Meet the Gertrude Dress—One of design in our Dress Sewing Pattern collection. It is a vintage-inspired shirtdress with timeless tailoring and modern comfort. Designed for movement, shape, and everyday elegance, Gertrude is that rare combination of beautiful to sew and easy to wear. Whether you’re working with a PDF sewing pattern or a printed sewing pattern, this dress is ready to become a true handmade staple in your closet.
Design Inspiration
The Gertrude Dress draws inspiration from classic shirtdresses but softens the structure with feminine ease. Princess seams give it shape through the bodice, while a gently gathered skirt adds subtle volume without feeling bulky.
It’s fitted at the waist, finished with a crisp notched collar, and features a full button-down front—no zippers required. This is the kind of pattern that feels both tailored and relaxed, and best of all, it transitions easily through seasons.
Whether you’re sewing it in linen for summer or cotton sateen for a more polished finish, Gertrude looks effortlessly put together.
Recommended Fabrics
The Gertrude Dress Sewing Pattern works beautifully with medium-weight woven fabrics that offer structure or soft drape:
- Cotton poplin or cotton lawn – for crisp definition and easy sewing
- Linen and linen blends – breathable and relaxed, perfect for summer
- Chambray or lightweight denim – for that classic shirt-dress feel
- Tencel twill or rayon/linen blends – soft, flowy, and elegant
- Cotton sateen – for a more dressed-up version with a slight sheen
Avoid overly slippery or stretchy fabrics—this dress shines in fabrics that press well and hold a clean seam.
Gertrude Dresss Mix & Match
The beauty of the Gertrude Dress is how versatile it is once it’s in your wardrobe. It pairs just as well with sandals on a sunny day as it does with boots and a cardigan in fall. Some of my favorite ways to wear it:
- With sneakers and a denim jacket for errands
- With loafers and a blazer for work
- With boots and a belt in cooler weather
- With statement jewelry and heels for a dressy event
Make one in linen for a casual everyday dress, and another in cotton sateen for something a little more special. It’s the kind of piece that works hard in any handmade wardrobe.
Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
The Gertrude Dress is a great choice if you're newer to garment sewing but want to try something a little more polished. It’s approachable, even if this is your first dress.
You'll get comfortable with:
- Sewing princess seams
- Assembling a button placket
- Attaching a notched collar (don't worry—we walk you through it!)
- Gathering the skirt and adding pockets
If you’ve sewn a few basics like tops or elastic-waist skirts, this is a great next step that’ll boost your confidence and leave you with a dress you’ll be proud to wear.
Get the Gertrude Dress Pattern
Ready to sew your own Gertrude Dress? The pattern is available as a PDF sewing pattern for at-home printing or a print sewing pattern if you prefer paper. Just pick your fabric, print your pattern, and start stitching with Sewpronto.
