Meet the Alessi Bias Dress Pattern
2025 is starting off strong with the arrival of our third and latest pattern – the Alessi Bias Dress! We’ve been sampling this style over a few years now, first sharing the version below to highlight some (then) new linen arrivals. After posting it on Instagram – and hinting that it might become a pattern – the comment response was an emphatic ‘YES’ and now it’s finally here!
Alessi is a pullover dress designed with a high, round neckline. It features a narrow hem and visible self-binding around the neckline and armholes. A midi-length silhouette captures the iconic fit and flare of the bias cut and the result is a dress that is both simple and classic.
Something to love about the Alessi Bias Dress – all-seasons appeal! In the warmer months, wear it on its own for an easy summer look and, as the weather gets cooler, Alessi turns into the perfect layering piece. Try pairing it with a cardigan, blazer or denim jacket, or wear a fitted turtleneck or long-sleeve top underneath.
Alessi effortlessly transitions between casual and dressier occasions. In all the samples pictured here, we’ve used linen. But try a slinky silk or satin backed crepe for something that’s more party, more evening or more glam. Virginia (above) is wearing her Alessi in Bedford Musk Washed Linen (other Bedford linen colours) and it’s the prefect weight and drape for this style. Below are Zoe (left) and Tiph – Zoe’s green version is Bedford Fern and Tiph’s is Everly Check Green (also available in Walnut and Water).
Other suitable fabrics for Alessi include linen, linen blends, satin-backed crepes, silk satin, silk crepe de chine, viscose crepe and wool crepe. This adaptability in fabric choice means that you can customise Alessi to match your own style, season and mood. But just an early heads up: one Alessi Bias Dress in your wardrobe may not be enough!
As with any bias garment, extra special care should be taken at the cutting stage to ensure that your fabric is being cut on the *true* bias. If not, it won’t fit and flare as designed. In the pattern we’ve also included optional back darts (not pictured here) so if you have a sway back, toile the dress and be sure to mark in the darts at the cutting stage. And remember, if you do end up needing the back darts, these may need to be adjusted depending on your back sway, torso length and fabric choice.
The neckline has been carefully drafted and when sewn correctly, sits beautifully neat against the body without any gaping. Here we use the crimping (or crimp stitch) technique with a tear-away Vilene shield. To show you how it’s done and finished correctly, we’ve put together this You Tube sewing tutorial to guide you through the neckline and binding method we use.
The pattern comes in (Australian) size ranges 6-16 and 16-22 and is now available in both hardcopy and PDF copy shop/print-at-home versions. We can’t wait to see your version and if you’re sharing with us on Instagram, don’t forget to use the #TessutiAlessi #TessutiPatterns and #SewTessuti hashtags.
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OMG I have seen this RTW dress out and about so much this Australian Summer and was dying for a pattern for it! Love it so much! Great job!!
Thanks Fiona. Hope you enjoy YOURS!
Will this suit the cupro /linen/ tencel blend?
Absolutely perfect for our Harley range!
Could a sleeve be added?
Hi Erin,
Stay tuned! We are working on a sleeve expansion for our Alessi Bias Dress Pattern
I love your patterns. I would like to use the crimping and Vilene technique on another garment. How much smaller than the neckline do you cut the Vilene? Is there a %?.
In our Alessi Bias Dress Pattern, the front and back Vilene neck shields are 1cm shorter at each shoulder.
Is there a tutorial or suggestions for us fuller busted women? In the past many of the bias dresses I’ve made flatten out the chest area in a rather unflattering way.
Hi Sharon We would recommend making a toile/muslin of our Alessi Bias Dress Pattern to see what adjustments you need to make for yourself. We don’t have any tutorials but there are many resources on the internet or via pattern drafting books. If you live locally in Sydney, you could attend one of our classes.
What a lovely design! Does the dress have a zipper or other opening as it does appear to be somewhat fitted?
Strictly pull on/pull off Trish! The shaping of the dress is due to the bias cut so no need for closures or zips
Hi, could this be made not cut on the bias, as bias just doesn’t work on my body.
Hi Linda. The pattern was specifically drafted to be cut on the bias so the shaping will look different. We’ve not tried it out but if you want to give it a go, we’d recommend sewing a toile first