Cashmerette Kineton Dress & Top Pattern Review: Fabric, Fit & Easy Hacks
If you’re looking for a warm-weather woven pattern that’s beginner-friendly but still feels polished, let me introduce you to the Cashmerette Kineton Dress & Top*. I’ve sewn multiple versions (including a hacked special-occasion dress that still gets compliments), and today we’re talking fabric, fit, sleeve options, and why this pattern is such a sleeper hit for spring and summer sewing. Read on or watch here:
About the Cashmerette Kineton Dress & Top*
This pattern is a woven dress and top designed for lightweight fabrics with drape. Think:
- Rayon or viscose (crepe or challis)
- Silk
- Lightweight linen or linen blends
- Cotton lawn
It’s labeled adventurous beginner, but truly, it’s very approachable—especially since there are no closures. That alone makes it a fantastic entry into woven garment sewing.
Key Features
- V-neckline in front and back (such a pretty detail)
- Bust darts for shaping
- Elasticated waist (dress and top)
- A-line skirt (dress version)
- Inseam pockets (yes please 🙌)
- Two sleeve options:
- Short puff sleeve with elastic
- Long sleeve with elastic and flounce
The dress hits around the knee as drafted, and the top is slightly cropped with a thicker elastic waistband.
Cashmerette Club Details (Don’t Skip This)
The Kineton is part of the Cashmerette Club All-Access tier. That means:
- Monthly pattern releases
- Access to past Club patterns
- Masterclasses
- A supportive community
If you’re joining the All-Access tier, you can use code TOMKAT10* for $10 off your first year.
If you’re shopping their non-Club collection patterns, you can use code TOMKAT20* for 20% off.
I’ve said it before—I’m a big fan of pattern clubs if you sew regularly. But even if you’re not, the techniques in my sew-along can apply to similar woven dresses with elastic waists and darts
Sizing & Fit Notes
Cashmerette’s sizing runs from 0–32 and includes cup sizes from C–H, which is one of the reasons their patterns fit so well straight out of the envelope.
Here’s what I’ve sewn:
- Top for my daughter: Size 8 GH cup
- Dress for myself: Straight size 10, elastic cut to size 12 length, skirt shortened 2 inches (my standard adjustment)
When making the top, you simply use the dress bodice and add length at the lengthen/shorten lines. I added 1½ inches for a slightly blousy effect. If I were making another for myself, I’d probably add 2–2½ inches—cropped, yes. Nineteen-year-old cropped? Not so much. 😆
Fabric Makes ALL the Difference
This pattern is a masterclass in how fabric choice changes everything.
Using drapey fabrics such as rayon, viscose challis, or silk will give you a more fluid silhouette and softer waist gathers. This makes a simple dress feel elevated for occasions like weddings, baby showers, dinner out, church, summer events.
One of my versions in a viscose challis (a Minerva exclusive) got so many compliments at a family wedding celebration. Even my husband commented—and that is rare enough that I logged it mentally forever.
Try a structured lightweight fabric like linen, linen blends, or cotton lawn to give a more visible A-line shape, crisper waist gathers. These fabrics create a slightly more casual vibe and are great for everyday wear.
If you love seeing that A-line silhouette (I do—it balances my proportions beautifully), a fabric with a little body will highlight it.
The key is this: begin with the end in mind. What do you want this garment to feel like? Casual and breezy? Or elevated but comfortable?
My Favorite Hack (It’s So Easy)
On my special-occasion version, I made two simple changes:
- Sleeve Adjustment
I skipped the flounce.
Instead, I cut the sleeve at the fold line and inserted elastic directly into the hem casing.
Result? Clean finish. Easier to push sleeves up. Zero regret. - Added a Ruffle Hem
I cut a long rectangle, used my serger gathering foot, and attached it to the bottom of the skirt.
I believe it was about 11 inches deep.
It added movement, length, and a slightly dressier feel.
Small tweaks. Big visual payoff.
Why This Is a Great Warm-Weather Sew
- Lightweight woven = breathable
- Elastic waist = comfortable
- No closures = fast make
- Works beautifully in stash fabrics
- Dress or top options = versatile
As we head into warmer months (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere), this is exactly the kind of pattern that makes sewing feel fun and practical.
If you already have this pattern in your library, consider this your gentle nudge. And if you’re nervous? The sew-along is there to walk you through every single step. You can watch it here:
Final Thoughts
The Cashmerette Kineton* proves that fabric choice is just as important as pattern selection. The same design can read casual, special-occasion, structured, or floaty—all depending on what you cut it out of.
That’s the magic of sewing your own wardrobe.
Have you sewn this one yet? I’d love to know what fabric you’d choose.
*Affiliate links included—thank you for supporting my work! No extra cost to you, but I may earn a commission. Offers may change
