UPDATE: The Washi Dress sewing pattern is now available here.
Last week I made this dress out of a few yards of Washi I had previously designated for a skirt. When this dress design popped into in my head, I got more and more excited about it, and felt strongly that it needed to be made with the washi tape print. After it was finished I was even more excited. I loves it muchly.
Fabric: Washi Tape by Rashida Coleman-Hale for Timeless Treasures (find it here or here). It was so much fun to be able to show this dress off to Rashida herself this past weekend (and she loved it too)!
POCKETS!
And it’s a perfect match for the turquoise flats. Sweet!
So if you had to pick the Washi dress or the Hello Pilgrim dress to sew for yourself, which style would you pick? Hmmm… 
148 Responses to Washi Dress
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Hi! I'm Rae, Head Boss Lady of Made By Rae Enterprises. I love to sew. This blog is a showcase for my crafty stuff.
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I love everything about this — the neckline, the pleats, the pockets, the fabric. So cute!
Tough choice, but I like the neckline of the washi dress a ton, so….I’d sew washi dress for myself
Both look really pretty (and comfortable too), but I’d go for the Washi dress ! I’m not really into bow collars, plus I really like the washi print. Any chance you will be doing a tutorial for these ? Or a pattern maybe ?!
I like them both! But I think the Hello Pilgrim is my favourite. Are you going to be releasing a pattern for this?
love this, love the neckline….love the combo!!!
Oh. My. Gawd. OMG, omgomg. Love that dress! Wanting one soooo bad right now! Trying not to go straight out to the internet to buy that fabric! It’s lovely on you, and the dress design is a perfect (simple) complement to the awesome fabric!
I love this dress. Definitely the Washi.
So cute! I want to make a washi dress for myself!
Definitely love the Washi dress more. The neckline is very flattering!
That dress is awesome!!! I love the shape, colors/fabric choice, and awesome shoes! Good job!
I love the washi dress. The neckline details make it. And I can’t get enough (sightings, I don’t have any) of the fabric. Beautiful.
That dress looks fantastic on you! I like both dresses but the washi dress is my favorite, love all the details of it.
Love the dress, love the fabric, and it looks like I am not alone. I think you have a definite winner here, Rae. Hope you make a pattern for it!
Washi!
Ahhh, I love it! This print is PERFECT for the dress and I love the neckline. I’d buy this for sure (and the shoes and necklace too
).
I love the washi dress, looks beautiful, and lil cap sleeve is great, along with empire waist, always looks better on me
Can u send link for pattern, and not able to find any simular fabric around here, web site to buy material, not exactluy like yours, but something like it
The washi dress, hands down! Love both, but the neckline on the washi dress seals the deal for me.
wow…hard choice! I am going with the Washi dress. The Hello Pilgrim dress is cute and looks comfy, but this one is a little more flattering I think. I can’t tell, is there shirring in the back like the Hello Pilgrim, or is there a zipper?
This is such a pretty dress. You look great. I think this one is more flattering and sophisticated than the Hello Pilgrim dress.
BTW Great photo styling.
Washi. Hope you make a pattern
I love this print in a dress! I never really thought of it, but now I may have to make myself a dress out of washi too!! Beautiful!!!
I love them both, but I especially heart the Washi version! The neckline is great!
I love both, but I like the tie on the Hello Pilgrim dress… It’s work better for work for me!
Oh my goodness! I love this, Rae! It looks great on you! I love the Washi (the pilgrim one is great too).
WASHI! I want it!
Washi all the way!!!!
I think both are super cute, BUT if I had to choose one to make for myself, I’d probably be more drawn to the Hello Pilgrim dress because v-necks are generally the most flattering look for me (plus I like that the tie gives the dress a sort of vintage-y look without veering into costume territory).
I freaking love this dress! That fabric is just perfect for it. I must get me some of that washi print but I also must learn how to sew properly first! My vote goes for this one over the Hello Prilgrim one, just cannot fault this dress!
I like the Hello Pilgrim dress better, but this one’s nice too.
Just wondering about something. Your neckline looks modest on these photos but don’t you find that as soon as you start picking up kids, toys, bags etc that it’s too low… I have that so often with clothes, it looks good on when I’m standing still, but as soon as I move (real life) it doesn’t look decent any more. (Not trying to criticize your dress, but just asking as I’ve always appreciated that you make decent clothing that’s not all showy.)
Hi Alisa!
Yes, actually this neckline is a little low for my taste. I wore it to the zoo with my kids the other day and felt like I was flashing alot of people, hee. I’ve moved the neckline up a bit in the pattern as a result so hopefully it will be a bit more modest in the final pattern. It might be something where I just end up wearing a camisole tank underneath to avoid the issues you’re talking about here!
