Pattern Test: Xipe Totec Dress

How I got to testing..

I found the pattern tester call by Julia (@telabeja on Instagram) by chance: I follow several hashtags and because she had used one of them I saw her call. I was really intrigued and immediately enrolled for pattern testing. Thankfully, Julia picked me. Unfortunately I couldn’t get to work right way and my first stop was: fabric shopping.

Fabric and Configuration of Choice

The Xipe Totec Sewing Pattern has many possible configurations. It doesn’t even have to be a dress! Julia made the pattern so that it can be sewn as a skirt, shirt or dress, with many possible combinations. I decided to sew a dress with a long skirt including collar and skirt ruffles.

With the fabric I wasn’t so sure at first. I was looking for a fabric on the cheaper side and the recommendations in the pattern where for viscose or cotton fabrics. I has thought about a red patterned dress for a while and thought this might be a good opportunity. I found this microfiber polyester satin at stoffe.de and while it was polyester I fell in love with the pattern and colour of the fabric.

The sewing

I think the Xipe Totec pattern is a really easy sew and goes by very quickly (unless of course you decide on adding ruffles – if you know you know 😉 )

I even was abe to use a little bit less of the fabric than anticipated by puzzling away and shortening the skirt a little. I had wanted to shorten the skirt anyways as I am shorter than the usual 168cm used for patternmaking. That way I had some leftover fabric to use for a quick cowl neck crop top.

All in all I think the pattern was very well put together and its a great beginner pattern to achieve a nice summerdress look. The cut is very flattering for every figure and its a versatile pattern that achieves different looks for every fabric you choose. I am sure I will sew or hack myself another Xipe Totec in the future.