Home Shop Garment Patterns Rittenhouse Dress Pattern
A collage of Lindsie modeling the Rittenhouse Dress in a light pink textured fabric is aligned to the right of the text “Rittenhouse Dress”
Four women model the Rittenhouse Dress Pattern: one poses outdoors arms raised, one shows the back, another in plaid, and the last smiles in black with a dog. Text reads “RITTENHOUSE DRESS PATTERN.”.
A woman models the Rittenhouse Dress Pattern, a sleeveless, knee-length pink dress with a vibrant abstract print. She poses seated and standing in a room with wooden floors; text on the left reads "Rittenhouse Dress Pattern.
A woman models the sparkly black Rittenhouse Dress Pattern with fishnet tights and black shoes outdoors. Three poses show back, side, and front views of the pattern. Text on the left reads, "RITTENHOUSE DRESS PATTERN.
A woman models the Rittenhouse Dress Pattern in blue outdoors, shown from the front and back. She accessorizes with colorful earrings and glasses, with text reading "Rittenhouse Dress Pattern Classic.
A woman with long red hair models a dark green, floral Rittenhouse Dress Pattern gown in front of a flower arch. Next to her, on a light pink background, is the text: "Rittenhouse Dress Pattern.
A woman wearing a black, short-sleeve, pinstriped Rittenhouse Dress Pattern with pockets stands smiling outdoors by a brick wall and plants. “Rittenhouse Dress Pattern” text appears. A corgi dog is standing at her feet.
A woman smiles outside wearing a sleeveless black dress featuring the Rittenhouse Dress Pattern and a sheer striped neckline. She stands on grass with flowers behind her. Text reads: "Rittenhouse Dress Pattern.

Rittenhouse Dress Pattern

$5.00 – $25.00

The Rittenhouse Dress pattern — named for the Rittenhouse neighborhood in Philadelphia — is a  PDF sewing pattern that will take you from day to night. Sew it up in a tweed for a professional look, use velvet or satin for an evening on the town, or denim or wax print for a casual weekend frock.

Featuring Sew Busty’s signature D-L cup sizes (4-12″/10.2-30.5cm difference between upper and full bust/chest) and size inclusive range (covering hips 33-73″/83.8-185.4cm), this dress was made for busty and curvy bodies. Not just adapted for them; drafted for them.

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Description

PDF Pattern with two options: Classic or Fancy.

The Rittenhouse Classic

This not-so-basic sheath dress PDF pattern for busty figures includes:

  • Pockets
  • Sleeveless or elbow-length sleeves
  • Tummy panel
  • Sew Busty’s signature D-L garment cup sizes (4-12″ (10.2-30.5cm) difference between upper and full bust)
  • Base sizes for hips 33-73″ (83.8-185.4 cm)

A4/Letter and A0 versions included. A 43-page sewing guide includes step-by-step instructions for sizing and fit, as well as sewing.

The Rittenhouse is perfect for a day at the office or a chic evening out. The pattern is made for woven fabrics such as tweed, satin, or even velvet or denim. It will include a full sewing guide, including common alterations, to help you get the perfect fit.

 

Fancy Rittenhouse

Want to fancy it up? The Fancy Rittenhouse Add-On pattern provides even more options that make your Rittenhouse dress perfect for a black tie event. Namely, the Fancy Rittenhouse Add-On features:

  • Illusion sweetheart neckline bodice variation
  • Trumpet skirt add-on — including instructions to make it detachable so you can take your dress from day to night!

 

What’s in a Name?

The Rittenhouse Dress is inspired by the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia — a neighborhood with lovely architecture, where you might go to the office during the day, or to an upscale event at night.

Sewing Guide

The Rittenhouse Sewing Guide includes 43 pages of fit and sewing instructions, including:

  • Bust adjustments
  • Apex adjustments
  • Bicep adjustments
  • Length adjustments
  • Blending/grading between sizes
  • Adding a sleeve gusset
  • Quick sewing guide + detailed instructions
  • Making the trumpet skirt removable
  • Changing the neckline

The Rittenhouse Dress Pattern fabric chart lists required yardage by size (26-34, 36-44, 46-56) and fabric type: main, lining, sleeve, tummy panel, illusion neckline, and trumpet skirt fabrics.

Tester Photos + Adjustments

Lindsie (pink tweed Classic and blue trumpet skirt Fancy) made no changes to the drafted pattern.

Lindsey (black pinstripe Classic) graded between sizes.

Sara (black velvet Classic) graded between sizes, added a built-in gusset to her sleeves, per the Sewing Guide instructions. She also scooped out 1/2″ at the front armscye, added 2″ length to the bodice, moved the side seam back by 3/4″, shaped her underbust, adjusted for a lower right shoulder, and added a 1/2″ full butt adjustment.

Briana (denim Classic) graded between sizes, did a full bicep adjustment per the Sewing Guide instructions, and adjusted the armscye for her bicep.

Alyssa (black windowpane illusion neckline Fancy) graded between sizes, and added length to the bodice per the Sewing Guide instructions.

Sea-Born (pink wax print Classic) graded between sizes, added length at center front, and moved her apex. She also did a prominent shoulder blade adjustment and a shoulder adjustment, and scooped out the front armscye by 1/4″.

Errata

June 7, 2025: Classic files updated to fix the following errors:

  • Tummy panel mislabeled as “sleeve”
  • Tummy panel should be cut 1 on fold (not cut 2)
  • Sleeveless side bodices labeled for 3/8″ seam allowance at armscye (not neckline)

Additional information

Version

Classic, Fancy Add-On ONLY, Classic + Fancy Add-On Bundle
Rittenhouse Dress Pattern

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