The washi dress!! I love the neckline!!
Hands down, this one!!!! So subtle, yet so chic! So in love with it, the sleeves especially, and the neckline. Good work!
I loves it muchly too! If I had to choose, maybe Hello Pilgrim, by a slim margin, just because it might fit me better? But come on, you know you want to make a pattern for both! Right?Right?
[...] I love Rae‘s new Washi [...]
Washi is my choice….as soon as the I saw it I thought please be a pattern!
Washi!! Love it!
how about a washi dress with a hello pilgrim neckline variation (as a View B). it looks like they’re pretty similar in shape and style otherwise, and by eliminating the keyhole and adding the collar – BOOM! hello pilgrim! best of both worlds.
PS – I’m just jumping right in with the suggestion since you know I love both already and you’ve got my promise to buy it if you do make a pattern!!
Washi! Can’t pull off bow necklines. This is very pretty and sophisticated, depending on the fabric it could be fun or professional looking.
rae, my first thought is that I want to strangle you and take your dress away so I can have it, but you know, that probably wouldn’t turn out to be a good decision. second thought is that it’s totally amazing, fits perfect and I hope it’s your next pattern. You are lovely and oh so talented!
hahahee you are too funny Anna! Glad you like it!!
the washi dress is my fav but just barely! i love the other, too, but i’m not a bow gal….!! i love it!
When I saw the Washi dress I fell in love! Love the neckline and pockets, and pleats hooray! But then I saw the Pilgrim dress . . . I think Washi is younger, more fun, and exciting, and the Pilgrim dress is more graceful and calm as far as two dresses that are practically the same, haha. Today I would choose Pilgrim!
Washi dress for sure!!! It is so cute. I love everything about it.
SO cute! I’ve been dying to make myself a dress with this fabric, but just haven’t gotten around to it. I love everything about your version, and I would totally make this over the Hello Pilgrim
LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enough said
They’re both so cute but if the washi dress was a pattern, I’d be snatching it up and cutting fabric right now!
Washi dress! It is SO LOVELY! Of course both the Washi and Hello Pilgrim are adorable, but I vote Washi all the way.
So I don’t normally sew for myself, but I’d make an exception for the washi dress! I think it’s super flattering and would do a great job at hiding my post-two-baby tummy
I love the Washi Dress – that’d be my pick. The neckline is cute without being cutesy. I think I’d be afraid I’d get food on the ties of the Hello Pilgram dress. Either way – they both have pockets which is a must! I’d love to see you release the Washi Dress pattern.
Love the Washi dress! So cute on you! Would love a pattern for this.
All of your self-made clothing is adorable
I really like the neckline of the washi dress, and the fact that it has pockets.
washi! washi, washi, washi!
They are both so fab, but I swooned for the ties on Hello Pilgrim and they’d help the high-waist style look better on my long torso.
I like both dresses…but I would pick the Washi dress!
I would happily sit and make both these dresses for myself without even feeling guilty – they are that delightful! For me it’s a draw – I can’t choose one over the other!
Wash please. I noticed it in photos of you at QM. Love it!
Ah-dorable! I love it!
Washi dress! Is this a hint that you’re going to tell us how to make one of these babies?
Oh, wow – I SUPER love that dress. The fabric, of course, is fabulous, but I love the neckline, the pleats, the sleeves … everything!
Preeeeetty sure I need one of these for myself. But maybe in the Jay McCarroll fabric I’ve been saving. I would buy the pattern in a heartbeat if you make one.
Hmmmm…For some reason I really, REALLY like the Washi dress. ^_~
heeee. truly.
Well, someone is
1) prolific
2) well accessorized
3) fabulouuuus!
(it’s you)
aw shucks Larissa. Thanks!!
Seriously, the Washi Dress was a celebrity in itself at Quilt Market!
I would make both. I love both. I will by Charcoal Washi for mine, because, you know, it’s me.
HUGE hit!
Love love love the washi dress! Pattern please!!
Washi dress is my favourite, I love the neckline and pockets in a dress are always a bonus.
omg, omg, pulleeeeeeez make a pattern. i may die!
its adorable on you. love it. great job.
They are both beautiful! The Washi Dress is more modern (both because of cut and fabric (which I looooooove) and the Hello Pilgrim dress is more Grandma (and I LOVE that style too so it is not meant as an offense) After my opinion The Washi Dress is the one that looks best on you so that is ‘the winner’ for me.
I wanna buy both as patterns! But Hello Pilgrim has been on my Pinterest board for ages
Oooh i love how fashionable Washi tape is! Hah I don’t think I’ve seen it around here but it could be because I’m not looking for it.
