Seamwork Reed Dress: One Pattern, Two Fabrics, Two Looks

Sometimes the best sewing lessons come from seeing the same pattern made two different ways. That’s exactly what happened when Jenni and I both made the Seamwork Reed Dress*.

Even though we used the same pattern, our fabric choices created two completely different looks. It’s a perfect example of how fabric selection can dramatically change the finished result. Read on or watch here:

About the Seamwork Reed Dress* Sewing Pattern

The Seamwork Reed Dress* is a simple, modern shift dress that’s perfect for summer fabrics and bold prints.

Pattern Features:

• Classic shift dress silhouette
• Round neckline in the front
• V-neck detail in the back
• Bust darts for shaping
• Center front and center back seams
• Invisible side zipper (which we think is optional)
• Faced neckline and armholes
• Faced hem for a clean finish

It’s a straightforward project that can easily be completed in a day, making it a great option for advanced beginners or confident beginners looking to practice garment sewing skills.

Jenni completed her version—including the invisible zipper—in about four hours, while I estimated the project could be done in around an hour and a half using faster equipment.

Jenni’s Version: Cotton Sateen for Drape

Jenni chose a cotton sateen, which has a tighter weave and a beautiful drape.

Adjustments Made:

• Graded from size 8 at the bust to size 12 at the hips
• Added 1 inch in length for a taller frame
• Made a ½-inch forward shoulder adjustment
• Followed the pattern instructions and inserted an invisible side zipper

Even though the zipper turned out beautifully, it turns out the dress could easily slip over the head—so technically it wasn’t necessary. Still, sewing resolutions were honored and a new skill was practiced!

The smooth drape of the sateen allows the dress to hang softly against the body, which makes it especially lovely for large-scale prints.

Whitney’s Version: Cotton Double Gauze for Texture

Whitney used a cotton double gauze, which creates a totally different look.

Adjustments Made

• Size 12
• Shortened 2 inches at the waist 
• No full bust adjustment needed due to pattern ease

• Omitted the zipper entirely

Double gauze has a looser weave and more body, so the dress stands away from the body slightly more than Jenni’s version.

One quirk of double gauze is that it can be a little “sticky,” meaning it sometimes catches on undergarments or tights. But the soft texture and breathable feel make it wonderful for warm weather garments.

Fabric Comparison: Same Pattern, Different Results

Seeing these dresses side by side highlights how much fabric choice matters in garment sewing.

Cotton Sateen

• Tighter weave
• Smooth finish
• More drape
• Dress hangs closer to the body

Cotton Double Gauze

• Looser weave
• Soft, airy texture
• Slightly more structure
• Dress has a breezier silhouette

Both fabrics work beautifully for this pattern—they just create different visual effects and movement.

A Great Pattern for Bold Prints

One reason we both loved this pattern is that it’s perfect for large-scale prints.

With minimal seam lines and a simple silhouette, the Seamwork Reed Dress* really lets the fabric shine.

If you’ve ever fallen in love with a bold print and wondered what to make with it, this dress is an excellent option.

Final Thoughts

The Seamwork Reed dress sewing pattern turned out to be a fast, satisfying sew for both of us—and a great reminder that fabric choice can completely transform a garment.

Now we’re just waiting for warmer weather so we can actually wear them. Pool parties, backyard barbecues, summer concerts… we’re ready whenever the invitations arrive.

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