Description
The Rimu Dress is a buttoned summer dress with treasure collecting pockets. Its clean design lines and professional finishing techniques will make it a versatile favourite of yours to sew.
This sewing pattern features two variations; Choose from straps, or a sleeveless bodice version, along with inseam or patch pockets.
Behind the name: The Rimu tree towers over other natives, and is instantly recognisable by its weeping branches and flaky red bark. From fruits for native birds, wood used for waka (canoes), and home building, you’ll find rimu woven into our everyday lives in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Pronounce Rimu like “ree-moo” in English, listen to it here.
Turn your dress into a cute ruffle top with this free tutorial here!
Features:
- Instant PDF digital download
- Children’s sizes 1-10
- Tween sizes 8-14 (based on an extension of the Children’s fit. No darts for shaping etc)
- Straps and sleeveless bodice
- Inseam and patch pockets
- Lined bodice
- PDF includes: A4/Letter (to print at home), A0 copy shop version, and Specialty Projector File. All PDF files are layered for individual size printing.
- Full tutorial, photos and support to help you create this dress
Sewing Level:
The Rimu Dress has been designed with adventurous beginners in mind. The tutorial is detailed with full colour photos and step by step process walking you through the construction of this garment.
Adventurous beginners will learn or practice new skills such as lining garments, inserting pockets, and creating 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, and the ease in which it comes together.
Fabric Suggestions:
Main Fabric:
Light – medium weight cotton for summer: Cottons, chambray, lawn, linen, rayon, seersucker, tencel, viscose, voile etc.
Lining Fabric:
Light – medium weight cotton, poly cotton, voile etc.
Fit and Ease of the Rimu Dress:
You’ll love the neat fit of the Rimu Dress, with enough ease through the chest to allow for lots of playing and exploring, and even a top underneath for winter layers. The hem has been designed to land at the knee.
This pattern has been created using Standard UK Measurements. 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 as needed.
Fabric and Fit Chart:
Additional Notions Required:
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– 8 (View A) or 9 (View B) x 14mm (1/2”) buttons
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– Co-ordinating thread, scissors, needle
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 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 them 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.
The A4/Letter file is 15 (size 1-10) / 20 (size 8-14) 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 Reader (download for free here). You will be able to save, view and print these documents on your computer or device.
Returns and Support:
This is a digital product that can be saved to your computer. Therefore, I am not able to offer returns on any purchase unless at some fault of my own. Please choose carefully and make sure you are purchasing the correct pattern, and you have used a correct email address!
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 Rimu 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 VIP Community to show us a photo of your finished Rimu Dress!
alison Donnelly –
I loved sewing this dress almost as much as my 5 year old loves wearing it! She chose the sleeveless option, but I can’t wait wait to try the straps next time! Thanks for a fun sew!
kirsty –
A really nice floaty summer dress, stylish and comfortable for young teens perfect for sunny days. Comfortable fit, professional looking finish with the lined bodice. Clear and simple instructions make this a pleasant sewing project for a teen to sew on their own..
Fiona Phanpho –
I can’t believe how sweet this little dress looks! The Rimu has easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that help you to create a beautiful finish. It looks professional, yet it is so achievable. I made one in a soft and light viscose, and it is perfect for summer – light and floaty for those hot days. An added bonus is having buttons all the way down the front, so my 2yo can put this on easily and I just have to help with some of the buttons. 🙂
Sharaine Talip –
I loved sewing up the Rimu Dress ready in time for summer! I completed the View B (sleeveless option) in a Size 3 in a gorgeous lightweight striped linen. It’s such a gorgeous pattern and a really quick sew – perfect for the adventurous beginner or a crafty older kid! I especially love the extra details and challenge of the full button placket on the front bodice and skirt, as well as the fully lined bodice. I can’t wait to make more of these very soon!
Lucy Maybank –
The Rimu is such a pretty addition to my daughters wardrobe, perfect for playing outside and collecting treasures in the all important pockets. An easy to follow pattern with great step by step instructions.
hannahevans5 –
What an absolutely perfect dress for all seasons! Designed as a summer dress (which I can’t wait to make when the weather allows) the sleeve choices are beautiful and the full button front is my favourite!! Totally worth the time spent sewing the buttons on!!
Another perfect fit from BTK, with enough ease to grow with and also to layer (hooray for Canadian Winters!!). Sure to be a staple in our wardrobe!
rebecca_bentley –
It’s been a pretty chilly autumn up here in the North of England but that didn’t deter me from a lovely Rimu layered up with a nice jumper! It was probably one of the fastest items I’ve sewn. The instructions/drafting are clear and easy to follow.
For my Yorkshire winter Rimu I used a heavier cord fabric with a French terry lining and over the top of a knit jumper my toddler was warm enough not to need a coat despite it being 6 degrees at the time! Perfect length for moving around too.
Jess –
The Rimu is definitely going to become a tried and true pattern in my household. It’s perfect year round (layered over a shirt and leggings in the winter) and the options in the pattern make it so versatile.
The instructions are easy to follow and the dress comes together beautifully.
The projector file is excellent and includes unfolded pieces.
erinyshoemaker –
Another sweet and simple dress from BTK! This dress was fun and quick to sew up, bonus that my girl loves it–especially the pockets! It didn’t take a lot of fabric or time so I see a lot of these in our future. A wonderful staple for any season.
Jess Armstrong –
Lovely dress. Printed in A4 and very quick and easy to put together. Love the lined bodice and pocket options, clear instructions, lovely sew!
maddisonandconz –
Rimu is such a beautiful classic summer dress, it sewed up easily and my daughter loves it!
thuy –
The Rimu dress is a lovely pattern to sew up. As with all Below the Kowhai patterns, it was a very easy pattern to follow, no matter what level you may be. It’s a great dress for summer time or even layer up in the winter. My little one loved the the waist pockets! I can’t wait to whip up some more!
erin28casey –
Absolutely love this sweet dress! The Rimu is another stunning pattern from BTK! The tutorial is easy to follow with clear step by step instructions! I know there will be many more in the future!
anna.jem.smith –
Love this dress! And love the different shoulder options letting my daughter decide which one she wants. Was a wonderful quick sew and a delight on.
Instructions are perfectly set up for beginner or expert alike and are so clear to follow!
Roxan Bungcayao –
Love the Rimu dress! Very versatile, it’s not just a summer dress, it can be layered for colder seasons. And as always the pattern and tutorial are very easy to read and follow along.
Anna Cunningham (verified owner) –
Gorgeous pattern, I have a new favorite dress on my 2yo. Strong sense of accomplishment also as i find buttonholes quite intimidating, but the pattern makes it incredibly easy – like all BTK patterns everything came together perfectly and quickly.
Sarah Black –
I love this pattern – made it for my daughter and already have several more planned! Fabulous instructions too. Would definitely recommend it.
Julia Warren (verified owner) –
I love the Rimu Pattern! I have made both shoulder strap options and they are both great. As we head into autumn and winter my girls are still wearing them as they are perfect layered with tights and merino base layers. The instructions are very clear (like all BTK patterns) and and easy to follow. Well worth diving into the stash for.
Christina Sinclair (verified owner) –
I made 2 of these , amd both are favorites in our rotation! Both sleeve options are perfect, with immaculate fit following the size chart. The instructions are clear, yeah!
Pair it with an embroidery on the pocket for a win.
Katie Peat (verified owner) –
The perfect summer dress – or really, perfect all-year-round dress! I made one for my daughter last Christmas, and she’s worn it so many times (with layers underneath in winter). Beautifully clear instructions and excellent construction as always.