waist, 48″ (122 cm) hip

Leighanne’s Wayland Dresses

“I love it. I would go so far as saying this is one of your best patterns ever. It’s the perfect summer dress and I love how they fit.” – Leighanne @ohsewfearless | Sewciable

• View: Knee-length with a faux shirred panel. One version with narrow straps, one with wider straps.
• Fabric: Cotton for both dresses
• Size: 8 E/F
• Measurements: 35″ (88 cm) high bust, 38″ (96 cm) full bust, 30″ (76 cm) waist, 37″ (93 cm) hip

Stacie’s Wayland Dress

“I loved the outcome! It fits so well to my shape. It’s a perfect summer dress that can be worn for multiple occasions. Sew it!” – Stacie @sewsewstacie | YouTube

• View: Midi-length with wider straps and faux shirring back panel. The back panel was sewn with ¼” elastic straight onto the fabric in place of shirring.
• Fabric: Cotton
• Size: 32 C/D
• Measurements: 54″ (137 cm) high bust, 57″ (145 cm) full bust, 54.5″ (138 cm) waist, 64″ (163 cm) hip

Flavia’s Wayland Dress

“Absolutely in love, the bodice is gorgeous, the sweetheart neckline and princess seams are perfect. I also love the ability to mix and match with the Upton. Shirring for the first time was quite the adventure, but I felt very accomplished by the time I finished the Wayland. The dress looks sophisticated. ” – Flavia @flav_made_this

• View: Midi-length with wider straps
• Fabric: Lightweight cotton, Liverpool knit for center back lining
• Size: 12 E/F graded to 16 hip
• Measurements: 37″ (94 cm) high bust, 41″ (104 cm) full bust, 33″ (84 cm) waist, 46″ (117 cm) hip

Whitney’s Wayland Dress

“I absolutely LOVE my finished dresses! What a fabulous sundress pattern! Don’t be scared of the shirring. Its really therapeutic once you get going!” – Whitney @tomkat.stitchery | YouTube

• View: One version with midi-length skirt and wider straps and boning, one version with knee-length skirt and wider straps. Both skirts shortened by 2″.
• Fabric: Vintage cotton poplin (yellow); cotton chambray (blue)
• Size: 10 G/H
• Measurements: 36″ (91 cm) high bust, 40″ (102 cm) full bust, 33″ (84 cm) waist, 38″ (97 cm) hip

Cindy’s Wayland Dress

“I love it! Its so cute and quite comfortable. It fits so well with the ruched back!” – Cindy @cilearnstomake

• View: Knee-length with wider straps
• Fabric: Lightweight cotton/linen blend
• Size: 18 C/D graded to a 20 waist and hip
• Measurements: 41″ (104 cm) high bust, 46″ (117 cm) full bust, 41″ (104 cm) waist, 49″ (124 cm) hip

Basma’s Wayland Dress

“I LOVE IT! It’s the perfect warm weather dress and it’s regular bra friendly. Plus, I absolutely adore that it mixes and matches with other patterns.” – Basma @basmashimmies | Stitch and Shimmy

• View: Knee-length with wider straps. The back panel was sewn with ¼” elastic straight onto the fabric in place of shirring.
• Fabric: 100% cotton African waxprint with a hint of stretch
• Size: 28 E/F graded to 30 waist and 32 hip
• Measurements: 52″ (132 cm) high bust, 57″ (145 cm) full bust, 51″ (130 cm) waist, 60″ (152 cm) hip

Syreeta’s Wayland Dress

“It’s super cute! And so twirly. Shirring is way easier than you think!” – Syreeta @syreetabriana

• View: Wayland bodice and wider straps paired with the Upton Dress‘s gored skirt
• Fabric: Linen
• Size: 10 G/H graded to 12 waist and hip
• Measurements: 35″ (89 cm) high bust, 40.5″ (103 cm) full bust, 32″ (81 cm) waist, 40″ (102 cm) hip

Kristen’s Wayland Dress

“I absolutely love my finished hack! The bodice of this pattern is so well drafted (and I really love a princess seam).” – Kristen @unsewcial

• View: Wayland bodice with wide straps hacked into tie straps, and paired with a skirt for a different pattern
• Fabric: Rayon challis
• Size: 14 C/D
• Measurements: 38.5″ (98 cm) high bust, 41.5″ (105 cm) full bust, 34″ (86 cm) waist, 43.5″ (110 cm) hip

Kacy’s Wayland Dress

“Absolutely delighted. My first version fit like a glove and ticks all the boxes for comfort and style.” – Kacy @krakenkacy

• View: Midi-length dress with wider straps
• Fabric: Linen, swim fabric scrap for the center back lining
• Size: 10 G/H
• Measurements: 36″ (90.5 cm) high bust, 41″ (103 cm) full bust, 31″ (79 cm) waist, 43″ (110 cm) hip

Kirsty’s Wayland Dress

“I love it! It is the perfect summer evening dress, it looks elevated with the fitted bodice but with the shirred back is exceedingly comfortable.” – Kirsty @kiwisewswien

