Melody Dolman
$12.50
All Love Notions Sewing Patterns are digital downloads, you may print them at home or send to a copy shop. A physical pattern will not be mailed to you.
The Melody Dolman is a woven button-down dolman with shirt-tail hem that can also be knotted at the waist. This dolman gives you a polished look without a lot of effort. If you’re new to sewing button-down shirts, this is a great beginner pattern. The camp style collar looks clean on the inside and out, and bonus- it’s easy to do! This dolman is meant for apparel weight woven fabrics. Also included is a breast pocket and sleeve cuffs.
Melody Dolman Features:
- Meant for woven fabrics
- Easy fitted button-down shirt
- Shirttail hem that can be knotted at the waist
- Construction Video
- Full bust option
Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Pattern Formats Included:
- Print at home for US letter & A4 paper, trimless format with layers
- Layered Large format file for copy shop printing. This file will print on three A0 (33″ x 46″) size sheet. Be sure to instruct your printer to print actual size in black and white on their cheapest paper. We recommend PDFPlotting for printing the large format files.
- A projector file is also included for those using projector technology
Curious about fabric for Melody? Click here!
Read more about this pattern on our blog:
Fiona M (verified owner) –
A really nice shirt that was easy to make. Excellent instructions and I love the way the pattern prints and sticks together. I also appreciate the inclusion of the alternative full bust piece. This was my first attempt at a garment with a collar and functioning buttons, and I’m delighted with how it turned out! I will definitely make it again.
Lizel S (verified owner) –
This is probably one of the best patterns I’ve ever sewn and my ultimate favorite pattern! Its an easy step by step sewing pattern and the result is a nice classical shirt. Ive made this in various fabrics from chiffons to broderie Anglais! Love this pattern …. a must try for anyone looking for a great shirt pattern!
lrain1 (verified owner) –
I have made three of these shirts, the pattern went together perfectly. I love this pattern.
Laura Cragun (verified owner) –
So easy to use, I made a practice one that fit perfect first try. It is a perfect shirt pattern when you want something light and stylish. I’m already planning a few more.
pamelaholmes713 (verified owner) –
I’ve made several Melody Dolman tops. It’s one of those patterns that has a lot of impact and looks way more complicated than it really is! It’s a great introduction to button up, collared shirts. I’ve even lengthened it to create a shirt dress. As always, this pattern has great instructions for a smooth sewing experience.
DeEtta Gibbons (verified owner) –
I love this blouse. It was so easy to sew, fits great and a great wardrobe builder. The instructions were well written. Thank you. I’m always have a successful result with your patterns. Thank you so much.
mommurri08 (verified owner) –
This is a beautiful top – great and thorough directions. I love the fit! One of my favorites!
rleabarnes (verified owner) –
I’ve always been hesitant about button up tops because my hips are so much larger than my bust. So it was great being able to sew my own and have a fabulous fit! I used a lightweight cotton plaid. The directions are easy to understand and the top came together without any difficulty. I used snaps instead of buttons (both for convenience and because I didn’t have good buttons to match). The only complaint I have (which is why I don’t wear it more often) is that I chose a fabric that wrinkles so easily! Lol. I will definitely be making my next one in a fabric that I don’t have to iron everytime I want to wear the top.
schroeder1987 (verified owner) –
I love this top. Easy make. I have been looking for some inspiration on different sites and this pattern is a great basic to make some beautiful some looks. As always instructions were great.
jacquiannehooper (verified owner) –
This is my all time favourite pattern. I have made 5 for me and 2 for my daughter with the other daughter now requesting hers. I made the back facing as suggested by Karina of Lifting Pins and Needles which just makes the nicest finish to the blouse. In addition I also did a rounded back adjustment for that perfect fit. My blouses were made in a variety of fabric’s – quilting cotton, a fine Japanese cotton and slippery rayons. Each fabric gave a slightly different vibe to the shirt which meant that no one noticed that I wore the same pattern each day – WIN! Such a practical easy sew that I highly recommend.
Amy Maulo (verified owner) –
I can’t believe how fantastic this turned out! I’d never done a collar or a curved hem before, and had never done button holes. However, I found everything explained well and was so easy to do! My advice is that when you first sew the cuff on, trim the seam allowance a bit because when you fold the cuff in to get that clean finish, the seam will peak out!
blfarmer75 (verified owner) –
I have made three of the melodies so far and I have been considering fabric for a fourth. I don’t think you can have too many! This is a fabulous pattern and the fit is fantastic.
