

The perfect start to summer begins with easy breezy summer dresses and I couldn’t be more obsessed with Mood Fabrics’ Kiri Dress. This free sewing pattern is at the top of my list for achieving style and comfort. Flowing and full of volume, this shirt dress pays homage to the popular 90’s baby doll trend and is popping up everywhere. Take a look at how I added a little extra flair with ruffles and a half-button placket. Cotton shirting, linen, or cotton voile are a few fabric options that would work nicely!


Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 3.5 yards Ravello White Mercerized Organic Egyptian Cotton
- 5 pc Italian White Plastic 4-Hole Buttons 16L
- MDF240 – The Kiri Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
Alternative Recommended Fabrics:
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.

Pattern Alterations:
- Added ¾” to center front bodice pattern and cut 1 of fabric on the fold.
- Shortened the sleeve to 10” and drafted a pattern for a 1” cuff.
- Lengthened the center back bodice by 3 ½” and blended to the side seam creating a shirttail hem. ½” was then added to the hem.
- Self-drafted a mandarin collar.
- Added a half-button placket.
- Added two layers of ruffles to the front.
Creating the Ruffles:
Each ruffle was drafted from the front bodice. The top ruffle begins 10” down from CF neck and measures 11” in width. The bottom ruffle begins where the top ruffle ends and measures 10.5” in width. Make sure to keep the shape of the side seam when drafting your pattern. The bottom ruffle should also follow the original hemline.
An additional 6.5” was added to the length of the top ruffle pattern at CF and an additional 7.5” was added to the length of the bottom ruffle. Cut 1 of each ruffle on the fold, and use a double-basting stitch to gather the top edge. Pin each in place across the CF and sew.
See layout below:


If you love a good pattern hack, let us know in the comments below. We can’t wait to see how you make your version of the Kiri dress redux!
Love it! Looks just like classic Balenciaga.
Trying to make this a maturnity top/dress for my daughter. What fabric do you suggest for the bodice so that it has stretch but holds form for as she gets further in her pregnancy? I want the ruffles and back/top of dress to be cotton shirting or linen.
Thanks
HL (long time (ago) seamstress)
Hi Heather, we’re sorry for the delay in responding to your question! We get dozens of comments and questions each day, and so many questions get buried and, unfortunately, unanswered. Although this is late, we wanted to respond in case anyone else has the same question: we have a guide of working for maternity-friendly guide here that has great recommendations for dresses and tops. Some great fabrics mentioned in this post include velour and bamboo jersey