Description
The Kauri Dress takes its inspiration from the towering Kauri forests in northern New Zealand. From tourism to how we build our homes, you’ll find kauri woven amongst our everyday lives.
We know this evergreen pattern will be a wardrobe favourite for your little one as it travels with her throughout the seasons.
The button bodice calls back to a classic style with vintage charm, with lots of space for variations and your own creative flair.
When you create this dress you’ll discover our internal facing pattern and technique, which results in a professional, clean finish with options to bind the facings (we love the inside of garments just as much as the outside!)
With a gathered waist, relaxed fit and pockets for treasure collecting, the Kauri Dress is excellent for playing in. It’s casual, and looks so down to earth in a linen or cotton. Or, dress it up with sateen or velveteen and you have a brand new party dress.
The Kauri Dress comes with 3 sleeve length options, making it the perfect dress for all seasons.
Our Sewists love the clean and simple lines of this pattern, along with its clever construction and professional finishes.
The full photo and video tutorial will walk you step by step through the construction and sewing of this dress. It’s a pleasure to sew (and a little bit addictive!)
Features:
- Instant PDF digital download
- Children’s sizes 1-10
- 3 sleeve lengths (short, mid, long)
- Inseam pockets
- Beautiful internal facing for a professional finish
- Button closure
- PDF includes: A4/Letter (to print at home), A0 copy shop version, and Specialty Projector File
- Exclusive video tutorial
- Full tutorial, photos and support to help you create this dress
Sewing Level:
The Kauri Dress has been designed with adventurous beginners in mind. The tutorial is detailed with full colour photos and includes an exclusive video tutorial for creating the facings.
Adventurous beginners will learn or practice new skills such as bias binding (optional), inserted sleeves, gathering, pocket making and button holes. If you have some previous experience in sewing and feel confident in giving these skills a go, you’ll enjoy this thorough tutorial which will walk you through the process step by step.
The more advanced will appreciate the professional finish of the pattern (check out the inside of the bodice!), the front facing method and the versatility of the Kauri Dress.
Fabric Suggestions:
This dress has been designed for all seasons. Look for cottons, linens, flannels, corduroy, velvets etc.
Fit and Ease of the Kauri Dress:
The Kauri Dress pattern is perfect for all seasons and has been designed to be an evergreen pattern for your child’s wardrobe.
You’ll love the relaxed fit of the Kauri Dress, with enough ease through the chest to allow for lots of playing and exploring!
The pattern includes 3 sleeve lengths (short, mid, long) and a sleeve adjustment guide has been included on the pattern piece for a custom length sleeve.
This pattern has been created using Standard American Measurements and the sizing might seem different to what you usually buy in stores. Therefore, use the size the chart says you are to fit the chest, and if required, lengthen or shorten the pattern as needed.
Fabric and Fit Chart:
Additional Notions Required:
- Co-ordinating sewing thread
- 4 x buttons approximately 15mm (5/8″) wide
- Scissors, pins, needle
- Optional: 12mm (1/2″) wide double fold bias tape (optional for 2x seam finishes)
What You Get When You Purchase:
This pattern is available as a PDF digital download.
PDF Pattern
Digital file emailed and stored in your Below the Kōwhai account for future use. Includes files for pattern to print at home, A0 copy shop pattern and instructions.
These downloads will also be available in the “My Account + Downloads” section of this website when you are logged in. This is where the most updated version of your purchases will be and you can access it any time. In the future I may revise this pattern and slightly alter it. If you’re sewing in the future, check back for the latest version.
You can print the Kauri Dress pattern at home.
The digital pattern is 25 pages long in black and white, and can be printed on A4 or US Letter paper on your home computer and then assembled for use. You may want to only print which pages you need for your different styles, or choose which sizes to print using the “layers” feature when viewing the PDF.
The A0/ Copy shop file (1 page) can be sent to your local printer.
The Projector File can be used by projector sewists.
You will also receive a comprehensive tutorial with instructions, photos and tips to guide you in your sewing of this garment. Please view this tutorial on your device or computer to save the trees, or if you must print, print in colour.
What’s a PDF?
A digital document viewable in Adobe Acrobat Reader (download for free here). You will be able to save, view and print these documents on your computer or device.
Returns and Support:
I am not able to offer returns on any purchase unless at some fault of my own, because this is a digital product and can be saved to your computer. Please choose carefully and make sure you are purchasing the correct pattern!
In lieu of returns I offer comprehensive online support to those who are sewing! You can contact me on Facebook, Instagram and email, and you can expect a prompt reply! I will endeavour to help you in any way I can.
Get Sewing!
So, what are you waiting for? Create your own beautiful Kauri Dress with this pattern and show off your creations!