Josephine (verified owner) –
I love the clean finish on all LN patterns but especially this one, I’m tempted to wear it inside out it has such pretty insides.
Anastatia Christianson (verified owner) –
I took the Melody sew along class and was blown away at the ease of the pattern and how the final fit was! This pattern rates a 10/10 for me and I will be making many more this winter!
Andrea Cosens (verified owner) –
Really like this shirt, and pretty simple and straight forward to make. Will definitely be making more of these in the future. This would be a great collared shirt for someone who is looking at trying it for the first time.
kris3800 (verified owner) –
I love this top – have tried several commercial patterns and they were very confusing. This has very few pieces and comes together very quick and nice.
Janet Clark (verified owner) –
I used a lightweight rayon and got great results. An instant winner. I used the full bust option and it worked a charm. The importance of fitting the shoulders doesn’t come into play here so it’s easier to get a great fit. True to size
Mic Cas (verified owner) –
This is a great pattern to make. You get very different looks based on fabric/color.
kskemp84 –
This blouse is easy to construct and comfortable to wear.
michelle_hall36 (verified owner) –
I am a beginner, this is my 5th garment sewn. I took the live class for this garment and it was just wonderful. I was able to complete the top within the week of the class. The instructions were excellent, very detailed and made the construction of the garment very easy to follow along. This has built up my confidence in my ability and I am having so much fun learning and sewing. I am so happy to have found LN, for the beautiful modern garments, the clear instruction and for having my size.
FrenchieMom (verified owner) –
The Melody dolman is a great pattern easily accessible to a beginner. This top has made me feel like I can actually sew garments I want to wear AND get compliments on them! Plus it has given me confidence to try more tops like the Rhapsody.
Shirley Jarrett (verified owner) –
I guess you could say I love this pattern as I have made 6 Melody ‘s to date. Very good looking & comfy, does it get any better than that!
mindyclagett (verified owner) –
This was the pattern I was looking for, and what brought me to Love Notions and PDF patterns in general. I love how it looks; have made two and bought fabric to make several more. Excellent instructions and fitting guide. Thank you so much!
Peggy C (verified owner) –
This is one of my favorite patterns. I have dubbed it my “summer uniform”. It is perfect for our hot Texas summers. Quick and easy to sew and I get so many compliments on each of them.
laurak4035 (verified owner) –
Whenever my teen wears one of her Melody tops she always gets so many compliments; she is frequently stopped by strangers in the street just to comment on how awesome her shirt is! This is hands down her favourite pattern ever.
rleabarnes (verified owner) –
I have made a few of these and I just love it. I feel so accomplished making a woven top and it fits great. It’s a real confidence booster. I highly recommend many of the hacks or sewing tips done by the brand ambassadors-they are games changers
Diane Lackey (verified owner) –
This is a great summer top and very easy to make. the collar is right on point (pun intended!!), I’ve made 2 so far – both in a gauze fabric – one white and one magenta. I’ll be hacking to make a shirt dress out of rayon for summer wear. Love this pattern and you will too!
cabral_shana (verified owner) –
Love this pattern!! Don’t be intimidated by buttons and collars. This pattern makes it so easy. The melody is perfect for summer and I made two in double gauze. This pattern will be in my summer rotation.
odyjimg (verified owner) –
Well how could I not love a pattern with my name on it?? I loved making this blouse, and it is a staple in my summer wardrobe. I get so many compliments when I wear this blouse. I have made it twice and will make it again this spring for summer. I love the way the collar goes on — sew easy.
Jamie Wright (verified owner) –
I love the Melody Dolman! The fit is perfect. It is nice enough to wear to church yet casual for everyday wear.
Kendra Bowman (verified owner) –
Another great pattern by LN! Easy to follow pattern and I love the dolman style sleeves. I made one in a quilting cotton and want to make AT LEAST 2 more with a viscose and a cotton poplin. Such a great everyday shirt.
Kathleen (verified owner) –
I just finished my first Melody. I am NOT a fast sewist, but this was a quick win for me. The relaxed fit makes it very comfortable to wear. The short dolman sleeves give it the classic camp shirt vibe. I’ll likely be making more.
