Olympia Dress
$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 Olympia Dress looks amazing on all sizes! The flattering integrated reverse shawl collar with v-neck gives it such a classy, timeless look. The Olympia Dress features five sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 and long as well as two skirt lengths: knee and maxi. The bodice is fitted closely at your natural waist to make your waist look its smallest. Side seam pockets are also included. This dress is meant for light to medium weight knits and the look and fit will change depending on the drape of your fabric. Make the Olympia Dress nursing friendly with the zipper instructions included in the tutorial!
Olympia Dress Features:
- Meant for knit fabrics
- V neckline
- Shawl collar
- 5 sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 and long
- 2 skirt lengths: knee and maxi
- A-DD sewing cup sizes
- Video tutorial
Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)
Skill Level: Confident Beginner-Intermediate
Pattern Formats Included:
- Print at home for US letter & A4 paper, trimless format with layers
- Large format file for copy shop printing. This file will print on four A0 (33″ x 46″) size sheets. 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
Read more about this pattern on our blog:
Trista –
Love the bodice and construction of this dress. Well written and fun to sew.
Anne (verified owner) –
I’ve made a dress and a top with this fun pattern. I had a little trouble with the neckline at first, but it more user error than the pattern.
grace412kids (verified owner) –
I bought this pattern right after it was released. Last week I finally made my first out of a fun floral knit. I fell totally in love with it. The fit is perfect and and the instructions for the neckline were easy to follow. I can’t wait to make a classy black version!
Margaret (verified owner) –
I love this dress! It was super easy to put together and amazingly fast. It was rated just a 4 because the neck hung backwards off the nape of my neck so I had to modify the shawl part. Another good thing about the pattern- I used the bottom to make skirts for my mother just by adding a waistband with a elastic threaded through. She loves them because they have POCKETS!
Melissa (verified owner) –
I learned about this sewing pattern from Karina Trinidad’s Lifting Pins and Needles YouTube.com tutorial. I needed to quickly sew up some dresses for a new job and thought this dress was very elegant and chic while providing comfort. This is my first Love Notions pattern. Since I am short-waisted, I lengthened the bodice by 1.5″and graded a size large to extra large at the waist to accommodate my fullness. These alterations were so easy to make because the sewing pattern is well-drafted and comes with a variety of size options which helped me efficiently sew 2 dresses in one day.I assembled the paper pattern, traced my size, made adjustments and cut out the fabric with the markings the day before. To help understand how to create the shawl collar I reviewed both the Karina Trinidad and Love Notions’ YouTube.com tutorials. The written instructions with accompanying photos are very clear as well but I love watching sewing videos! Nevertheless I still had trouble with sewing the shawl collar due to my poor marking, a fussy fabric and my impatience! I had to resort to some hand sewing on the shoulder seam because I couldn’t create a 90 degree angle. Again user error/doing things too quickly. Sewing the shawl collar was a new experience and was a joy to accomplish. I finished the hem seam with a lace finish. I felt so elegant and stylish in this beautiful dress. I cannot believe how easy and quick it was to make!
Terrie (verified owner) –
This is such a comfortable and nice looking dress to wear. The neckline was a little tricky for me (just because I rush through things too often), but once I stopped, read my instructions carefully, watched the very helpful video, I nailed it. I just need to make more.
mrs.jweston (verified owner) –
The bodice and collar construction are genius! I was able to watch the video to help walk me through the process. It’s not very challenging once you know what you are supposed to do. I didn’t make the muslin as suggested and was still able to wear my garment. I didn’t do any adjustments. The shoulders seem to be a little tight on me (not a problem I usually have) but I think it’s because the fabric used has quite a bit of recovery and body. Great pattern! The collar is my favorite part.
abbott.heather (verified owner) –
Easier sew than it looks. Love the way the collar comes out different depending on the structure of the fabric.
Jaye Holland (verified owner) –
So many options with this flattering dress.
ELiza (verified owner) –
The perfect work dress! The front mimics a V-neck which I love. Sleeve and length options so it can adapt to all seasons. I made the sleeveless for work and can throw on a Canyon Cardi in the office. Easy pattern and stylish. Did I mention DD bust options? LOVE!!!!!!!!!!
Margaret (verified owner) –
So easy to sew and a beautiful fit. I am long waisted so added 2 inches to bodice, so easy to do. I am uncomfortable in dresses, but not this one.
Debbie Groves (verified owner) –
Beautiful well fitting dress.
candis.wright (verified owner) –
I made the maxi dress with 3/4 sleeves. I followed the instructions carefully for the neckline and it came together perfectly. I had to make an adjustment to the sleeves (typical for me, large upper arms). I always get compliments when I wear it and the only thing I regret is that the fabric I used ended up being of lesser quality than I had thought. So it won’t last for years…I guess I will just have to make another!
Dianna (verified owner) –
A classic, timeless staple that belongs in every wardrobe!
Deneane Keane (verified owner) –
I thought the collar might be difficult to sew but it’s not. This is a very pretty, classy dress!
Alison (verified owner) –
This dress pattern is super cute. I made the knee-length sleeveless version in ponte. I was really happy with how well it turned out. The instructions were easy to follow. Can’t wait to make another one when I get the right fabric for it.
kathleenniemerg (verified owner) –
The fun “collar” is a lovely but simple detail that makes this dress a great classic wardrobe piece. The instructions were clear and even though the neck/collar seems like it should be tricky it really came together well.
