The Scout was inspired by 1920s women's scouting uniforms. Make as a neat shirt or dress with optional tie. The dress has in-seam pockets.

All seam allowances are 1.5 cm unless otherwise stated. Skill level: Intermediate.

Suggested fabrics: We recommend linen, lightweight denim, cotton chambray, poplin, linen/cotton blends. If you choose something with less drape the top will have a more sculptural look.

You will also need:

• Matching thread

• 6 x ½"-¾" (11-15 mm) buttons.

• ¾ yd (0.5 m) interfacing for shirt and dress

• 1 yd (0.8 m) interfacing for the tie (cut on the bias)

Merchant & Mills patterns are now printed within Europe, the pattern paper is 70gsm white (FSC-certified) and is made only 180km away from the printers. Instructions now come in booklet format rather than A3 sheets. The paper is PEFC/01-31-126certified.

Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field began Merchant & Mills in 2010 with the intention of bringing style and purpose to the overlooked world of sewing. Merchant & Mills continues to grow steadily, evolving and developing as experience and ideas demand. Carolyn and Roderick now travel the world in search of unique and beautiful fabrics, finding aesthetic and practical inspiration along the way. Merchant & Mills products are stocked in the world’s most respected outlets and the company has successfully collaborated with London’s V&A Museum and Alexander McQueen.