I absolutely love the fabric, not just the print but the colours, it really suits you and the cut is super flattering! I love the neckline. I think it’s the pockets and the colour that sells it for me! And the shoes! Turquoise is my favourite colour
The Washi dress! So unusual and creative. I’d buy it in a heartbeat! Both are lovely, though!
LIke the Washi dress. Pattern coming soon?
Washi dress …. oh my how I LOVE it!!!!
Ooo, I love this one! The fabric is awesome, and that neckline is perfect. Way to go!
you are so good. really. now, if that parting question was because you’re thinking of making adult patterns, then I would have to plead you to do both dresses. If I must choose, it would be the washi dress, but only by a whisker.
The Washi dress wins hands down for me. Everything is working in this one! Personally I think the colours in this one are more flattering on you than the Pilgrim one, but truly they’re both sweet.
I wished I wore dresses because I would definitely make the Washi Dress. You are one talented lady! I’m in a sewing/pattern drafting funk… hope it ends soon
I like the neckline on this one (washi tape) better. perhaps even deepen the “u” and get some ribbon for ties…..
it’s a winner!
(and bugger you for inspiring me to buy up on fabric, when i don’t really need too!!! i’ve got a little black washi, but am thinking it would go really well with a colette pattern too- or your soon to be released pattern!)
Great work!!
Love the fabric and I definitely love the Washi better… although both are great, this one just looks quirky and the neckline is different from others out there.
Wow! You had me at Washi but when I saw that it has POCKETS I just about fainted!
Washi dress! So cute. Love the little details
Hello Rae,
I recently found you and became a big fan of yours from the other side of the pond. I like your fabric choices and your neat designs. I am really busy, but I still find the time to make lots of super cute/comfy/useful big butt pants for my daughter!!!
I would love to try to make a Washi dress for myself, could you please release this lovely pattern?
thanks for sharing your ideas
Antonella
I love them both, but I think I’d make the Hello Pilgrim because I think it’d be more flattering on me (I have something of a full bust line, ha!). I’m just going to throw out my pleasepleaseplease with the others that you release patterns/tutes for both dresses?!?!?!?!?
I LOVE this one Rae!!! The fabric, the pockets, the neckline! Please make this into a pattern!!!
That dress is soooooooo cute! I love it! Can’t believe you honestly want people to choose between the two dresses though – they are both ace!
This dress is beautiful. It looks so comfortable, has a great neckline, nice shape without being tight across the belly, and pockets!!! Thank you for sharing it with us. Is there a pattern in our future for this great dress?
They are both fabulous, but i am leaning towards the Washi dress. I think it is the neckline (and the pockets!!!)
Close call they are both great. I think I would have to go with the Hello Pilgrim dress. I love the tie!
Oh I’d like to sew the washi dress for sure! Am I sensing there may be pattern available? That would be so exciting.
Love the design, love the fabric! Amazing!
Oh, I love that washi dress…. the material, the pattern, the pockets! oh, and I just splurged on a pair of turquoise ballet flats myself a couple of weeks ago. They really cheer up any outfit.
Ooh, this dress is super cute! I’d sew this one for myself — I really like the little sleeves.
ooh tough decision…they are both great…but I will go with the Washi dress…I love the neckline
LOVE the washi! PLEASE say you’re releasing it as a pattern! PLEASE!
Ooooh, tough choice. But I think I’d have to say the Hello Pilgram cause I loves it as a dress and loves it even more in it’s shirt reincarnation!
Love the Washi dress, this dress makes me want to sew again and it has been 5 years
I love the neckline on the Washi Dress, but the prefer the body on the Hello Pilgrim dress. It’s a toss up! Very nice.
I like both but the Washi one better. I love the neckline on this one. Lovely job!
This one definitely! I love it! And the fabric suits it so well, too!
Washi dress all the way!
The are both gorgeous! Could you release a dress pattern with two different neckline options? Karen
Both are cute but the Pilgrim Dress would work best for me. Love them both, though!
yes it’s always an option — the issue though is that because drawing all those extra lines and putting together an alternative set of instructions takes lots of extra time, the cost for the pattern would go up significantly (like roughly 50% more for the two variations) and it would take me longer to produce/publish. My thought was maybe to take the more popular design and put that out first, then publish a cheaper add-on (like with the Charlie Dress) so that those who want the less popular design can make it.
The Washi dress for sure! Please release the pattern – I wanna make it something fierce!
the hello pilgrim dress!
I’d make a washi before I’d make a hello pilgrim. Are you going to do a pattern? Do it!
I want to make the Washi dress in black to go to my sisters highschool graduation in!
Tough choice! Love the Washi neckline…
Both dresses are lovely, but the Washi dress is my favorite! Is a pattern in the future (I ask gleefully!)?
