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Tops, Dresses & Bottoms · Woven · MN2009

Protea Capsule Wardrobe Pattern

5.0out of 5 30 reviews

Protea is a whole capsule wardrobe in a single pattern: two dresses, two woven tees and a tiered skirt. It began as a simple round-neck dress, then (in true Megan Nielsen form) grew two necklines, two sleeves and two skirts, with wide neckline facings, a drawstring waist channel and our signature anchored pockets. Everything is loose fitting and pulls on with no closures, so it's achievable for a newer sewist but full of visual interest. Sew it in light to medium weight wovens like linen, voile or sateen.

Skill level Confident Beginner
Pattern Formatchoose how you sew
✓ Instant download✓ Layered file - print only your size✓ Posted to your door ✓ Nothing to print or assemble ✓ Free step-by-step sewalong ✓ Secure checkout
Find your fit & fabric

Sizing & yardage

Everything in one place - measure your body, pick your size, see exactly how much fabric to buy, and check the finished garment measurements for the fit you want.

Note: Fabric requirements include 5% fabric shrinkage allowance. You may need to adjust requirements if your fabric shrinks more than 5%.

Loved by makers

Reviews

5.0out of 5 30 reviews
S
Stephanie
Beautiful design and Excellent Instructions

I bought the Protea pattern and made View B for the top with the square neckline. I made it using an organic 100% cotton knit fabric. I love the design and the instructions that came with the pattern were very easy to follow. I am very pleased with the outcome. I will be using this pattern again!

J
Jemima
Protea praise!

What a wonderful pattern! I started with a top and skirt to check the fit before I make the dress. Im so excited about the possibilities. The top is definitely going to become a wardrobe staple!

Love the square neckline!

Great instructions! 10/10!

A
Anonymous
Finished garment follow up.

Love how it turned out. Modeling skills do not do it justice.
All the pieces match up well and sew together easily. The sleeve is very well drafted to set in beautifully.

D
Dianne
Protea Perfection!

Love the Protea dress pattern! I used this Christmas Protea quilting weight cotton and it turned out beautifully. I have a short torso, and I've ended up flipping the waistband channel up and stitching in place to help with my fit. Looking forward to making my next Megan Nielsen Pattern!

C
Colleen
Fantastic capsule pattern

I’ve already made a square neck top in cotton with standard sleeve, dress with flutter sleeve and two tiered skirt in rayon, and a matching top and tiered skirt in rayon. They have been perfect to beat the heat on a trip to Japan.

B
Britta
So happy with my new top!

I only just recently discovered MN patterns, and this is the first proper make. The instructions are just perfect, and the pattern comes together very smoothly. The neckline and facing are a bit fiddly, (I might skip the interfacing next time to make it less stiff) but the end result is very tidy looking. Because I have broad shoulders, but a small bust I don't trust the measurements and often size up to have enough room for movement. The size chart suggested a size 8 according to my bust size, so I made a size 10 to be sure, haha. But the pattern has indeed a roomy fit, and next time I'll make a size 8. Overall I'm stoked with the result and highly recommend these pattern to everyone - beginner and seasoned sewistas alike! :) I already have the Tania Culottes, the Opal Pants and the Darling Ranges Shirt in the pipeline (fabric drying on the line as I type this), and I'm looking forward to filling my wardrobe with me-made pieces that look and fit great. Thanks Meg, for creating beautiful & professional patterns!

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Nayth
LOVE the Protea Capsule Patterns!

I love so many things about these patterns. I really like that all sizes for all pieces are only on 2 A0 sheets - I also LOVE the tutorials for every step of the process with every piece of clothing making it so user friendly. These blogs really gave me the confidence to try them all! I really love that you can switch up the sleeves with the tops and the neck is so easy to do and the final piece look gorgeous. I have already made 2 tops and a skirt. I will be using this pattern over and over again.

R
Rachel
Amazing dress, clear instructions!

The instructions are so clear and the finishes are always so beautiful. I can’t wait to make more of Megan’s patterns.

