Folkwear - Hawaiian Mu'uMu'u Dress Pattern (XS-3XL)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Sizes: XS-3XL

Please always check the pattern size chart and finished garment measurements before choosing your size.

Description

Our mu’umu’u sewing pattern features three views, each with a different sleeve option: sleeveless, short sleeve, and elbow-length sleeve. The short sleeve is bell-shaped, while the longer sleeve has elastic at the cuff and falls to below the elbow. All three dresses feature princess seams, side darts with cleverly hidden pockets in the dart (optional), and an interior elastic belt to add additional shaping to the front as desired. The back is gathered to a pointed yoke and the front yoke is a smooth crew-neck shape. This dress is a perfect warm-weather outfit for comfort and style.

Considered aloha attire, this loose and breezy garment has its origins in the 1800s when missionaries adapted their Mother Hubbard-style dresses to fit Hawaiian women. Originally a tool of assimilation, native Hawaiians have since embraced this dress and all ages wear it to social events, family gatherings, and for some styles of hula. The mu’umu’u’s popularity has spread worldwide due to its comfort, ease of wear, and colourful prints. Typically, muumuu are made of cotton and feature tropical florals or traditional Hawaiian motifs. You can make this garment from silks or linens or solid fabrics as well.

Three dress views
Sleeveless option
Short sleeve option
Elbow-length sleeve option
Princess seams and side darts
Gathered back yoke
Loose, comfortable fit

Recommended Fabric

Light to mid-weight woven cotton fabrics, Light to mid-weight linen, and silk are good choices as well. Fabrics with bold or subtle prints/designs are typical – Hawaiian prints, block prints, florals, abstract.

Notions

All Views:
Thread
yard (0.2m) interfacing (for front and back yoke and sleeveless facings)
12 inches of ” (2cm) wide elastic
Bow tie hood and eye set (slider not needed if optional back shaping is not used)

View B:
24 inches (30cm) of ” (6mm) wide elastic for sleeves