How to Sew a Chic DIY Safari Dress (Pattern & Fabric Tips)
Easy summer pieces are everything. When the weather gets warm, I want a wardrobe full of simple, straightforward garments that I can throw on and feel instantly chic. That’s why the Safari Dress pattern by Chut Charlotte has been high on my list. I made the pretty woman top by the same designer, and it was easy, so I decided to try this one out too. This is a simple, elegant dress that you could make 2-3 of in a single weekend for your summer travels and sew-cations. Yes, please!
I finally dove into this popular indie pattern, and I have a lot of thoughts. It’s a fantastic pattern with a few quirks. So today, I’m sharing my full, honest review, my recommendations for getting a great result, and my specific tips for fitting it on a petite body.
The Safari Dress: Pattern at a Glance
- Designer: Chut Charlotte Patterns
- Fabric Type: Woven fabrics such as cotton, linen, or viscose.
- Features: The pattern includes one base top that’s elongated into a midi-length top and a full dress. Both longer views have an optional belt. And the best feature? The dress has pockets!
- Format: Available as a downloadable PDF in Letter or Copy Shop files. <—click here to learn how to do that like a pro
My Experience: The Good, The Quirks, and The Sewing
Overall, this is a quick and satisfying sew, but there are a few things you need to know before you start.
What I Loved
What sets this indie pattern apart is the instructions. Unlike many US patterns, the designer instructs you exactly when and where to finish your seams as you go. This is a fantastic detail for beginners and ensures a beautifully clean finish on the inside. The core design is simple, elegant, and comes together very quickly.
The “Boobie Traps”: A Few Flaws to Note
As with many indie patterns, there were a few small quirks. First, I noticed that some of the pattern piece numbers listed in the instructions didn’t quite match the numbers printed on the pieces themselves. Since there are only a few main pieces, it was easy enough to figure out, but it’s something to be aware of.
Second, and more importantly for construction, the pockets do not have “stop sewing” dots. This can make it tricky to know where to pivot and attach them cleanly. I ended up creating my own markings to ensure a professional finish.
My Sewing Recommendations
To get the best possible result with the Safari Dress, I have three key recommendations:
- Staystitch the neckline before you do anything else. This will prevent the delicate curve from stretching out as you handle it and apply the facing.
- Interface the front and back facing pieces. While the pattern may not call for it, this will give the neckline more stability and a much more high-end look.
- Understitch the pockets AND the neckline facing. This is the secret to getting your facings and pockets to lie flat and stay hidden on the inside of the garment. It’s an extra step that’s always worth it.
A Deep Dive on Fitting the Safari Dress
Now, for my fellow US sewists, remember that you’ll need to convert the metric measurements to inches.
My first dilemma was the sizing. For reference, my measurements are 36” bust, 30” waist, and 41.5” hips. This puts me at a UK size 12 on top and a 14-16 at the hip. This is a very common fitting challenge, and it means you will likely need to grade between sizes if you aren’t perfectly proportioned to the chart.
Fortunately, this is one of the few patterns that clearly lists the garment’s finished measurements for the bust and hips. This is a huge bonus! Always use the finished measurements to choose your size, as it tells you how much ease is built into the design. The pattern also includes a helpful illustration for performing a full bust adjustment.
[Insert a flat-lay photo of the pattern pieces showing your grading lines]
Unleash Your Creativity: Pattern Hacks & Styling
This simple base pattern is ripe for creative pattern hacks! Here are a few ideas:
- Line the entire dress for a more luxurious feel.
- Add bust and waist darts for more shaping.
- Incorporate simple sleeves from another pattern.
- Create side-seam splits with a rounded hem for a more modern look.
- Make it in a stable knit fabric for a completely different vibe!
As for styling, the possibilities are endless. For my fellow petites, I love the midi top with leggings and flats, or the full dress with hoop earrings and wedge espadrilles for a perfect summer evening look.
Final Verdict: Is the Safari Dress Worth It?
Absolutely. Despite a few minor quirks in the instructions, the Chut Charlotte Safari Dress is a fast, satisfying, and incredibly versatile pattern. It’s a perfect wardrobe builder for summer and a fantastic base for creative modifications. With a few simple tweaks like staystitching and understitching, you can create a truly beautiful and professional-looking garment.