Exclusive to the V&A, this free, downloadable sewing pattern shows you how to recreate an original Mary Quant design from 1962: the bold and beautiful 'Georgie' dress.
This stylish pleated dress has a classic mid-century elegance, with a wrap-over front bodice, three-quarter-length sleeves and wide sashed-belt finished with a bow. The pattern and instructions have been created for us by Alice & Co Patterns, based on the original 'Georgie' dress designed by Mary Quant, in the V&A collection.
The pattern is provided in two size ranges (UK 6 – 16 and 18 – 22), and in three page formats (A0/A4/US Letter). Download your chosen size and print it off in full colour. The A4/US Letter formats can be printed at home using a standard printer, or you can print the A0 files at your local copy shop or with an online service.
Pattern sizes 6 – 16
Pattern sizes 18 – 22
Instructions
Never worked with pleats before? These step-by-step instructions will guide you through the full process – there's even a nifty technique to create pleats using a household fork!
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The 'Georgie' dress
Quant's original 'Georgie' dress was made in a statement striped cotton inspired by hard-wearing utility fabrics, like those used in traditional butchers' aprons. The navy version in our collection was purchased in 1962 by 19-year-old Sarah Robinson from Truro, Cornwall (south-west England), who described it as a "happy, fun dress to wear, and beautifully made". It retailed at 12 and a half guineas, (about £264 today). The corresponding fashion drawing shows that a very similar style, 'Rosie', was also available, in a more formal silk chiffon lined with taffeta, in black, pink or jade.
Of course, if stripes aren't your thing, you can use whatever fabric you like and customise your dress so it’s the perfect fit – that’s the joy of home-sewing.
If you love making the 'Georgie' dress, don't forget to try our Mary Quant-style minidress pattern, a knee-skimming A-line design inspired by Quant's most iconic look.
See more home-sewing patterns designed by Alice & Co Patterns.