This sewing pattern is by Sophie Laughton-Mutu. Sewists and children around the world have tested this pattern. Please leave a review, or pop over to our Facebook page to show us a photo of your Kauri Dress!
chan_141 –
I love this pattern. Clear, easy to follow instructions. My sewing skills are fairly beginner and this dress turned out beautifully and really boosted my confidence. I was chuffed with the end result. Will make many more Kauri dresses…. and POCKETS!!
pennyandlimebaby (verified owner) –
The Kauri has been on my wanting-to-sew List far too long and yesterday I finally sat down and sewed one up for my daughter. The fit it beautiful and both my daughter and I love it, she wore it out straight away and got compliments by two different people! My only criticism is that it doesn’t come in adult size too!
Christine Rudinsky –
This is a lovely dress and I have made two of them for my granddaughter. It is a fast assembly with a digital download and clear directions. The dress comes together quickly and neatly resulting in a very comfortable and flattering dress. It runs true to size if you go by the measurements. My granddaughter is average height and thin and it fit beautifully. I highly recommend this dress.
barbyline –
Gorgeous dress! I made a long-sleeved denim Kauri for cooler months, and an elbow sleeve cotton floral for warmer months. The instructions are amazing, and the inner finish is as beautiful as the outside. Beautiful pattern!
vinceandjess1 –
This was my first BTK pattern and it made me want them all! I love how versatile it is, I’ve made a lovely winter dress with long sleeves from corduroy and some light cotton dresses for summer. It is a straightforward pattern with excellent instructions. My daughter was very excited about the pockets!
hannahevans5 –
Since making this dress countless times bow I can honestly say it is an absolute FAVOURITE!!! Highlights for us include the button front! The POCKETS and the fit and style of the dress that take it from being a perfect play dress with the loveliest design, I have made them for Christmas and birthday dresses as well as daily dresses and they all get worn a lot around here!! BTK instructions and images are easy to follow as always!!
Casey Sutton –
The facing feels like actual magic to sew ✨✨ such a well written, easy to follow pattern. No need to Google if you don’t understand something, as it’s all explained in the pattern, clear as day!
lizzyj_m –
The Kauri dress is lovely inside and out! I really liked the binding tutorial, and the skirt is excellent for twirling – always important. I can’t wait to make more.
jillsauve –
The Kauri Dress is my favourite pattern to sew. Much can be added such as pockets and bias binding to make this dress special. Having sewn more than 10 already I can surely say you will not be disappointed in this digital or paper pattern for your sewing pleasure.
ej_garnett –
The Kauri dress is my favourite BTK sew so far. It has excellent details to ensure a great finish. I used the bias for my facings and I was so proud of the way they looked at the end. I made a size 1, short sleeve cotton floral for my 1 year old and it is still fitting her well at 18months. I’m looking forward to trying it in a velveteen for winter!
truc.coelho –
Simple design, but beautiful results. PDF assembly was fast as there weren’t too many pieces/pages. Sewing was also relatively fast, with clear instructions. Highly recommend for any little girl’s wardrobe.
Mary-Lynne Eason –
So far, I’ve made 10 Kauri dresses, and I don’t even have kids! It’s my favorite dress for gifting. It’s so versatile, and looks great in a variety of fabrics. The directions are clear and easy to follow. I used the PDF download method because I live in Maine (USA) and it’s quick and easy to print just the size I want. Thanks so much for a terrific pattern!
barbyline –
Beautiful dress pattern, the finished product is *so* professional! The instructions are very simple to folllow. I’ve made long-sleeve and elbow length, and will make many more. Great pattern!!
Sharaine Talip –
This is by far one of the best dress pattern and tutorial that I have used so far in my sewing career! Sophie’s instructions are clear and concise, and even for someone who has been sewing for 20 years I still learned lots of new things (like that gorgeous bias lining!). It was definitely a good challenge but simple enough to whip on the weekend. So far three Kauri dresses made and counting!
Heather Waddy (verified owner) –
Excellent directions and pictures!
Melissa Kelly (verified owner) –
I chose this as my first foray into garment making, and made a size one for my little girl. I found the pattern easy to use – it is well written and the complimentary photos included make it easy to follow. The additional video content available on the website was helpful so I could see what I needed to do and really, it was reassuring I was on the right track. A beautiful pattern that I will come back to and make for many years to come.
kylie.rick –
Another amazing pattern, super clear instructions and beautiful finishes. Thank you!!
Heather Woods (verified owner) –
So pleased I found this website and gave the Kauri dress a go. I’m not a confident sewer, so I appreciated the in depth instructions. I’m so stoked I managed to make such a cute dress – it’s awesome that there’s help available if you need it too.
rachelslimmon –
Such a cute relaxed dress. Living in the hot Australian Bush it’s super important to me that the girls wear some sort of shoulder protect when out in the hot sun. I love the sleeve length variations that are included in the pattern. A thorough tutorial talking you through all the steps to create a professional garment.
