Burda Style Pattern 8448 Dirndl Dress, Size 12-28

I wanted an authentic-style Dirndl for a presentation, but didn't want to spend a fortune--with this pattern, I got a well-fitted Dirndl and two blouses for around $100. It is not a pattern for beginners, and sometimes the directions are not entirely clear; I had to mentally sew some parts in my mind a couple of times to be sure of what to do, but it all came together very well. One recommendation--if your body shape doesn't fit just one size (like mine!), you certainly want to base it on the measurements--but make the blouse first. I found that it fit through the bust, but was way too big through the shoulders, and would have had that problem with the dress as well. I made the blouse again, keeping the side measurements the same, but dropping down two sizes for the neck and shoulders--it was easy to adjust since there are multiple sizes on the pattern. That worked perfectly, and so I did the same with the bodice, cutting the shoulder/neck panels smaller and the side panels to the larger size. End result: a Dirndlkleid that really fits well. I learned some new sewing skills from this pattern, also--setting in lace on the sleeve, using piping--and the step-by-step descriptions were very helpful.

Well, we made a skirt a little large, but other than that - perfect Dirndl. You can't really go wrong with Burda patterns.

I love the style but the directions are not the easiest to understand.

This is just what I wanted, I love the yellow flowered material, am still looking for similar.

The pattern is just what I was looking for.

I had been looking for a dirndl pattern for a while - this one was highly recommended on several different sewing websites for traditional clothing. Easy to read markings and directions.