Esra tie waist midi dress is a simple, beginner friendly project. It features front V neck, a loose A line cut and self tie straps. You can tie the straps to the front or back of the dress.
Let’s have a look at the details:
As usual, my pattern is made in 10 sizes from XXS to 5XL so you may find a suitable size for yourself. If you are not sure which size suits you, take a look at the measurement table before doing anything here: SIZE GUIDE.
The pattern is made using layered PDF, please check for your desired size before printing so you won’t waste your paper. I have included a first page with many details about sizing and printing, so please first read the first page and make sure you know what size you need! If you still do not know how to print a layered PDF, please check for the printing instruction in this post: PRINTING GUIDE.
My patterns are now made in both A4/Letter paper and A0 paper format so you can print at home or at any print shop! I also included a projector file for those who are more tech savvy and have a projector at home!
For home printers, you can print this using your home printer and either A4 or Letter paper. I calculated the printing area so that you will be able to use either type of paper to print the pattern out perfectly. Always print the first page first and check with the test square if you are printing at the right scale before you print out the whole pattern – avoid waste of ink and waste of paper, save the earth!
Some PC may print smaller than actual size even when you choose 100% scale – I don’t know why this problem exist, but my HP laptop cannot print true to size. I have to scale up to 103% to get the right size. You may need to check with your PC to see if it prints true to size, if not, scale up a bit. I was informed by a reader that you can also print the pdf as image to get the right scale, however I never tested it on my computer.
SEWING INSTRUCTION
You will need:
- Fabric of your choice. This pattern is intended for WOVEN fabric.
- Some lightweight fusible interfacing
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
The amount of fabric needed will vary depending on the width of the fabric of choice. To be precise, you may need to check how much fabric you need before buying. It will depend on the selected pattern size, the width, and design of the fabric you plan to use. Just to be sure, print all the paper patterns and lay them out at the width of fabric you plan to use (usually from 90 to 150 centimeters or 35 to 60 inches). Measure how much fabric you will need. Don’t forget to account for pieces that need to be cut multiple times and pieces that are cut on the fold.
CUTTING INSTRUCTION
The pattern pieces are as follows:
All my patterns already include 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. Just cut the pattern pieces as is and use a 1cm seam allowance when you sew.
The fabric will be cut into following pieces:
– Front Dress: cut 2 mirrored pieces
– Back Dress: cut 2 mirrored pieces
– Tie Strap: cut 2 mirrored pieces
– Front Neck Facing: cut 1 piece main fabric + 1 piece fusible interfacing
– Back Neck Facing: cut 1 piece main fabric + 1 piece fusible interfacing
– Inseam Pocket: cut 4 pieces into 2 mirrored pairs
– Armhole Bias Facing: cut 2 pieces from bias (you will need to trim off excess length when you sew if needed)
Place the pattern pieces on the fabric, pin the pattern pieces to the fabric to secure them in place. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut out the fabric pieces along the outer lines of the pattern. Take your time to ensure precise and clean cuts, as this will affect the fit and overall appearance of your garment.
Make sure to mark all notches and other design features such as darts, pleats, draw marks etc. from the pattern pieces onto your fabric. When sewing the garment, pay attention to notches, they must match up.
SEWING INSTRUCTION
1. Serge/zig zag stitch the edges of fabric to prevent unexpected unravelling.
2. Apply fusible interfacing to the neckline facing pieces.
3. Sew the inseam pocket pieces
– Line up the pocket piece with the side seam of the Front piece, right sides together, the top of the pocket piece matches the lower notch on the side seam of the garment.
– Stitch the pocket piece to the garment along the side seam. Understitch seam allowance to the pocket piece.
– Repeat with the other pocket pieces.
4. Sew the tie straps
– Use narrow rolled hem to finish the two long edges and one shorter edge of the tie strap pieces. Video tutorial on narrow rolled hem: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/12/25/how-to-sew-narrow-rolled-hem/
– Gather the remaining edge of the tie strap until it becomes 12cm (5″).
– Pin the tie strap to the Front Dress, right sides facing. The edge of the tie strap matches the higher notch on the side seam of the Front Dress. Baste it to the side seam.
5. Sew the main garment
– Place two Front Dress pieces right sides together, matching center front seam and stitch. Press seam open.
– Place two Back Dress pieces right sides together, matching center back seam and stitch. Press seam open.
– Place Front and Back piece right sides facing. Carefully match the shoulder seam, pocket edge and side seams. Make sure the tie straps are sandwiched in between two layers. Pin to secure.
– Sew the shoulder seam and side seams. When you sew the side seams, pivot fabric at the turning point and sew along the pocket edge, pivot fabric again at the end of pocket seam and continue down to hem.
6. Sew the neckline facing
– Place Front Neck Facing and Back Neck Facing right sides together, matching shoulder seam and stitch. Press seam open.
– Place neckline facing and main garment right sides together, matching the neckline. The shoulder seam on two pieces must match, the notch on back neck facing matches the center back neck, and the V point on the front neckline of facing and main garment must also match.
– Stitch the neckline. Trim seam allowance down to 5mm (1/4”) and clip the corners and curves.
– Press and understitch seam allowance to neckline facing.
7. Finish armholes with bias facing
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2024/02/16/how-to-sew-bias-facing/
8. Finish the garment hem
Turn 2.5cm (1”) of the hem towards the wrong side of the fabric. Press the folded hem in place with an iron to create a crisp edge.
Choose your desired finishing method:
• Topstitch: Sew a straight stitch along the folded edge of the hem, securing it in place.
• Slip Stitch: Use a hand sewing needle and matching thread to invisibly stitch the folded hem to the main fabric.
Below are the download links:
ESRA TIE WAIST MIDI DRESS (A0 PAPER)
ESRA TIE WAIST MIDI DRESS (A4/US LETTER PAPER)
ESRA TIE WAIST MIDI DRESS (PROJECTOR FILE)
To download just click on the link above and choose “Save link as”. The PDF file will be downloaded to your device. An advertisement may pop up, just close it and continue with your download. In case some ads attempt to make you enter your personal info, just ignore and close it. I do NOT require any kind of information to download my pattern files.
Happy sewing! And don’t forget to share your project on my Facebook page: Tiana’s Closet Sewing Patterns or tag me on Instagram #tianasclosetsewingpatterns, I will be thrilled to see the garment in real life!
