101 Gaza Dress - PDF

Misses 6-18

This sewing pattern for an ankle-length gown is composed of easy-to-construct panels that are perfect for pieced or handwoven fabric variations, needlework, and other embellishment. Create an heirloom thobe with one of the traditional embroidery designs included in the pattern.

This dress pattern is made exactly from the garment worn for centuries by women in Gaza.  The loose-fitting ankle-length dress has long sleeves, slightly narrowed at the wrists, three side panels on each side, shoulder and front yokes, and front split opening.  Two optional embroidery designs are included for the front yoke, as well as suggests for other authentic decoration. 

Includes multi-sized pattern tissue, sewing Instructions and two embroidery designs and techniques

Suggested fabrics: Crisp or soft fabrics such as denim, broadcloth, muslin, linen, lightweight wool. Traditional colors are black, indigo, white, or natural.

Yardage chart (.pdf)

Sizing chart (.pdf)

This is the PDF version of this pattern.  For the paper pattern, go here.  After checkout, you will receive a link to a zip file with the pattern.  It is best to download the file on a computer (rather than a device).  This PDF pattern has files for sewing instructions, print at home version (two sections with a total of 58 pages), copy shop versions (for 36" and A0 paper), and embroidery instructions.  The paper version can be found here.

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Liz from British Columbia, Canada, who has made this pattern in everything from silk to fleece, shares this modified construction sequence that she devised to make it easier to sew the dress on a serger and so the dress can be painted or appliquéd as a whole:

1. Do not stitch shoulder seams or tops of sleeves, as directed in Step One of the pattern.
2. Stitch Front Side Panels to Mid Side Panels, as directed in Step One of the pattern.
3. Stitch Mid Side Panels to Back Side Panels, as directed in Step One of the pattern.
4. Stitch underarm Sleeve seams to notch 4, as directed in Step Three of the pattern.
5. With right sides together, pin and stitch combined Side Panels to Sleeves, matching notch 4 at center of Mid Side Panel to notch 4 on Sleeves, as directed in Step Three of the pattern.
6. Stitch Side Panels and Sleeves to Front, as directed in Step Four of the pattern. Then stitch to only one seam on the Back. At this point, the whole dress can be laid out flat and painted or decorated as desired.
7. Stitch final Back seam.
8. Stitch shoulders and top seams of sleeves from neck edge to wrist.
9. Apply Yokes, as directed in Step Two of original pattern. Liz has also modified the pattern to insert a front zipper, for ease of dressing.