Cashmerette Grafton Dress: The Perfect Summer Staple

After weeks of sewing, planning, and sharing each piece of my summer capsule wardrobe, I've finally reached piece number seven—the dress.

If you've been following along, you know this capsule started with a challenge. I chose three patterns from Cashmerette, five coordinating fabrics from Style Maker Fabrics, and set out to create seven pieces that could mix and match into a cohesive handmade wardrobe. The result has been one of my favorite sewing projects to date.  Need to catch up on the capsule?

• Capsule Wardrobe Sewing: 3 Patterns, Limitless Looks
• Handmade Summer Capsule to Sew
• Pattern Hacking the Cashmerette Veron Shirt
• Matching Linen Set featuring Cashmerette Everett
• Cashmerette Grafton Knit Set
• My New TNT T-Shirt Pattern: The Cashmerette Grafton Relaxed Tee

For the final piece, I knew I wanted a dress.

Summer and dresses just go together for me. When the temperatures climb, I love having a garment that's comfortable, easy to wear, and instantly looks put together. A knit dress checks every box. Read on or watch here:

Why the Cashmerette Grafton Is Such a Powerful Pattern

This project uses the Cashmerette Grafton pattern*, and if you're someone who enjoys sewing and wearing knit garments, this pattern deserves a spot in your collection.

The Grafton isn't just one pattern—it's practically an entire knit wardrobe system. With multiple bodices, necklines, sleeves, skirts, and standalone garment options, the pattern includes hundreds of possible combinations.

Some of the features include:

• Multiple bodice styles, including fitted and relaxed options
• Several neckline variations
• Sleeve options ranging from sleeveless to long sleeves
• Multiple skirt styles
• Dress, top, and skirt variations
• Mix-and-match components that create hundreds of combinations

It's one of those patterns that continues to earn its place in your pattern library year after year.

If you're new to sewing knits, don't let that intimidate you. Once you learn a few key techniques, knit sewing becomes incredibly approachable. That's exactly why I created my free Knit Sewing Ebook and my Knit Sewing Essentials course—to help sewists feel confident working with knit fabrics on a regular sewing machine, serger, or coverstitch machine.

A Small Pattern Hack

Technically, this dress started with the Grafton pattern, but I borrowed one feature from another Cashmerette design.

This project features the Duxbury Dress, a Cashmerette Club pattern available through their All Access membership. If you've been thinking about joining, my code TOMKAT10 will save you $10 on an All Access membership*. You can also use TOMKAT20 to receive 20% off eligible Cashmerette collection patterns*.

I loved the sleeveless bound neckline from the Duxbury and wanted to incorporate that look into a fully knit dress. Since many Cashmerette Club patterns are designed to coordinate and mix with the Grafton system, it was easy to combine elements from both patterns.

The result is a sleeveless knit dress with a clean, polished neckline that feels modern and versatile.

Choosing a Silhouette That Works for Me

One of the things I've been experimenting with throughout this capsule is silhouette.

I've been leaning into some of the boxier tops that are trending right now, even though they aren't necessarily what traditional style advice would recommend for my shape. Sometimes it's fun to play with trends and decide for yourself what you enjoy wearing.

For the dress, though, I wanted a little more balance.

Instead of a straight skirt, I chose the A-line skirt option. The added volume through the lower half creates a shape that feels comfortable and balanced on my body while still maintaining the relaxed, easy vibe I wanted for this wardrobe.

The result feels polished without feeling fussy.

Fabric Details and Fit Adjustments

For this version, I used Style Maker Fabrics Mid Weight Cotton Spandex Jersey in a citron color.

I've now sewn with this fabric several times throughout this capsule project, and it continues to impress me. The fabric has excellent recovery, a comfortable amount of stretch, and enough body to create garments that feel substantial without being heavy.

After working with three different colors from this same base fabric, I can confidently say it's a fabric I would purchase again.

For sizing and fit:

• Size 10 GH cup
• No fit adjustments needed through the bodice
• Shortened the skirt by 2 inches
• Used the above-the-knee A-line skirt option
• Omitted pockets

The only alteration I made was shortening the skirt length. Otherwise, the pattern fit beautifully straight out of the envelope.

Why I Know This Dress Will Get Worn

Some garments are exciting because of the sewing process.

Others become favorites because of how often they get worn.

This dress definitely falls into the second category.

I can wear it casually with sandals or Birkenstocks for everyday errands. With different shoes, accessories, and a lightweight layer, it easily transitions to dinner out or an evening event. That's one of the reasons I love knit dresses so much—they're incredibly adaptable.

Most importantly, it coordinates perfectly with the rest of my capsule wardrobe.

And that's exactly the goal.

Every piece works together. Every piece earns its place in the closet. And getting dressed becomes a lot more enjoyable when you know everything works.

I'd call that a successful capsule wardrobe.

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