The Tidal Top and Dress Pattern recently went through a size update. Oddly enough I had never made a Tidal Dress or Top so I figured now was the perfect time. Plus it would give me the opportunity to use some fabric scraps I had.

The Tidal pattern includes three lengths: shirt, knee length dress and maxi dress. Four sleeve styles are also included: tank, sleeveless, short and long. The back is full coverage while the front is a nice scoop- not too high, not too low. The princess seams are so complimentary on all shapes and give you a good opportunity to play with different fabrics if desired.

Tidal Top & Tank Features:

• Meant for knit fabrics
• Full bust option
• 3 lengths: top, knee and maxi
• Princess seams
• 4 sleeve options: tank, sleeveless, short & long sleeve

Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

For this Tidal dress I made a size Medium. My measurements were slightly larger than the Medium but not quite the size of the large. My fabric was also very stretchy so I knew the Medium would fit me better. I always like to size down a bit when sewing with knits.

I had this pink and blue kind of floral fabric left over from another project I did a few years ago. It wasn’t quite enough to make a full dress or shirt but it was the perfect amount for the front panel of the Tidal knee length dress. I also had some blue fabric left over after making my son’s Thomas Track pants that matched the pink and blue perfectly. I decided to put the two fabrics together so I could finally use these scraps. 

I chose to do a neck facing rather than a band. I like that look so much better. I used a twin needle on the neck and the sleeves so it would look more professional. A twin needle is my preferred way to hem garments and finish necklines. If you have never tried using a twin needle I highly recommend it. I have a quick video on my instagram that shows you how I use mine. But all sewing machines are different so you have to figure out what works with yours. 

I think I would really like to make a maxi length dress with this pattern and a shirt as well. I really like the princess seams. I feel like they are really flattening to almost any body shape. I ended up not doing any top stitching on the princess seams. Instead of pressing the seams to the center front and top stitching, I ironed them open. I wanted them to lay nice and flat. I prefer that look as well. I sometimes get waviness when I top stitch on knits and I definitely didn’t want that. 

For Mother’s Day I usually make my mom the laundry day tee dress, but I think next year I’m going to have to make my mom a Tidal dress. They both have similar shapes but the princess seams on the Tidal just make it so much cuter. I just need to figure out how to add pockets. 

If you want to sew your own tidal dress you can use code KOE10 to get 10% off of the pattern. 

Happy sewing my friends!

Koe