Updated & Expanded: The Frankie Top & Frankie Dress

May 22, 2024
The latest Tessuti pattern to get a refresh and size expansion most definitely falls under the category of oldie/goodie. Say hello to our new Frankie Dress & Frankie Top pattern!
This Frankie pattern ticks so many of our favourite clothing boxes. The uncomplicated simplicity of this style is absolutely timeless and supremely comfortable as well. The classic bateau neckline is perfection and the hemline flare of both top and dress is *just* the right amount of flare. For extra stability and reinforcement, there’s a stitched down back facing as well.
The other we love thing about Frankie – OPTIONS! There’s a top, two dress lengths and three sleeve lengths – elbow, three quarter and long.
Virginia is modelling the full length dress here, made up in Toffee Stripe Jersey, with three quarter sleeves.
This red/white version (below) from our original 2016 release is made in a sold out cotton knit and, as you can see throughout this blog post, Frankie loves a stripe.
Frankie’s also a trans-seasonal wardrobe star! In the cooler months, wear it layered over a shirt, with tights and boots, and add a jacket, blazer or coat. I’m wearing it below with my Sydney Jacket.
This version here is in our Nametag Black, a fabulously weighty and drapey viscose/elastane blend. You can see our full range of viscose jersey fabrics on our website, all perfect for this pattern. Colette’s Frankie Top (below) is made in our Ani French Terry and shows just how classic this pattern looks when paired with pants. Here she’s wearing it the Nina Pants here.

With this pattern, you can shorten both top and dress lengths at the hem. Suitable fabrics include light to mid-weight jerseys and lightweight ponti knits.

For those of you who already own Frankie, we want to mention that we’ve made no changes to the pattern design itself. This update is purely an instruction refresh with extended sizing.

Our updated Frankie Top & Frankie Dress pattern is now available in both hardcopy and PDF print-at-home/actual size copy shop versions with (Australian) sizes 6-22 all included. UK/EU customers can purchase the hardcopy pattern from our Tessuti Patterns UK website.
We can’t wait to see your version and if you’re sharing with us on Instagram, don’t forget to use the #TessutiPatterns #FrankieDress #FrankieTop #SewTessuti hashtags!