Soak up the sun in the Holyoke Maxi Dress & Skirt, a sewing pattern designed for bigger boobs - no bra flashing guaranteed! View A of the Holyoke is a sophisticated maxi dress with cup sizes C–H, wide, bra-friendly straps and an angled neckline. The faux button placket, princess seams and cup sizing mean you’ll be comfortable all summer long, with no gaping or pulling at the bust.
And there’s more! View B is a breezy, full-length skirt for a totally different look.
For extra comfort, both views have an elasticated back waist, and for all-round usability, there are pockets too! Whether made up in a floaty rayon challis or sumptuous linen, the Holyoke will keep you looking cool and feeling relaxed throughout the warmer weather.
This Cashmerette pattern includes:
- Cup sizes from C to H
- A sizing calculator which will tell you exactly which size to make
- A beautifully illustrated and detailed instruction booklet, to guide you no matter your sewing level
- A full photo sewalong on our blog with tips and techniques that go beyond the instruction booklet
Want to see how this pattern will look on you? Sketch your plans on a body outline croquis that's custom made to your measurements with MyBodyModel. Learn more »
Product information
SEWING LEVEL
Advanced beginner
SIZING
12 to 32, in three cup sizes (C/D, E/F, G/H). Includes 40-62” bust, 32-52” waist and 42-62” hip. Find your size in seconds using our size calculator.
RECOMMENDED FABRIC
Light- to mid-weight woven fabric such as cotton lawn, linen, or rayon. Use drapey fabrics for a flowy look or firmer fabrics for a more structured result.
Light weight fusible interfacing.
NOTIONS
Universal needle, thread, 11 buttons size ⅜"- ½" / 1 cm, 25" (0.7m) 3/4" (2cm) wide knit elastic
PDF pattern information
New to PDF sewing patterns? See our complete guide here.
The PDF comes in three files (one for each bust size), so you only need to print your size. You'll receive files to print at home or at a copy shop. Files are delivered as a .zip file which can be downloaded on a computer, but not on a mobile device. For more on PDFs, see the FAQs.
Instructions: 22 pages (5.5 MB)
Pattern pieces (for each cup size): 62 pages (0.7 MB each)
Copy shop (A0 or US 36" x 48" size): 3 pages (0.4 MB each)
Learn More
Tutorials
- Hack the Holyoke: Swing Mini-Skirt
- Hack the Holyoke: Knee-Length Dress with Pockets
- Hack the Holyoke: Peplum Top
- Sew a Quick and Dirty Holyoke Muslin
Sewalongs
Related Posts
Fabric Requirements & Measurements
See what our customers are making
Customer Reviews
I really love this dress from the making of it to wearing it. I followed the detailed toiling instructions which was great even for a person who has toiled before. The fit is great. I followed the suggestion from the sizing calculator which made it so much easier. I have made the size 10 bodice, C cup, graded to size 14 waist and graded back to 8 hips. Fabric is a poplin which makes the best summer dress. Can highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great maxi dress.
I made the Holyoke for my daughter with only her measurements. The completed garment fits her perfectly. The only change that I made was to put the right front over the left front instead of the pattern directions for left over right.
I used a large pucker seersucker which looks perfect in the finished dress. It swishes wonderfully - however you can't press it. I simply pressed the seams on the inside inside the seam allowance.
I absolutely love the fit of this dress which is amazing for big boobs! The amazing fit, the elastic waitband and the long flowy skirt also make it very comfortable and easy to wear in any situation. It is quite a long project but still easy for someone willing to take the time.
This is the best fitting Princess seam dress pattern that I have ever sewn. It fits so perfectly and I can see myself making this dress over and over again. I paired the skirt with the Hampden bodic. I’m these photos but they fit similarly,
I have made two dresses after a wearable toile top with peplum. The design is excellent, the top fits very well, with bra straps covered and straps that don't fall down. It is extremely comfortable and not constricted in away yet everything is safe and secure, even when leaning over!
Dress washes and irons very well important in a cotton summer dress.
The pattern and sew along were very clear as were the instructions for FBA in Ahead of the curve and tutorial on website. First time for me with princess seams, what a revelation! I can't believe the difference a well fitting dress makes.
The size calculator was a real bonus.
A very versatile design that can be dressed up I all manner of ways. I think I will make more of these!
I was able to make a beautiful Holyoke dress for my daughter using just her measurements! She was thrilled because the dress has so much style (unlike the dresses she had been trying on in stores). The neckline is particularly flattering. She received lots of compliments when she wore it.
My daughter is not the easiest person to fit (43.5, 42, 44) and the dress is quite fitted on top. I took a chance sewing it even though she lives far away, and even though I’m not that experienced, knowing the Cashmerette patterns have an excellent reputation for being well drafted.
My daughter loved the idea that the buttons down the front could be sewn closed, so there would be no gaping. Thinking it through, we decided to eliminate the buttons altogether as the dress was for a wedding and we thought it might make the dress more formal, also it would save time. I would like to try a buttoned version in the future, though!
I used the given finished measurements to help me decide what sizes to use. I knew the pattern was drafted for someone 5’6”, so I took out 2” tried it up to me and then shortened it even more to make it more midi length, just at the narrowest part of the ankle…also I was a little short on fabric to be honest! The shorter length ended up flattering for someone not too tall. I decided to make an 18 G/H for the bodice. The directions on how to grade patterns were very helpful. I made sure to make the adjustments at the side seams, so the princess seams would line up with the pleats below the waist. I graded to a 20 at the side, plus 1/2 inch, then to a 22 at the waist and back to 20 for the hips. In the end, the bust was a tiny bit big (my daughter said, “If I put this on on a store, I would be happy with the fit. It’s fine.”) I think my mistake was doubting the measurements…eye balling the pattern and fitting the G/H up to me, I thought it would be better. E/F probably have been fine. After sewing, I tried it on. It was big on me (I’m a bit smaller) I double checked the finished garment measurements and took a chance and took in the side seams so they just fit my daughter’s measurements. The adjustment at the side seam was easy to do so, I thought she could reverse it if necessary. There was no need as it turned out.
The fabric my daughter chose was a polished viscose. I underlined all of the bodice pieces with a nice quality, light, iron on interfacing, as I felt the extra structure would help to support the lovely neckline, princess seams and straps. This also made it a pleasure to sew! The skirt was left as is and was fun to twirl around in when the dress was worn.