J
J.S.
A beautiful and easy sew!

I really enjoyed sewing this dress and received so many compliments when wearing it! The square neckline and flutter sleeves make this a really special piece. I chose a rayon for this dress, but am looking forward to trying cotton and/or linen next with the view D top.

E
Emma
Love this capsule set!!

So far I have made a square neck flutter sleeve top and the skirt in a cotton linen. The pattern was really easy to work with and cut out. I made size 12. I finished the skirt in 1 day and then the top the next day. I'll definitely be using this pattern again and again. It's very versatile. Also great set of instructions.

M
Moira
Lovely top

This pattern goes together so well. And the tutorials in the sewalong are very helpful. I opted to eliminate the bust dart, shorten the sleeves, and use a bias facing at the neck, along with making a couple of minor fit adjustments. I love the result. I plan to make another top with the flutter sleeves, and at least one dress and skirt. I really like the 5/8” seam allowances, too — they’re essential for French and flat-felled seams.

G
Geraldine
Quick and easy make.

Good clear, easy to follow instructions. I made the square neck version blouse and topstitched the facing in place. Anita at Megan Neilson emailed me with help to change the sleeve design. I made a puff sleeve with a deep cuff to finish just above the elbow. I won't be making the dress version as baggy clothes are not my style.

K
Katrina
Protea blouse

I made the square neckline blouse and I love it! I didn't have to make any extra fit adjustments and it's a very fun and easy to sew. I was so surprised this square neckline was so easy to fit. I'm currently deciding on fabric to make both dress versions!

J
Jood
Prota Capsule Pattern

I have the pattern and have read all the instructions, but have not yet decided on a size or traced the pattern off. Maybe will get something done before Christmas.

B
Bay
So many options in one pattern

Love the options here, with the sew along ideas and videos to inspire, you have almost unlimited outfit ideas. As always, Megan’s instructions are flawless.

C
Chris
Protea is a great pattern

Protea pattern has great options for creating various garments. Looking forward to creating a variety of items with it. Chris Swadling

K
Karenza
Promising future project

I loved Protea from my first look at the line drawings. I won’t be able to make it for some time due to illness.

S
SC
Protea Capsule

Such a lovely pattern with so many options. Looking forward to making them all!

B
Brigitte
Love this pattern

I love this pattern. It's so versatile, with so many options. I have made one top and looking forward to making more pieces. Instructions are clear and easy to follow, even grading the pattern to get a good fit was easy.

G
Gretchen
Protea Capsule Wardrobe

I haven’t made it up yet as I only received it 2 days ago however I love all of Megan Nielsen’s patterns! They are well set out and explained, come in great packaging all ready for you to start sewing and the designs are practical and classy.

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Jane
Great pattern!

The pattern is too narrow in the shoulders for my wide-shouldered daughter. I’ve not read the blog and will be adding to the shoulder width for the next time I make this top. I also adjust the bust darts - again, very helpful blog post about how to do that. The top looks very nice, can’t wait to make it again with additional modifications for a more comfortable fit.

C
C.T.
Love the look of the Pattern

I'm ordering this pattern. I've been viewing the closeups. I'm excited to make myself an outfit. I'll be ordering rayone for this project. I've been checking out the rayon fabrics.

W
Wan
Veronika skirt

Made it to a satin long skirt and my daughter loves it! Beautiful pattern!

J
Justine
Flexible and lovely

I love the flexibility of this pattern. Multiple choices and all of them very lovely. I will start by making the dress version with flutter sleeves. I think I will use this pattern a lot for lovely summer outfits. Thanks Meg

Why Megan Nielsen

Drafted for real bodies & real life

Thoughtful size range

Standard 0–20, Curve 14–34, plus a true separately-drafted Curve block.

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Industry-standard drafting, uncompromising on quality and fit.

Tested, then tested again

Fit-tested across bodies and perfected before it ever reaches you.

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Protea Capsule Wardrobe Pattern
$28.00 AUD