1 Download and print the pattern at sewmag.co.uk/templates, cut out all the pieces from your main fabric according to the cutting guide, then transfer all of the markings. Make a bias strip from 5cm-wide contrast fabric that is the length of the curved edge on the front piece, and stitch in place. Repeat for the other curved side.

2 Sew the pocket bags to the lower curved part of the front piece as far as the small dot on the pattern. Clip the seam and press it down towards the hem. Stitch the darts into the front side panels, then press them up towards the shoulders. Match the side panels to the front piece and around the edges of the pocket bag, pin, then stitch. The bias strip should show on the right side of the seam. Press the seams towards the centre front.

3 Neaten down the front and side panel seam, around the pocket bag, down the side edges of both the front and back dress, the centre back edges, and across the shoulders. Match the centre-back seam as far as the zip notch and stitch from the base of the dress to this point.

4 Fold and press the seam allowance along the two sides of the back opening, then open out and with the right side of the fabric facing up, place the opened zip face-down, matching the teeth to the crease line in the seam allowance. Pin, then stitch. Backstitch, then sew the other side of the zip in place. Carefully thread the zip pull through to the right side at the top of the centreback seam and pull up to close.

5 Match the shoulder seams of the front and back dress, right sides together, pin, then stitch. Press the seam allowances open. Make a bias strip as before that measures the length of the neckline, then fold and pr