Zip Back Dress

Zip Back Dress by Sian Brown

Project Overview

This is a downloadable knitting pattern for a Zip Back Jumper Dress designed by Sian Brown. The garment is a beginner-friendly knitted dress featuring a functional open-ended zip fastener running down the back, making it an easy-to-wear piece with contemporary styling. The pattern is available in ten sizes, ranging from bust 82cm (32 inches) to 127cm (50 inches), with finished bust measurements from 89cm to 137cm.

What Is Being Made

The Zip Back Dress is a knitted jumper dress—a one-piece garment combining a fitted bodice with a dress-length skirt. The defining feature is the 80cm open-ended zip fastener positioned down the back, which serves both as a functional closure and a design detail. The dress includes set-in sleeves with a fixed length of 47cm (18½ inches) and extends to the shoulder with varying lengths depending on size, ranging from 79cm to 88cm.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This beginner-level pattern employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those developing their skills. The construction begins with ribbed edging worked on smaller needles to create elastic, fitted edges. The pattern uses a combination of stockinette stitch (abbreviated as st st) as the primary fabric, which creates a smooth, classic knitted surface. Shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases—the pattern incorporates make 1 stitches (m1) for increases and slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo) decreases to create fitted shaping at key points. The ribbed sections are worked in a knit and purl rib pattern, alternating stitches to create vertical lines of elasticity.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch creating the smooth surface of stockinette stitch
• Purl stitch (p): Used in combination with knit stitches to create ribbed texture and structure
• Ribbed stitches: Alternating knit and purl stitches (k2, p2 pattern) that provide elasticity and fitted edges
• Make 1 stitch (m1): An increase technique for shaping the garment
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skpo): A decrease technique for fitted shaping
• Stockinette stitch (st st): The primary fabric created by alternating knit and purl rows

Materials and Gauge

The pattern calls for Rico Cotton Soft DK yarn in Pink, with yardage requirements ranging from 11 to 20 balls of 50g each depending on the chosen size. DK (double knitting) weight yarn is a medium-weight yarn ideal for creating garments with good drape and structure. Three pairs of knitting needles in graduated sizes are required: 3.25mm (US 3), 3.75mm (US 5), and 4mm (US 6). The smaller needles are used for ribbed sections to maintain elasticity, while the larger 4mm needles are used for the main fabric. The pattern specifies a tension of 22 stitches and 28 rows to a 10cm (4-inch) square worked in stockinette stitch on 4mm needles—achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit across all ten sizes.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern accommodates a wide range of body sizes with ten different size options. Bust measurements range from 82cm to 127cm, with finished garment measurements providing approximately 7–10cm of positive ease for comfortable wear. Length to shoulder varies from 79cm to 88cm, allowing for proportional sizing across different body types. The consistent 47cm sleeve length is suitable for standard adult proportions, though this measurement remains the same across all sizes.