MERCHANT AND MILLS • The Florence Top & Dress Sewing Pattern
Printed sewing pattern • Sizes UK 6–18 • Skill level: Intermediate
The Florence Top & Dress Sewing Pattern by Merchant & Mills is a beautifully feminine design that combines relaxed styling with thoughtful details. Featuring a softly gathered silhouette, elegant high-low shaping and a charming button-back fastening, this versatile pattern can be sewn as either a top or a dress.
Designed with Merchant & Mills' signature understated aesthetic, The Florence has a gentle swing shape that skims the body beautifully. Soft gathers create subtle volume without overwhelming the silhouette, while the high-low waist seam adds movement and visual interest. The button-back detail provides a refined finishing touch, making this an effortlessly wearable piece for everyday dressing.
Whether sewn in washed linen for a relaxed look or a fluid Tencel for elegant drape, The Florence is a timeless addition to any handmade wardrobe.
Perfect for:
- Relaxed tops and dresses with soft feminine shaping
- Intermediate sewists looking to build confidence with garment construction
- Lightweight garments with beautiful drape and movement
- Timeless wardrobe staples for everyday wear
Skill level • Intermediate
Pattern details:
- Printed sewing pattern with clear, step-by-step instructions
- Sizes UK 6–18 included
- Top and dress variations included
- Relaxed swing silhouette
- Soft high-low gathered shaping
- Button-back fastening detail
- Designed for lightweight woven fabrics with drape
Suggested fabrics: This pattern works best in lightweight woven fabrics such as:
- Linen
- Cotton
- Tencel
Fabrics with good drape will enhance the soft gathers and fluid silhouette, while more structured fabrics will create a sculptural interpretation of the design.
Fabric requirements • Please see last image for fabric requirements.
You will also need:
- Matching thread
- 3 x 14–15mm buttons
Sewing tips:
- Choose a fabric with soft drape to highlight the elegant gathers
- Take care when sewing the button-back opening for a neat, professional finish
- A washed linen creates a relaxed everyday garment, while Tencel offers a beautifully fluid finish
Why we recommend this pattern: The Florence is a graceful, versatile pattern that perfectly reflects Merchant & Mills' philosophy of creating timeless, wearable garments. With both top and dress options included, it's a design you'll enjoy revisiting in different fabrics throughout the year.
Part of our curated collection of Merchant & Mills sewing patterns, chosen for their timeless workwear-inspired aesthetic and thoughtful design.
Browse our full collection of sewing patterns for modern handmade wardrobes.