• View: Midi-length with wider straps and no zipper
• Fabric: Lightweight chambray
• Size: 8 G/H graded to 10 waist and 12 hip
• Measurements: 34″ (86 cm) high bust, 39″ (98 cm) full bust, 32″ (81 cm) waist, 43″ (109 cm) hip

Annie’s Wayland Dress

“I absolutely love a dress where there are no zippers involved! If you’re new to shirring, definitely read through the instructions! They are very thorough and help if you are feeling intimidated.” – Annie @epicureanbb

• View: Knee-length with wider straps and no zipper, shortened by 2″
• Fabric: Cotton poplin
• Size: 8 C/D
• Measurements: 34.5″ (88 cm) high bust, 37″ (94 cm) full bust, 29″ (74 cm) waist, 39″ (99 cm) hip

Lisa’s Wayland Dress

“I usually fear strappy dresses because of lack of support and bra coverage. However every Cashmerette garment I have made, with the use of their size calculator, has been very flattering. I feel confident and comfortable wearing this dress.” – Lisa @reddolldress

• View: Knee-length with wider straps
• Fabric: Cotton poplin
• Size: 18 G/H graded to a 26 waist and 20 hip
• Measurements: 43″ (109 cm) high bust, 49″ (124 cm) full bust, 46″ (117 cm) waist, 50″ (127 cm) hip

Marianne’s Wayland Dress

“I love the dress – it’s perfect to wear out to dinner or a summer party and feel dressed up but still very relaxed. One pleasant surprise was how incredibly comfortable this dress is! Even though it’s fitted, the shirring makes is as enjoyable to wear as something looser.

This dress was a skill-builder for me – I had never done shirring before and was a bit intimidated at first. It took me some tries at my machine to get the right tension but ultimately working on the shirred section of the bodice was my favorite part. I’m excited to explore more shirred garments.

Another thing I loved was how beautifully all of the pieces came together – the pleats and darts matching up perfectly with the princess seams. It was such a satisfying sew and I felt like I leveled up my skills working on it.” – Marianne @sewingdrawings | Blog

• View: Knee-length shortened by 4.5″ with wide straps and no zipper
• Fabric: Midweight cotton oxford
• Size: 8 C/D with a 1″ SBA graded to a 6 waist
• Measurements: 34″ (86 cm) high bust, 36″ (91 cm) full bust, 29″ (74 cm) waist, 37″ (94 cm) hip

Lizzie’s Wayland Dress

“I love it! I think it’s really sweet and also put together. I feel quite classy in it but it’s still a great easy to wear summer dress. I’m wearing a strapless bra and the boning really helps me feel secure and supported.” – Lizzie @zippywaffle

• View: Midi-length with wider straps and boning
• Fabric: Cotton poplin
• Size: 22 G/H graded to 26 waist and 32 hip
• Measurements: 46″ (117 cm) high bust, 52″ (132 cm) full bust, 46″ (117 cm) waist, 60″ (152 cm) hip

Rhi’s Wayland Dress

“I was really impressed with the bodice fit, the princess seams are spot on. I’m usually a bit reluctant to wear shirring because elastic can irritate my skin but lining the shirring with a jersey panel is really clever and means that the shirring is hidden away and I have a lovely, soft and elegant dress.” – Rhi @rhistitched

• View: Midi-length with wider straps
• Fabric: Sandwashed cotton
• Size: 12 G/H
• Measurements: 36″ (91 cm) high bust, 42″ (106 cm) full bust, 34″ (87 cm) waist, 40″ (101 cm) hip

Elisa’s Wayland Dress

“This dress is a winner. I like the option of wide straps, because my bras usually also have wider straps and this way they won’t be visible. The shirring in the back is a great feature that helps with getting a good fit. I enjoyed making the shirred back panel. This is a new(ish) sewing technique for me and I was surprised how easy it was.” – Elisa @MySewperPower

• View: Knee-length with wider straps
• Fabric: Viscose challis
• Size: 16 C/D
• Measurements: 41″ (104 cm) high bust, 44″ (112 cm) full bust, 38″ (97 cm) waist, 40″ (102 cm) hip

Christina’s Wayland Dress

“I love how it can be casual or dressy. As is with fancy shoes and it would be great for a wedding guest dress. With a sweater or jacket, great for work. I would also like to make with a fun cotton print for even more casual.” – Christina @c.pikas | Threadloop

• View: Knee-length with wider straps
• Fabric: Rayon nylon blend, cotton broadcloth lining; swim knit lining for center back panel
• Size: 14 E/F graded to 20 waist
• Measurements: 40″ (101 cm) high bust, 44″ (112 cm) full bust, 40″ (102 cm) waist, 49″ (124 cm) hip

Gowri’s Wayland Dress

“Absolutely loved it with a spot on fit” – Gowri @bypaary

• View: Knee-length dress with wide straps
• Fabric: Indian block print cotton
• Size: 8 C/D
• Measurements: 34″ (86 cm) high bust, 37″ (94 cm) full bust, 29″ (74 cm) waist, 36″ (91 cm) hip