1 Go online to www.sewmag.co.uk/templates to download and print the pattern. Cut out all of the pieces as indicated in the cutting guide. Divide the bodice pieces into two sets. Match, pin and stitch the shoulder seams together on both sets. Lay the bodice sets out flat, right sides together. Match the necklines together and pin in place. Stitch around the neckline. Clip the seam allowances around the curve, then under-stitch the neckline.

2 Match the underarm and side seams together, first on the lining, pin, then stitch both seams and repeat the process on the outer bodice, making sure that the right sides of the fabric are facing on both sets. Clip the curved area under the arms then turn the lining inside the outer bodice. Tease out the seams and press flat.

3 Stitch the two ends of one of the sleeve bands together, forming a circle. Open out the seam allowance then fold the band in half lengthways, matching the raw cut edges together. Press flat. Match the seam of the sleeve band to the end of the seam on the bodice sleeves, pin, then stitch in place. Neaten the seam allowance and press inside the sleeves.

4 Neaten the long edges of the skirt rectangles. With right sides together, match the pieces, pin, then stitch down both sides. Press the seams open. Place the bodice inside the tube that has been formed, matching the raw edges and side seams at the base of the bodice to the raw edges and side seams at one end of the tube. The right side of the bodice and skirt should be facing. Stitch together, and neaten the seam. Turn the dress to the right side and press the seam allowance up towards the bodice.

5 Sew the two ends of the hem band together to form a circle. Open out the seam allowance then fold the band in half lengthways, matching the raw cut edges together, and press flat. Match the seam of the hem band to one of the side seams on the skirt, pin and stitch in place. Neaten the seam allowance together and fold the band down. To finish, press the seam allowance up inside the skirt.