Mary Duckworth (verified owner) –
I am a new sewer and was nervous about adding a collar. The pattern instructions made it very easy! I made the top from a lightweight linen and it fit perfectly.
priscila_anunciacao (verified owner) –
I love this pattern. It is the easiest shirt you can make and it looks great inside and outside. I have made it as a shirt and also lengthened the pattern to make a dress.
Elena Pensabene (verified owner) –
The Melody was my first shirt and It boosted my confidence as a sewist. When I sew a LN pattern, I always feel a pro, because Tami’s instructions are rich in tricks and are like a sewing course.
laurak4035 (verified owner) –
This is currently my most used pattern for my older kids. Plus I have had many requests from friends to make them shirts using this pattern. It’s a lovely pattern, super flattering and easy to sew, I absolutely love it
Maxine Radcliffe (verified owner) –
I looooove the melody dolman. It’s a great pattern, clear instructions, especially appreciate how easy it is to do the front collar/button area. Plus I don’t have to worry about my arms or bust needing to be adjusted
christeldeann (verified owner) –
I used the Melody Dolman to make pj tops to go with Allegro Pants for pajama sets. This summer I plan to make a couple more for summer shirts. Fun pattern!
becksterw (verified owner) –
This is a great pattern. It’s easier to put together than it looks and the finished product looks so nice!
Liesel (verified owner) –
This reminds me of some shirts I got from my grandma and wore when I was a teen, and because of that, I’m obsessed with it! This is an amazing design!
jeri59834 (verified owner) –
I can’t believe it took me so long to make this cute top! I’ve had the pattern for some time, and decided to make a cherry red linen version. So so good! I shortened the length by 1 inch as I’m only 5’1″ tall, and it was just the right amount. Will be sewing up more versions of this top come spring.
Marla Ripps (verified owner) –
I love a good button down shirt, but I can’t buy them because they always gap in front. Many times button down shirt patterns have an overly complicated collar and placket, which I can sew but prefer simpler styles.
The Melody dolman is a well fitting shirt that is a very easy make. The instructions are well written and easy to follow. It fits really well and I have gotten several compliments when I have worn it. I plan to make several more this spring and summer.
Jamie Edwards (verified owner) –
This was a great introduction to button up shirts. I really like the fit and how easy it was to make!
natasha.ann36-3115 (verified owner) –
I bought this a while ago and finally braved the shirt like design and I love it! The full bust options are so helpful for a beginner. I was worried about how this would turn out so made one to wear with pyjamas using the caye capri pants but will be making more for day wear too!
clfrannie (verified owner) –
I love tops with Dolman sleeves. They are cooler and more comfortable than short sleeves and sometimes easier to fit than sleeveless tops. And at my age, sometimes a sleeve is better than sleeveless. The Melody is just what I was looking for in a pattern. I am 5″8′, 160 pounds, and the large and xlarge fit me well. I made an xlarge for a looser fit. I didn’t get them done until this fall but know I will be wearing them a lot this summer. My summer uniform is cotton shorts and a cotton top. This was my first Love pattern and pdf and I really enjoyed making it. Everything from getting the download to printing the pattern to sewing it went smoothly. I didn’t make any alterations. I did make an interfacing for the collar after watching a Youtube video by Karina Trinadad. I highly recommend this pattern.
jazzy5376 (verified owner) –
I have to say that this is my favorite pattern. So simple to make and comfortable to wear. I found some very cute buttons from Etsy and loved using them on this shirt. I consider myself an experienced beginner and found the instructions very easy to follow.
Grown in Newcastle (verified owner) –
Like many others, this was my first collared shirt & shirttail hem and it turned out great! I sized down based on IG comments and was very happy with the fit and shape – all achieved without darts. The top has a pleasing vintage feel, looks cute tucked in or not. It would be great if the back facing piece (and alternative instructions) were included in the next version as it seems like about 50% of sewists watch Karina Trinidad’s video and sew the collar that way. This was my second Love Notions sew and I’m impressed with the ease of PDF assembly, straightforward instructions, and bounty of insipration and assistance availble online.
Sue (verified owner) –
Lovely summer shirt pattern, good instructions and great fit. Will make more