I. Love. This. Dress. Oh man.
On Pinterest, you said it was going to be a pattern… are there going to be plus sized options???? I understand the challenge making that happen, but it would be oh so cool if it could.
please tell me there is going to be a pattern for the washi dress it is wicked and would definitely be a great first dress to sew
Hello pilgrim! A pattern would be amazing…
Washi!
Yay, I was just thinking that maybe you were developing a pattern for this, since you have been making different versions. I don’t sew as often as I’d like, but I LOVE to sew your patterns! Thanks, Rae.
Washi! I love that neckline & I would love to make it before returning back to work in Aug post-baby. Think there might be a pattern by or before then?
Hah! I sure hope so Jenny, the thought of working on that pattern from now until August is pretty daunting. I’m going to set a goal of early July.
Definitely the Washi dress. Like other posters I can’t really get away with bows. The Washi is just so elegant and perfect for work or casual wear. And it does look great in that fabric and with those shoes!
Cute cute cute! Love the colors, and the flats! =)
Washi, for sure! I would buy that pattern in a heartbeat–beautiful!
lovin’ both BUT washi is my FAVE.
i need one.
puh-leez release a pattern for it…..
I’m not a fan of ties or bows so I like this one better! Very cute!
[...] love this Washi Dress from Made-By-Rae. Admittedly, it might be a little young for me, but with some jeans or leggings, I think I could [...]
I love the washi neckline and flattering cap sleeves. I would like to make this soon!
Do you ever use a dress form? If so, which one? I get so tired of sewing, ripping off my clothes, pinning fabric to myself as I awkwardly check each ange and start all over again. Sometimes I end up sewing half dressed! lol Anyhow, I was just curious if you found this to help the process.
Hi Valerie:
I do have a dress form but I don’t use it for fittings, just draping. Nothing really can replace trying it on your body. I also end up sewing half dressed ALL THE TIME, so I hear you. It can get rather tiring after awhile. But this is I think the reason to sew muslins — I sew muslins with no clothes on, and then when I’m making the “real” dresses/tops, I don’t have to keep trying it on because I know it will fit. Then I can just try it on after the shoulder and sides are done, and once I’m ready to hem. Easier to spend all the time naked-sewing when you’re working on the muslins.
glad to hear I am not the only one sewing in my underwear.
Hello Pilgrim!
I love them both, but definitely the Washi Dress! Teach me your ways! And I love that fabric.
[...] Dress – The response to the Washi Dress was UN-stinkin-BELIEVABLE. Really amazing, and thank you so much everyone!! I suspected it might be [...]
where did you get the turq flats??
JCrew outlet. A find!
Tryyyyyyyying to be patient. Love the Washi dress! Will keep checking back for a pattern. No hurry though, just have my fabric clean & pressed.
haha OK Jen!! Working on it as fast as I can!!
[...] been just over a month since I posted the Washi Dress and I can tell from the emails and comments I’ve been getting that some of you are starting [...]
[...] what does this mean hey? It means all bets are off if you plan to recreate this dress unless you can find it and snap it up [...]
I like both dresses but the Hello Pilgrim one is my favorite. I would feel that my cleavage would be too showy with the Washi dress and that I would feel like I’d need to omit the lower scoop or wear something underneath it.
[...] not the washi dress. i LOVE the washi dress. i loved it when Rae posted about it the first time, and the second time, and every time thereafter. i knew i wanted to get my hands on it as soon as [...]
[...] she’s posting a bunch of different versions all week. Ever since she posted photos of the original Washi dress, people have been going CRAZY asking for a pattern and waiting (not so patiently) for Rae to [...]
[...] I was a pattern tester for Made By Rae’s Washi Dress Pattern. What a great experience! Pardon the obnoxious fabric and the lovely flash-related yuck, but [...]
[...] and for giving enthusiastic permission for me to name the pattern after her fabric (used in the original “washi” dress, pictured [...]
[...] i also changed the neckline. i feel a little bad about it, frankly; the U cutout of the original washi is a major part of its charm and i know it took a good amount of work getting it just right in the [...]
[...] your viewing enjoyment. I only hope you’ll find them as fun and as inspiring as the original Washi Dress. And somewhere in this Washi-Bonanza I’m calling “Washi Week” an actual digital [...]
[...] you’re new here, this is a miniaturized version of my Washi Dress} The fabric is called “Washi” (designed by Rashida Coleman-Hale), because it features [...]
[...] I love my copper hoops, too, you can see a peek at those in the original Washi Dress post if you look carefully. It’s like Where’s Waldo, with [...]
[...] washi dress by Rae (the original) / Made by Rae [...]
[...] seeing Rashida’s designs before on this blog, most notably the enormously popular “washi tape fabric” that gave the Washi Dress pattern its name. Rashida spent a few years in Japan when she was [...]