Andrea Cosens (verified owner) –
Made the maxi length with short sleeve version. I felt like the dress it good but not great. I do want to make it again, with a fabric that I like more than my first version. Felt like the pattern was good overall
Colleen (verified owner) –
This dress is so elegant! I made a black and white full-length maxi version and it is incredible. The collar part is a little tricky but the instructions and the supporting videos are really clear and helpful. The best part is the maxi version is ACTUALLY maxi length for us tall people! I am 5’10” and I did not have to lengthen the skirt…PLUS IT HAS POCKETS!!!!
embarnett28 (verified owner) –
This dress sewed up really well. It is drafted so well. The collar was a little different but the video within the pattern instructions really cleared it up. I would suggest watching the video first on the reverse shawl collar before sewing. I will probably make a few versions for my self. It is actually a pretty easy sew.
embarnett28 (verified owner) –
This dress sewed up really well. It is drafted so well. The collar was a little different but the video within the pattern instructions really cleared it up. I would suggest watching the video first on the reverse shawl collar before sewing. I will probably make a few versions for my self. It is actually a pretty easy sew.
ruthspory (verified owner) –
I believe this was my first Love Notions make. I adore PDF patterns. It allows me to work within my own body shape and measurements. The sloper for Love notions just fits me so well. I was actually amazed when I finished this dress. It looks like something I would have bought in a store.
The directions are very clear and the lines for modifying for height are also very clear. It is just a wonderful dress.
Hollie Stonecipher (verified owner) –
A little bit of a challenge for a beginner, but definitely not impossible. Lots of resources to help with the neckline. Beautiful dress when done.
Nicole Drost (verified owner) –
I absolutely loved the construction for this pattern. I hacked it into a top and promptly made two for work. Can’t wait to make one up as a dress
Lori Jessen (verified owner) –
I’m all about making all the pretty dresses, and this pattern will see many iterations in my closet. I didn’t quite execute the collar correctly on my first version, but the second one is much better. I’m planning a third for a formal dinner I will be attending in June. I’m thinking sequins…..This is another great pattern that can be made for all occasions depending on the fabric chosen.
Sandy Barrett (verified owner) –
This pattern makes such a beautiful and elegant dress that suits so many different body types. Different fabric choices can take you from black tie to officewear or even casual summer day. There is one spot on the collar attachment that requires a bit of extra attention, but the rest is a breeze to sew. Highly recommend.
Ambre Kern (verified owner) –
I made this in a machine length and found it to be cute. I like that it doesn’t look like so many of the other maxi dresses people wear, just a little bit more unique. I liked the collar and didn’t have any trouble with sewing it. I would probably go down a side next time tho, it was a little on the larger size.
jessicagmac (verified owner) –
Love, love, love this pattern! I’ve been looking for dress/top pattern with a shawl collar but have not been able to find the fit I wanted until this pattern (thanks, Karina at Lifting Pins and Needles for this recommendation!). Although I do intend to make this pattern as printed when working with solids color fabrics, this time I modified the front bodice to be cut on the fold so that the design on the fabric would not be broken up. Now I have 2 options! I will definitely be making more Love Notions patterns from now on if the fit on all their patterns is this good. Thank you, thank you!
Melissa Chance (verified owner) –
I posted a review on January 18, 2020 and remade the Olympia dress again, three years later. I don’t know what it is about this dress but when I put it on it gives me a natural high. I also received a lot of compliments when I wore my previous versions. After lots of washes and wears, I had to put those dresses to rest so I remade this pattern. The written instructions are straightforward if you are not in a rush. But I still rewatch the Love Notions and Lifting Pins and Needles videos for the fun of it and inspiration. I took my sweet time and enjoyed the process of sewing the shawl collar. I graded out from a size medium (bodice) to XL at the hips. I did not add extra length to the bodice this time around because the knit bodice stretches due to the weight of the knee length skirt. I will definitely make more versions of this dress in the near future.
ruthspory (verified owner) –
This dress is a winner. The directions on the pattern are very clear. The neckline elevates this entire make.
Bridgid Alexander (verified owner) –
Such a lovely dress pattern! I made the sleeveless maxi-length version in a stable athletic knit. It’s a black dress and turned out beautifully. I feel very elegant wearing it but it’s comfy enough to wear around the house. Secret pajamas! Also great for travel. I made this in the late summer and have been wearing it non-stop. In the winter I started layering it over my merino shirts. It’s a new favorite! The cut on the arm/sleeve opening isn’t right for my shape, so I followed the pattern suggestion and did a regular binding on the opening. This worked okay but it’s still a little big on me. Other adjustments: I’m 5’1” so I shortened both the bodice at the waist and at the skirt. (Next time I’ll also do a petite adjustment across the chest.) I will definitely make this again! The construction is interesting and not too tricky – especially with the included video. (Although the video could be updated. 🙂 Thanks for a great pattern!
razra.sews (verified owner) –
This is such a great pattern thats lovely to sew. Ive made several of these and the fabric ive chosen means the dresses are perfect for work but also great to wear to more casual places.
Tracy Feldmann (verified owner) –
I love this dress! Using a stripe and cutting the pieces on the boas really elevate the design and make it extra, while having the comfort of secret pajamas
sschillawski1 (verified owner) –
This dress is my all time favorite! I’ve made a new one for each and every wedding I’ve gone to since I purchased this pattern. It took me a little time to figure out the top, as I was a novice sewer the first go around. Now the pattern is an old friend and I always get compliments on the make. 9 weddings now…
Susan McArthur (verified owner) –
I am so looking forward to making this. I love all your patterns, and your patternmaking skills are superb. thank you so much for your hard work and customer service.