1 Download the template at sewmag.co.uk, then print out and follow the cutting guide. Make the darts by following the markings on the pattern, then join the lower centre back seam to the notch and neaten the raw edges. Carefully apply the zip to the centre back opening.

2 Join the front and back at the shoulder seam, right sides together. Prepare the neck facing, right sides together, then pair the front and back neck facings at the shoulder seam. Neaten the raw inner edge of the facing; you can overlock this or turn a narrow 5mm hem and stitch.

3 With right sides together, gently pin the neck facing to the neck edge; you could draw a chalk line to a point at the centre front to follow when stitching, then erase once finished. Trim and clip the neck edge, then under-stitch as close as you can to the upper edge of the notch.

4 Pair the front and back at the side seams, right sides together. Stitch to the mark at the side vent. Join the sleeves, right sides together, then neaten the raw edges. Sew two rows of long ease stitches at the upper edge of the sleeves. With right sides together, pin the sleeve into the armhole.

5 Pull the ease stitches to fit the armhole, then sew and neaten the raw edges. Press the vents along the fold line, in line with the side seam. At the lower edge, press a 5cm single turned hem and neaten the raw edge. Turn the vent facing back, right sides together.

6 Stitch the facing along the hemline fold, trim and turn back. Pin the hem and vents, then stitch around both, close to the inner edge. Neaten the raw edges of the sleeves, turn a single 2.5cm hem and sew. Hand-stitch the neck facing to the shoulder seams.