Going Casual and Coastal With The New Aurora Tunic

~ A New Pattern Review

Edited : The Aurora Dress and Tunic is the Feature Friday pattern today 3/28/2025. Pattern is just $5- with an additional 10% off if you use the code MARYMAC10.

I have been looking at all the tester’s versions over the last week or so~ and it’s such a great classic pattern yet has an updated twist. Be sure to visit the Love Notions Facebook Group (or the pattern listing) to see all of the amazing versions.

I didn’t test the Aurora pattern~ but as a Love Notions Ambassador I did get a copy in advance. (A perk of being an Ambassador!). I couldn’t wait to sew one up!

If you follow my sewing journey here at Sew Mary Mac or on Facebook or Instagram, then you know that my style is very “Coastal grandma/preppy”. So, of course I had to make my Aurora Tunic fit my life style!

The Aurora is a classic yet modern dress or tunic. The Dress version is fitted at the waist, while the Tunic has more ease in the waist and hip areas. The Aurora is so versatile~ it can be dressier or more casual depending on your fabric choice. My favorite things about this pattern~ the fit, the pockets and the ruched sleeve!

The Details

• Designed for knit fabrics
• Flattering on all shapes and sizes! (Be sure to check out all the tester photos!)
• Center Back Seam for shaping (dress and tunic)
• Dress has back waistline darts for more shaping
• Modest V-neckline
• Unique hidden pockets
• Tunic or Dress length
• 3 Sleeve options: long, 3/4 with ruching or short sleeves.
• Level: Confident Beginner/Intermediate

Sizing and Fit

The Aurora is available in sizes XS-5X. A Full Bust pattern piece is included (like all new and updated LN patterns). Choose your size based upon your high bust measurement. If in-between sizes choose the smaller size.  If your full bust is more than 4″ larger than your high bust, use the included Full Bust Front pattern piece.

If you use the Full Bust front pattern pieces in Love Notions like I always do, it is very important to remember that with this particular pattern using the Full Bust piece does NOT automatically add an additional 2″ to the hip finished measurements. This is because the skirt front pattern piece is the same for the standard bust and the full bust.

All Love Notions patterns are drafted for the average 5’5″ woman. The Dress is meant to hit just above the knee. The Tunic is meant to hit below the full hip. Notice that there are 2 lengthen/shorten lines on the pattern pieces. The pattern pieces have length adjustment lines above the waist and below the waist. It’s important to remember that everyone is built differently. Some people need more or less length above the waist and others below the waist. It’s important to know your own body, and the more you sew for yourself, the more you will learn about what adjustments you need to make for your body.

If you are making the Dress version, I highly recommend making a wearable muslin. The Tunic version is a bit more forgiving as far as length adjustments. To get a great fit for the Aurora dress, it’s important to have the fitted waist hit your body in the correct spot.

My Sizing Alterations and Modifications

For both of my versions, I made an XL graded to a 2X hip. My high bust measurement is 40″ and my full bust is 45″, so I used the full bust pattern pieces. When grading out for the larger hip, it’s important to pay attention to which pattern pieces you are grading out. Not all of the pieces need to be graded. For the front, the bodice side front should be graded out just on the side seams. (You will need to extend the diagonal line). The tunic skirt front will also need to be graded out on just the side seam. The pattern tutorial has great illustrations to help you. On the back pattern piece, I graded out to the 2X beginning at the waistline notch.

I am only 5 feet tall, but I am NOT short-waisted. My lack of height is below my waist. I shortened my white tunic version just 1″ below the waist. That was the only adjustment (other than grading to a larger size at the hip) that I made.

My Beach Coverup

Although I love the look of the more fitted Aurora dresses made in Ponte knit that I have seen, I don’t really have the need for a dress like that in my wardrobe. I have an overflowing closet of me-mades, therefore I’ve been trying to be only sew things that I know I need and will get worn.

After I tried my white tunic version on, I absolutely fell in love with the pockets. That got me thinking~ how can I make this pattern work for my lifestyle? Then I realized, these pockets are just perfect for collecting seaglass on my morning beach walks! So, I went into my stash to look for something that would work. This cotton lycra French Terry from Raspberry Creek Fabrics worked so well for this pattern! I used the Tunic pattern pieces and simply lengthened the tunic back and tunic skirt front pattern pieces 6 inches. I was so happy with how this turned out~ I can guarantee you that you will see at least 2 more of these! (Yes, I live by the ocean and always need beach coverups!)

Fabrics and Notions

The Aurora Dress and Tunic is designed for knit fabrics only. Light to medium weight fabrics such as Ponte, jersey and interlock would all work nicely. Cotton French Terry works nicely as well. Double knits will also work. I would suggest avoiding any knit that is super drapey since that won’t give you the intended look of the pattern. After seeing all the tester versions, I think that Ponte knit is PERFECT for this pattern! If I needed a dress like that I would certainly make one in a Ponte knit.

A lighter weight knit is needed for the inset lining. I would also recommend using a lighter weight knit for the inset pockets as well.

I’ve been on a self-imposed fabric buying ban since the beginning of the new year. I had to clean out the big double closet in my sewing room (yay, I’m getting new flooring!) and I didn’t realize how much fabric I had just been stuffing in there. I also have about 15 large totes of fabric in my basement! I went searching through my basement fabrics and found this white double knit that has a “bubble” like texture and thought it would make the perfect beachy tunic. I like it even more than I thought I would. This was actually my wearable muslin!

Sew Mary Mac’s Tips for Sewing the Aurora

• Make a wearable muslin, especially if making the dress version.
• If you need a tiny bit more room at the waist, you can always reduce some of the shaping at the center back seam (for the tunic version).
• Don’t skip the pocket interfacing, your pockets will look slouchy and not so hidden.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of understitching! Be sure to press well before doing so. Understitching makes a big difference in how a finished garment looks.
• Cut your pockets out of a lighter weight fabric if you are using a heavier/bulkier fabric for your tunic/dress. I used the same fabric as my inset lining.

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Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

Mary Anne 🙂

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You can purchase the Aurora pattern HERE.

This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code MARYMAC10. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern.  My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working.

Fabric Resources

The white double knit was from my stash. It was purchased about 5 years ago for Joann Fabrics.

The Palm Leaves French Terry was purchased in the Fall from Raspberry Creek Fabrics. This particular print is no longer available retail, but it can be ordered through custom printing. You can find this fabric HERE.

Each season and holiday, RCF releases great prints. There is always something for everyone!