Recreate RTW: Sew 3 Easy Knit Summer Dresses You’ll Love

In my post, Ready to Wear Looks to Sew this Summer, I shared a round-up of ready-to-wear looks and the patterns/fabrics you could use to make them yourself. From that list, Jenni, Marissa, and I each picked one summer dress to recreate—without sacrificing fit, fabric quality, or personal style. Funny enough, all three of us gravitated toward knit dresses! They’re comfortable, versatile, and surprisingly quick to sew.

Here’s how each dress turned out, plus why we think recreating RTW is worth it. Continue reading or watch the video here: 

Jenni’s Fibre Mood Alberthe Dress

Jenni is my right-hand woman at TomKat Stitchery. She keeps me on track with all the projects that we do in the sewing room and beyond. Jenni’s first official knit project was a win! She chose the Fibre Mood Alberthe Dress to recreate a Boden dress. The pattern is drafted for woven fabrics, but I recommended to try it in knit. So she skipped the zipper and used a cotton/spandex knit from Sewing Studio (Use code TOMKAT15 for 15% off).

Jenni’s sewing notes:

• Size: Jenni’s measurements fell between sizes. Since we swapped in a knit fabric for this pattern made for wovens, she made a size small with no pattern alterations. 
• Construction: Jenni sewed most of this dress on the sewing machine, but she did use the serger on the side seams and hem (with rainbow thread* for extra joy). She omitted the side zipper because the knit fabric offered the ease to slip on over her head. 
• Experience: Jenni’s biggest challenge was to carefully handle the fabric to manage rolling edges, but she finished in just an afternoon.
• Fit surprise: Shaping at the waist kept it from feeling shapeless, and it pairs perfectly with her boho accessories.

Jenni’s tip: The crossover looks tricky but is simple if you follow the instructions step by step and don't get ahead of yourself. 

Whitney’s Tilly and the Buttons Coco Dress

I’ve had the Coco Dress pattern in my stash for ages, and a nautical-inspired RTW look gave me the push to make it again. I used a striped cotton/spandex jersey* from Minerva*, left off the sleeves, and drafted a facing for the boat neckline instead of folding it under.

My tweaks:

• Size:  I made size 5 ages ago and just used the cut pattern again with no size adjustments.
• Pattern adjustments:  Shortened by 2" at the lengthen/shorten line.  If I were to do it again, I would take an inch off at the waist and then another at the lengthen/shorten line
• Construction: I eliminated the sleeves as shown on the pattern and instead bound the armholes for a clean sleeveless finish.
• Ease:  I skipped a full bust adjustment—knits are forgiving, though there’s a touch of gaping under the arm. I’m not going to lose any sleep over it and just enjoy wearing it.

This dress is an easy summer throw-on and the perfect blend of classic and casual. I really love how it looks and feels on me!

Marissa’s Wardrobe By Me Mirri Dress

Marissa helps TomKat Stitchery with social media. She’s a seasoned, life-long sewist with lots of knit sewing experience.  Marissa picked a Talbot’s wrap dress and we found the perfect dupe in the Wardrobe By Me Mirri Dress. She sewed hers in a Stof cotton/spandex jersey from Style Maker Fabrics. (And she NAILED recreating the inspiration pose!)

Marissa’s sewing details:

• Size: 8, but she’d size down in the bust next time and grade out at the waist/hips.
• Adjustments: Increased the seam allowances to ⅜" from the recommended ¼" to suit her 5'1" frame.
• Construction: Marissa did most of the sewing on her serger. Even though she’s very experienced, she referenced the pattern’s YouTube sew-along to help smooth out the tricky front darts.

Marissa loves the versatility—perfect for date night and a boardwalk stroll. And I think she looks fabulous in this dress. 

So why would you recreate RTW instead of buying it?

While you can sometimes find dresses cheaper in stores, sewing lets you control:

• Quality: Better fabrics and construction mean longer wear—no more mystery holes in knits.
• Fit: You can adjust for your body’s proportions instead of settling for “close enough.”
• Color & style: Choose exactly what you want, not what’s trending in stores. A perfect way to express your personal style!

For us, the joy of sewing isn’t just the garment—it’s the process. These three dresses are proof that with the right fabric and pattern, you can recreate the look you love while making it truly your own.

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