Introducing my newest sewing pattern – the Bonilla Ruffle Tier Dress.
This romantic, breezy dress features dramatic ruffle tiers, a flattering square neckline, and wide shoulder straps for both style and support. Its loose, flowy silhouette keeps you cool and comfortable on long, sunny days, while the tiered design adds a playful, feminine flair.
Sew it in a lightweight, airy fabric for your next summer escape. Pair it with a wide-brimmed hat, espadrilles, and bold jewelry for a relaxed vacation look, or switch it up with cowboy boots and a denim jacket for a chic, city-girl vibe. The styling possibilities are endless.
Perfect for sewists of all levels – from confident beginners to seasoned makers – this quick and satisfying project deserves a spot in every summer wardrobe.
Let’s have a look at the design:
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 Projector files, A4/Letter paper and A0 paper formats so you can use a projector, print at home or at any print shop!
For home printers, you can print this using 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
TOOLS AND MATERIAL
- Fabric of your choice. This pattern is intended for WOVEN fabric.
- Lining fabric
- Some 0.5 or 1cm (1/4 or 3/8”) wide elastic for neckline, which ever you have ready, as it will be hidden under the seam
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
FABRIC REQUIREMENTS
PATTERN PIECES
The pattern pieces are as follows:
- Front Bodice: cut 1 piece on the fold
- Back Bodice: cut 1 piece on the fold
- Upper Skirt: cut 2 pieces on the fold
- Lower Skirt: cut 2 pieces on the fold
- Upper Ruffle: cut 2 pieces on the fold
- Lower Ruffle: cut 2 pieces on the fold
- Shoulder Strap: cut 2 pieces
- Front Lining: cut 1 piece on the fold
- Back Lining: cut 1 piece on the fold
- Elastic: 2 pieces
SEAM ALLOWANCE
– All seams: 1.5cm (5/8”)
– Seam allowance has been included in the pattern pieces. Cut pattern as is and use the above-mentioned seam allowance when constructing the garment.
CUTTING INSTRUCTION
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. Gather the Upper Ruffle to match the top edge of the Upper Skirt
Video tutorial: https://tianascloset.com/index.php/2023/08/31/how-to-gather-fabric/
2. Gather the Lower Ruffle to match the top edge of the Lower Skirt
3. Sew the side seams
– Place Front Bodice and Back Bodice right sides together, matching the side seams and stitch to get the Dress Bodice.
– Continue to sew the side seams of the Upper Skirt, Upper Ruffle, Lower Skirt and Lower Tier.
– Neaten seam allowances and press open.
4. Sew the dress tiers
– Turn the Lower Skirt and Lower Ruffle to the right side. Slip the Lower Skirt inside the Lower Ruffle, matching the top edge of the Upper Skirt with the gathered edge of the Upper Ruffle. Baste the top edge. You will have the Lower Tier with the ruffle on top of the lower skirt.
– Place the Upper Skirt and the Lower Tier right sides together, matching the top edge of the Lower Tier with the bottom edge of the Upper Skirt. Stitch to attach. Neaten seam allowances together and press toward the Upper Skirt.
– Continue to baste the Upper Ruffle to the top edge of the Upper Skirt.
– Match the bottom edge of the Dress Bodice to the top edge of the Upper Skirt right sides together and stitch. Neaten seam allowances together and press toward the bodice.
5. Sew the Shoulder Straps
– Fold the Shoulder Straps lengthwise, right sides facing and stitch.
– Turn the strap to the right side and press.
– Place the shoulder strap on the right side of the front garment, in between the notch on the neckline and the armhole corner. The outside edge of the shoulder strap with be about 1.5cm (5/8”) away from the corner of the neckline and the armhole. Baste the shoulder straps to the main garment.
– Match the other end of the shoulder straps to the back garment, make sure they are not twisted. Baste.
6. Sew the dress lining
– Place Front Lining and Back Lining right sides together, matching the side seams and stitch. Neaten seam allowances and press open.
– Place the dress lining and main garment right sides together, matching the neckline and armhole. Make sure the shoulder straps are sandwiched in between two layers but do not get in the way when you stitch.
– Stitch the neckline and armhole seam in one continuous step, pivot fabric at the corners. Make sure you do not accidentally stitch on the shoulder straps.
– Clip corners and understitch seam allowances to the dress lining.
– Place one elastic piece on the seam allowance of the neckline, in between two notches. Stretch the elastic and stitch it to the seam allowance. This will create an elasticated gather at the front neckline.
– Repeat to attach the elastic to the back neckline.
7. Finish hem
Fold the hem of ruffles and dress up twice, each time 0.7cm (a little bit more than ¼”), press and topstitch.
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!
