The Juniper dress is the epitome of timeless elegance with a modern twist. This classic design features long line princess seams that effortlessly makes you look more slender, while the gathered ruffle hem adds a playful mermaid-inspired silhouette. The boat neckline offers a modest touch at the front, balanced beautifully by a low-cut back that exudes an edgy, yet sensual charm. Crafted from luxurious fabrics like jacquard or brocade, the Juniper dress will have you turning heads at any party or event. Perfect for those special occasions, this sewing pattern allows you to create a stunning statement piece that radiates sophistication and allure.
Tiana’s Closet patterns are 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.
- Lightweight lining fabric
- Invisible zipper
- (Optional) 2cm (3/4”) stay tape to stabilize neckline
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
Fabric requirement:
| Size | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | 3XL | 4XL | 5XL | |
| Main fabric (140cm/55″ fabric width) | cm | 190 | 190 | 190 | 190 | 220 | 220 | 220 | 290 | 290 | 290 |
| in | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 116 | 116 | 116 | |
| Lining fabric (140cm/55″ fabric width) | cm | 105 | 105 | 105 | 105 | 120 | 120 | 120 | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| in | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 80 | 80 | 80 | |
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
Pattern pieces
The fabric will be cut into following pieces:
– Center Front Dress: cut 1 piece from main fabric + 1 piece from lining (on the fold)
– Side Front Dress: cut 2 mirrored pieces from main fabric + 2 mirrored pieces from lining
– Center Back Dress: cut 2 mirrored pieces from main fabric + 2 mirrored pieces from lining
– Side Back Dress: cut 2 mirrored pieces from main fabric + 2 mirrored pieces from lining
– Ruffle: cut 2 pieces from main fabric (on the fold)
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. Sew the main garment
– Place Center Front and one Side Front right sides together, matching the princess seam and all notches along the seam. Pin and sew the princess seam. Trim seam allowances down to 0.5cm (1/4”) and press toward the side seam. Repeat with the other Side Front piece to get the front dress.
– Place one Center Back and one Side Back right sides together, matching the princess seam and stitch to get the back dress. Trim seam allowances down to 0.5cm (1/4”) and press toward the side seam.
– Place Front Dress and Back Dress right sides together, matching the shoulder seams and stitch. Press seam allowances open.
2. Sew the dress lining
– Repeat previous step with lining pieces to get the lining.
3. Sew the lining to the main garment
– Place the main garment and lining right sides together, matching the neckline. Match the shoulder seams on the main garment and lining.
– Stitch the neckline seam. Trim seam allowances down to 0.5cm (1/4”) and understitch to the lining.
– With right sides facing, match the armhole seams of the main garment and lining and stitch. Trim seam allowances down to 0.5cm and understitch to the lining. As the shoulder is narrow, you do not need to understitch all the way up to the shoulder, just try to get as close as possible.
– Turn the garment to the right side by pulling the back dress through the shoulders. Press.
– With right sides together, match up the side seams of the front and back dress, main garment facing main garment, lining facing lining. Make sure the armhole seams line up perfectly. Stitch the side seams of the dress. Press seam allowances open.
– Flip the lining to the inside of the garment and press again.
4. Attach invisible zipper to the back
Video tutorial on how to attach invisible zipper on a fully lined garment: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/12/06/how-to-sew-invisible-zipper-on-a-fully-lined-dress/
5. Sew the ruffle to the main garment
– Place two ruffle pieces right sides together and stitch the side seams. Press seam allowances open.
– Run two basting stitches along the top edge of the ruffle (the inner curve) 0.5 and 1.5cm (1/4” and 5/8”) from the edge. Separate upper thread and lower thread and pull lower threads to gather the ruffle to match the width of the bottom edge of the dress.
– Place the ruffle and main garment right sides together, matching the gathered edge of the ruffle with the bottom edge of the main garment. Match the side seams. Pin and stitch to attach the ruffle to the main garment.
6. Finish hem
Hem allowances of this design is 2cm (3/4”).
Video tutorial on how to finish a curved hem: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/12/14/how-to-sew-a-curved-hem/
Below are the download links:
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!
