A flared dress, just below the knee, with small neat shoulder and shallow rounded neckline. With the option of a button through back or a simple slip over the head. The trapeze is so easy to make and so easy to wear. Make it for the winter in Harris tweed teamed with a chunky brogue, in a bold block print or a washed linen for the summer. It is endlessly versatile.

You have the option of making this ¾ sleeved, sleeveless and short sleeved, all with a button back opening.

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

Suggested fabrics: Woven dress weight fabrics from linen, denim and woollens to printed cottons.

You will also need:

• Matching thread

• 35½" (90 cm) interfacing

• 10 × ¾" (20-23 mm) buttons (you will only need 6 for the the top)

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.