Some garments just hit the sweet spot between comfort and versatility—and for me, the Style Arc Richie Knit Tunic Dress is one of them. If you’re looking for a plus size tunic dress pattern that is easy to sew, works with stretch fabrics and feels like wearing your favourite tee (but longer!), this one’s worth a look. Here’s my honest review of the Richie Tunic, made in a beautiful blue and white striped fabric, and why it’s earned a permanent spot in my weekend wardrobe.
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Why I chose the Richie Knit Tunic Dress
I’ll be honest (as always), the Richie Knit Tunic Dress wasn’t originally on my radar but sometimes the sewing universe has a way of guiding you. I had previously bought a length of blue and white striped fabric with a comfy pair of pants in mind, but as soon as I saw a sketch of the Richie Tunic sewn up in striped knit fabric on the Style Arc website, something clicked. I immediately thought: “That pattern is perfect for my fabric.” It just looked so fresh, simple, and wearable and I could immediately imagine it in my wardrobe. I changed my mind (every woman’s prerogative) and cut out the Richie instead of pants. I have no regrets!
Working with stripes
Let’s talk about the fabric. I used a medium-weight cotton spandex fabric with just enough stretch to be comfy but still hold its shape. It was ideal for this tunic which has banded short sleeves and a high-low hem. The trickiest part? Cutting it out! Matching stripes on a stretchy fabric takes patience and a good eye. I spent quite a bit of time getting the fabric ready to cut, smoothing it out and ensuring the stripes aligned perfectly at the selvedges.
Once I had it all laid out properly, I used clips to keep the striped knit fabric from shifting. I was determined to get those stripes to match across the seams and neckline, and I’m happy to report it all lined up in the end—including at the V-neck!
Fit for plus size
I made the tunic in a size 24, going up slightly from the size chart recommendation for my measurements to achieve a relaxed, oversized look that fits my body but isn’t too snug. There’s nothing restrictive about this plus size tunic dress. It skims over the body in a really flattering way and has just enough shape.
I didn’t need to make any adjustments, which is always a win.
It’s become my weekend go to. The cotton spandex fabric is thicker than a standard t-shirt knit, so it’s surprisingly warm, but still breathable. Over summer, I wore it with 3/4-length white leggings, and now that the weather’s cooling, I’ve been layering it with a long-sleeved top underneath and pairing it with jeans. It’s just that kind of garment—low effort, maximum comfort.
The V neckline (aka the stripe matching victory!)
If there was one tricky part of this garment, it was definitely the neckline. I had to unpick and resew it a couple of times to get the striped fabric to align properly and look good but that’s sewing, right? Sometimes you need to backtrack to get the result you want.
I appreciated the diagram on the instructions which helped me visualise how to attach the neckline correctly. Then it was a case of wiggling the stripes to go where I wanted them. That’s one of joys of stretch fabric. When it came together—when those stripes lined up perfectly for the entire V—it was incredibly satisfying and absolutely worth the effort.
White the V at the bottom isn’t absolutely perfect, it is close enough for me. I was worried too much unpicking and redoing might damage the fabric so I satisficed.
Satisficed: A cross between sufficing and being satisfied. A very useful term in sewing!
The pocket
The pattern has a pocket placed on the top left, just below the V neckline. Somehow mine ended up on the right hand side. I guess I was so focussed on matching up the stripes, I didn’t pay enough attention to the pocket instructions.
In retrospect, I should have sewn the top edge of the pocket down before attaching the pocket to the front. Stretch knit fabric has a tendency to curl and sewing it down would have prevented this. It doesn’t bother me much. In fact, I’ve been tempted to remove the pocket. I’m not going to though as I don’t want to damage the fabric in the process and ruin what has become one of my favourite garments.
A funny story
I sent one of my best friends a photo of me wearing the Richie Tunic Dress after I finished it. She said: “I dare you to put something in that pocket and walk around in public, preferably a hand.”
Her point was the pocket serves no practical purpose. It is just a style addition.
With the striped fabric or any pattern-matched design/print, the pocket is hardly noticeable and the garment would look perfectly fine without it. A plain-coloured fabric could benefit from the pocket (especially if it is a contrast colour or print). It does draw the eye to the chest though so if you are self conscious about your bust, it might be best to leave off the pocket.
Pattern Instructions and Sewing Experience
I’ve read mixed reviews about Style Arc pattern instructions, with some sewists finding them a bit limited, especially for beginners. I didn’t have any problems following the instructions for the Richie Tunic Dress.
I used my Babylock Victory overlocker for nearly the whole project (except the neckline which I did on my Janome Skyline S 7 using a walking foot) until I was happy with how it looked, then I overlocked to tidy the edges. Overlocking made it a quick sew and gave a neat finish. If you’ve sewn a few knit garments before, you’ll likely be fine making this pattern.
Wearing it with confidence
Now, a quick note about stripes. I know not everyone feels comfortable wearing them, especially horizontal stripes and especially for plus sizes. I used to hesitate too but I’m wearing this plus size tunic dress because I love it. It’s comfy and it fits well and I feel good in it and that’s what matters most.
Final Verdict
The Style Arc Richie Tunic Dress is a winner in my book. If you’re looking for a pattern to use with cotton spandex fabric, striped or not, this is a great option. It is comfy and easy to wear. It is a no frills, no fuss, straight up sew that, for me, worked straight out of the envelope (or PDF folder) which is kind of rate for plus size sewing.
Would I sew it again? Absolutely. I’ve got enough of the striped knit fabric left to make a second version or I might make two – stripes front and plain blue on the back as suggested by a good friend of mine or the other way around and I’m already looking forward to it.
If you’re after a no-fuss, pull-it-on-and-go tunic that works for a plus size frame, the Richie Tunic Dress might be just what you’re after.
Let me know in a comment if you’ve made one before, if you plan to make one or if you’re currently making one. If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them.