We love our tester rounds, it’s one of our favourite parts of the patterns we create! It’s not an exaggeration when we tell you, that this round…the Mini Darling Ranges Tester Round, has been one of our favourites of all time.
The photos of these darling girls in their Mini Darling Ranges dresses will put a huge smile on your face, so be sure to take a look at these beautiful kiddos for a good dose of joy! Thank you so much to our incredible testers, you’re all amazing!


Who
Kristen, you can find her on Instagram @unsewcial.
Made
View B // Short sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
I love the v neckline of the pattern and love that it has inseam pockets – everything is better with pockets!
Who
Miffy, you can find her on Instagram @seemiffsew.
Made
View B & View C // Short sleeve dress & sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
It can be made up and embellished to be as casual or dressy as you want and is very customisable. I appreciated the tips for customisation and long hem that can be let down with growth.
Do you have any future versions planned?
I would love to make View A and more versions in double gauze, gingham and tencel.
Who
Nique, you can find her on Instagram @nique_et
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
How versatile it is. How much the little loves it. It’s a fight to get the little–who prefers to be naked– to let me take it off!
Do you have any future versions planned?
Yes, plan on making three more (one of each version). I’d also like to do one with those really narrow rectangular sleeves. (I clearly have no idea what they are technically called).


Who
Lisa, you can find her on Instagram @lisa._.making
Made
View A // Long sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
A solid and versatile building block for a girls’ wardrobe, well-fitting and ripe for a variety of modifications.
Did you make any changes to your tester make?
I substituted large patch pockets for the inseam ones included in the pattern in order to play with the stripes in the fabric I chose.
Who
Alex, you can find her on Instagram @giddyants
Made
View A // Long sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
The simple but classic design. Freya has become quite fussy and particular about the dresses I make but she really liked this one. She will instantly tell me not to make something but she really wanted this dress. She picked out the fabric and loves her new dress. I think this pattern will be popular with us for many years to come.
Who
Deborah, you can find her on Instagram @deb_onaire
Made
View B // Short sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern??
I love the pockets, and so does my daughter! They’re roomy and can fit little things she likes to bring around with her.
Who
Georgina
Made
View B // Short sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern??
The item looks great on and has lots of potential for hacks. I enjoyed making it soooo much!
Who
Nicole, you can find her on Instagram @pokeycan
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
Sleeve options, pockets, the ability to print just the size(s) you need.
Who
Sara, you can find her on Instagram @lille_landsby_liv
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
Everything! I’m going to make all of them!


Who
Chloe, you can find her on Instagram @no.idle.hands.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
I love this pattern so much! I have done a lot of shirt dresses but this one stands out with its simple style, construction and ease of fitting. The sleeve variations and back tie detail make it so versatile. I know I will be making one (or several!) of each size as my girls grow up!
Do you have any future versions planned?
I have a twinning Misses version for myself in progress. Then another for my 3-year-old. I’m also thinking flannel long-sleeved versions will be fab this fall!
Who
Amy, you can find her on Instagram @amystevens1983.
Made
View A // Long sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
I love how the neckline and placket were finished, it was a really neat result.
Who
Nastasia, you can find her on Instagram @poshpilar.
Made
View B & C // Short sleeve and sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
I love the sleeve options and front button style. The suggestions for variations are nice and there are so many ways this dress can be changed/adjusted.
Who
Ashley, you can find her on Instagram @littlebitco.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
The way the placket was constructed and neckline finished with a bias facing were my favourite. Not only did these steps turn out nice and clean but I felt a sense of satisfaction afterwards :)
Who
Brigette, you can find her on Instagram @britasews.
Made
View B // Short sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
I love that it’s such a grown-up style but perfect for little ones. It looks polished but is still comfortable to play in! My daughter loves the spacious pockets – perfect for rocks and LEGO people.
Who
Kelley, you can find her on Instagram @stitchedtopray.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What is your favourite thing about the pattern?
The fit and style of the dress it’s the perfect summer dress.
Who
Deb, you can find her on Instagram @deborahmanser
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress made into a maxi
What is your favourite thing about the pattern?
How straightforward it was and the different sleeve options.
Who
Kiran, you can find her on Instagram @sew_kiran_sew.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
Do you have any other variations planned?
Yes, certainly. I have one in denim planned. I wanted to sew up tencel denim for the test but my daughter chose the double gauze instead.
Who
Krystle, you can find her on Instagram @proverbs31_momma or on her blog.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
The dress is so timeless and can be dressed up or down. It is a bit more loose-fitting, so my daughter, who usually likes knit dresses, grabs this one to wear because it’s comfy.
Who
Lala, you can find her on Instagram @lalanegrita.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
I love the relaxed fit and the buttonhole placket, it’s a perfect way to start using up my vintage button collection. Also the 3 types of sleeves I can use so the dress will look different each time.
Who
Angela
Made
View A // Long sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
The fit through the bodice was perfect, it is loose through the waist but can be tightened with the back ties. It was really quick to make too.
Who
Heidi, you can find her on Instagram @heidi_handmade_frenzy.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
All of the design details. :) So super love it!
Who
Katrina, you can find her on Instagram @create_something_pretty.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
The construction was super easy and I like the relaxed fit. I was expecting the Mini Darling Ranges to be a little challenging and time consuming to make but I was so surprised how easy it was.
Who
Britta, you can find her on Instagram @laundrypatterns.
Made
View B // Short sleeve dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
Super cute and very easy and quick to sew.

Who
Cerrine
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
Super cute, simple girly pattern.
Who
Naomi, you can find her on Instagram @sew.what.naomi.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
I love patterns that extend my skills. This one definitely did. I also learnt how to use my machine for sewing on buttons. I really enjoyed the experience
Who
Aimee, you can find her on Instagram @cut_baste_sew.
Made
View C // Sleeveless dress
What was your favourite thing about the pattern?
The pockets!
// LOOKING FOR MORE MINI DARLING RANGES POSTS? //
If you need some extra help sewing, all of the Darling Ranges pattern tutorials (excluding bust darts) will apply to this pattern as well!
- Pattern alterations: lengthen the bodice
- Pattern alterations: raise the neckline
- Pattern alterations: rounded neckline
- Pattern alterations: fishtail hem
- Sewing & construction: Bodice
- Sewing & construction: Skirt & pockets
- Sewing & construction: Attaching the skirt & bodice
- Sewing & construction: Placket & Neckline
- Sewing & construction: Sleeveless version
- Sewing & construction: Attaching the sleeves
- Sewing & construction: Hemming
- Sewing & construction: Ties & beltloops
- Sewing & construction: Closures
// SHOW US YOUR CREATIONS! //
What about you?! We’d love to see what you’re creating from the new Mini Darling Ranges dress pattern! Don’t forget to tag your creations #MNminidarlingranges and @megannielsenpatterns to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!
Don’t have the pattern yet? Order Mini Darling Ranges today!