Jackie Stone (verified owner) –
I have sewn clothes for years without any type of pattern because every pattern till now that I have purchased would put anybody off ever attempting. Getting the size right without a pattern however is a challenge. I stumbled across BTK and received my paper pattern today. I couldn’t be more pleased, from the packaging that it came in, the paper that the pattern is printed on to the simple and clear instructions and pictures, if that isn’t enough they offer an online tutorial. I can’t wait to put this together, BTK, thankyou😊.
Susanne Gullack Flyrén (verified owner) –
I love this pattern. All parts fits so good together and the instructions are very easy to follow. The resultat is a beautiful dress! There will by many more Kauri dresses.
Lauren Stonehouse (verified owner) –
I adore this pattern! The instructions are easy to understand and follow and the dress comes together easily. And it looks so adorable on! I searched everywhere to find a pattern like this and am so happy I finally found it. This dress is unique, simple, yet so elegant with the button up front.
Thankyou for the lovely pattern!
Eliza Powell (verified owner) –
Super easy to navigate through this pattern, cut to finish was about 3hours (but im a perfectionist) so many opportunities to be had with fabric selection and optional sleeve lengths.
Eliza Powell (verified owner) –
Such an easy pattern to follow, from cut to finish was about 3 hours (but i am a perfectionist!) So many options from fabric choice, to sleeve length, its the perfect all seasons dress 💓
bsarrowsmith –
This pattern is so beautiful! Easy to follow instructions, with a professional and polished finish. I really love the thought that went into making the internal facings pretty too! Thank you for a fabulous pattern!
Iva Anjani (verified owner) –
This pattern changed my sewing life! Honestly! It’s made me fall in love with sewing. It’s such a well made pattern, everything fits well and the tutorials are absolutely brilliant. Really good to build confidence for beginners like me. I’m 3/4 of the way done and I can already see how great the dress will be. Hope to build more Kauri dresses in the future!
Juulsoofhandmade –
The Kauri Dress pattern is one of those patterns you just have to have in your collection when you sew for girls.
It’s perfect to make those special heirloom partydresses but because of the relaxed fit it also makes a comfortable every day dress to play in.
Rachel Dale (verified owner) –
As a beginner i found this dress a challenge, but the instructions were really easy to follow and I’m really pleased with how it turned out! My little one loves it too 😀
Alison May (verified owner) –
This is a lovely pattern. My granddaughter loves the first one I made so much that I’m already making her another. Easy to follow clear instructions and it has pockets! What’s not to like? I highly recommend the Kauri Dress. 👍
Alison Whittington (verified owner) –
I have admired this pattern for a while and finally found time to make one for each of my granddaughters. It is the perfect dress pattern. The instructions were easy to follow, the pictures very helpful and such a simple but beautiful design. I am already planning the next two dresses as the girls and their mum loved them so much.
Emma-Lisa McGhee (verified owner) –
This is such a beautiful classic pattern that can look so different depending on the fabric you use. A staple in any girls wardrobe. Easy instructions and I love how the front placket is part of the bodice so no extra cutting of strips etc. Highly recommend this kāuri dress pattern!
thuy (verified owner) –
With all of Sophie’s patterns, it’s such an easy one to follow. I didn’t even use a muslin to do my first dress, I just went for it and it was such a breeze. I would highly recommend this pattern if you’re on the fence!
Rachel Kirby (verified owner) –
I adore this pattern, and have now made it three times. It has very clear instructions which are easy to follow even for a confident beginner. I love how it has enough ease in it to allow free movement for kids during play, but not too much so it doesn’t get in the way. A classic pattern which works beautifully by itself but also provides a good base for your own imaginative additions.
prudi13 (verified owner) –
As always Sophie has created a beautiful pattern. This one challenged me to try new techniques and turned out beautifully (despite my own impatient mistakes). My daughter loves this and it has great twirl power. I can see many more being made in the future.
Kelly Chu (verified owner) –
An amazing year-round make option, I thoroughly enjoyed sewing this for a few Christmas gifts.
The instructions are very clear, the construction is thoughtful (I really liked how the facing was made), pockets (a must!), and seasonal options depending on fabric/sleeve length.
Highly recommend, and will be making more!
erinyshoemaker (verified owner) –
The Kauri dress is incredibly simple and quick to sew up. No lining required and the facings are built into the pattern pieces! I was able to sew two Kauri dresses in one afternoon! The silhouette is classic and simple and easy to wear everyday. The girls were comfy and even went to the park in their new mama-made dresses. Will sew more for the colder months coming!
Michelle Smith (verified owner) –
Super cute easy to follow pattern. Love the button details and little sleeves. 100% recommend
Rachel Penney (verified owner) –
A gorgeous dress, excellent easy to follow instructions and it has pockets!
Rhondda Shaw (verified owner) –
Such a beautiful dress. An extremely easy sew with video for the neck facing technique makes it great for beginners. Excellent, easy to follow instructions. I can see this style being made year after year for growing grandchildren.