Download the pattern from sewmag.co.uk, then print out and follow the cutting guide. With right sides together, pin the front and back bodice together at the shoulder and stitch. Neaten the edges of the seam allowance by using an overlocker or by trimming the seam allowance and using a zig zag stitch. Press the seam towards the back.

Neaten the edges of the centre-back bodice. With right sides together, pin and sew the centre-back bodice seam up to the marked position for the back opening. Press the seam open and press the back opening along the seam line. Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the front and back neck facing pieces. Pin the facings at the shoulder seam, right sides together, and stitch. Press the seam open. Neaten the edge of the facing using an overlocker, a zig zag stitch or by turning under a narrow hem.

Place the facing in position around the neckline of the bodice, right sides together, and pin. Fold the seam allowance at the top of the back opening back on itself, so that the right sides are together, and pin the facing over the top. Sew around the neckline and across the top of the back opening. Clip the curves and trim the seam allowance. Trim excess fabric from the top of the back opening. Turn the facing to the inside of the dress and understitch up to the back opening. Turn the back opening to the original position.

Press the facing towards the inside of the bodice around the neck edge. Slip-stitch the edge of the facing at the shoulder seams to anchor in place. Topstitch around the back opening. Make a thread button loop at the top of the back opening and sew on a corresponding button. With right sides together and matching the notches, pin the sleeves in position and stitch. Neaten the seam allowance together using an overlocker or by trimming and sewing with a zig zag stitch. Press the seam towards the sleeve.

With right sides together, pin the bodice side seams and the sleeve seams. Match the notches and check that the sleeve seams are level at the underarm point. Sew the seam from the edge of the sleeve to the edge of the bodice. Neaten the seam and press towards the back. Turn under a hem at the bottom of the sleeve and sew, up to 2cm allowed.

Select one of the three skirt and frill pieces and pin right sides together at the sides. Neaten the seam allowance and press the seam. The seam of the skirt will be placed level with the centre-back bodice seam when attaching it to the bodice. To help ensure the gathers are evenly spaced, mark the centre of the skirt piece with a fabric pen or a small notch. Mark the middle point between the centre front and the back seam, so that the skirt is divided into four sections. Sew two rows of gathering stitches at the top of the skirt.