The Mendocino A-Line Dress Free Sewing Pattern

Step into the whimsical sophistication of the Mendocino A-Line Dress free sewing pattern—a breezy silhouette that brings playful detail and romantic structure together in perfect harmony. From the elegant stand-up collar to the mini pom pom-trimmed sleeves, the Mendocino A-Line Dress is made to turn heads and capture hearts!

Designed for sewists who love subtle drama and colorful trims, the Mendocino A-Line Dress is both a joy to make and a dream to wear. The sewing pattern features a relaxed A-line shape that gently floats over the body, while the standout double-sleeve design is brought to life with dainty pom pom details. The gathered neckline is finished with a delicate front placket opening and a ruffled stand-up collar. 

Created from a lightweight double cotton gauze, this dress is as wearable as it is eye-catching. Its soft volume and thoughtful details make it a canvas for creativity—style it in linen for a sunny daytime look or choose a floaty rayon for a sumptuous drape. Whether finished with a delicate floral print or a solid pastel tone, this dress elevates everyday wear.

Ready to stitch your new favorite wardrobe piece? Download the Mendocino A-Line Dress free sewing pattern and follow our step-by-step sewing tutorial to bring this charming design to life. Don’t forget to browse our curated selection of double cotton gauze fabric, pom pom trims, and sewing notions to make it truly your own. With the Mendocino A-Line Dress, every detail speaks to effortless creativity and timeless style!

Essential Materials & Sizing Guide for the Mendocino A-Line Dress

Here is the breakdown of what knowledge and materials you need for creating your very own A-line dress! We’ve got you covered with the recommended materials we used—if you want to follow along exactly—as well as a curated list of alternative fabric recommendations if you want to customize your own version. The Mendocino A-Line Dress free sewing pattern download includes technical drawings for seam and silhouette visibility, plus a size chart to help you find your perfect fit!

Purchase Products Used Below:

Quantities indicated are for sewing a size small. Toggle the ‘SHOP THIS LOOK’ box to find quantities for other sizes.

• 3.5 yards of Double Cotton Gauze – Beige – Talamanca Collection
• 2.5 yards of European Deep Orange Single Row Mini Pom Pom Trim
• 2 yards of European Fuchsia Single Row Mini Pom Pom Trim
• 1 each of Schmetz Universal Machine Needles – 70/10 – 5 ct
• 1 spool of Gutermann Sew All Thread 250m – 505 Cashmere
• MDF439 – Mendocino A-line Dress Sewing Pattern (Free download below!)

Alternative Fabric Recommendations:

The Mendocino A-Line Dress free sewing pattern is best suited for lightweight fashion fabrics. If you want to explore other fabric types for sewing the Mendocino A-Line Dress check out the links below.

• Rayon
• Linen
• Polyester Crepe
• Cotton Polyester Blend

Download Your Free Sewing Pattern

Submit your name and email in the form below to receive the Mendocino A-Line Dress free sewing pattern directly in your inbox. Mood Sewciety Patterns will send your free download via email with the subject line: ‘Your Free Download from Mood Sewciety’ (in PDF format for A4 and letter-size printing).

Find Your Perfect Fit

The size guide below is based on the suggested design & wearing ease for this style. You can choose the size according to your desired finished garment measurements, blending between sizes as needed. Measure the printed patterns to make sure the dimensions are according to the desired fitting and adjust—if needed—before cutting the fabric. For best results, sew a test garment in a similar fabric to adjust your pattern.

Note: Measurements may vary after adjustments. If using non-stretch fabrics, reference the approximate finished garment measurements chart to choose your size.

8 Tips for Sewing with Double Cotton Gauze

[Tip #1] Prewash & Press Before Cutting:
Double gauze shrinks significantly. Prewash and tumble dry before cutting, then gently press to flatten out the crinkled texture for more accurate pattern placement.

[Tip #2] Cut in Single Layer:
Because the fabric can shift and distort, avoid folding. Lay your pattern flat on a single layer and cut carefully—use pattern weights and a rotary Cutter for best results.

[Tip #3] Universal or Ballpoint Needle:
Double gauze has a soft, loose weave. A size 70/10 or 80/12 universal or ballpoint needle will prevent snagging and help the needle pass between fibers instead of piercing them.

[Tip #4] Low Tension & Medium Stitch Length:
Reduce thread tension slightly and use a 2.5–3.0 mm stitch length. This allows the fabric to breathe and prevents seams from looking tight or puckered.

[Tip #5] Walking Foot:
The loosely woven layers can shift while sewing. A walking foot helps feed the fabric evenly, preventing stretching, puckering, or misaligned seams.

[Tip #6] Staystitch Curved Edges:
Double gauze tends to stretch out of shape, especially along curves like necklines and armholes. Staystitch these areas right after cutting to maintain their shape.

[Tip #7] Press Gently:
Double cotton gauze can flatten permanently under high heat. Use a warm iron with steam and press lightly—never drag the iron. Use a press cloth when necessary.

[Tip #8] Finish Seams to Prevent Fraying:
Double cotton gauze can fray easily. Finish seams with French seams, serging, or binding to keep the inside of your garment clean and durable.

CUTTING LAYOUT

How To Sew the Mendocino A-Line Dress

Sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance for all seams unless otherwise specified.

Step 1 

FRONT PLACKETS

Attach the front plackets to both sides of the front opening.

• Stabilize the front opening by applying a strip of interfacing
• Apply interfacing to each placket.
• Press the seam allowance on both sides of the placket.
• Press the placket at the fold line.
• Cut the bottom of the front opening diagonally forming a triangular flap.
• Sew one side of the placket to the outside of the front.
• Repeat this step for the other side of the opening.

Step 2

FINISH PLACKETS

Complete sewing the other side of the plackets to the front opening.

• Flip the placket over to the inside.
• Pin the other side of the placket with the seam allowance folded in.
• Stitch in the ditch over the first seam on the outside.
• Repeat this step for the other placket.
• Bring the bottom of the plackets through the opening to the wrong side.
• On the wrong side, sew the bottom ends & the triangle flap together.

Step 3

SLEEVE HEM & POM POM TRIM

Finish the bottom edges of the sleeves.

• Sew an overlock stitch across the bottom of each sleeve.
• Hem the upper sleeves & the lower sleeves with a 1/2″ regular hem.
• Sew the miniature pom pom trim along the back edge of every sleeve.

Step 4

JOIN SLEEVE LAYERS

Attach the upper sleeve to the lower sleeve along the top.

• Place the upper sleeve over the lower sleeve.
• Align the shoulder notches together.
• Sew both sleeves with a 1/4″  basting stitch across the upper edge.
• Repeat this step for the other set of sleeves.

Step 5

ATTACH SLEEVES

Join the sleeves to the front & back armholes.

• Align the shoulder notches to the neckline of the dress.
• Pin each notch to the corresponding front & back piece.
• Sew from the shoulder notch to the bottom of the armhole.

Step 6

SIDE SEAMS

Sew the front & back of the dress together at the side seams.

Step 7

ARMHOLE PANELS

• Hem the upper edge of the armhole panel.
• Overlock the edges around the bottom & the sides.
• Sew the panel around the bottom of the armhole.
• Repeat this step for the panel on the other side.

Step 8

COLLAR & RUFFLE

Create the ruffled collar.

• Apply interfacing to one of the collar pieces.
• Sew 1/4″ hem at the top edge of the ruffle piece.
• Sew a basting stitch & gather the bottom of the ruffle.
• Baste the ruffle onto the upper edge of the collar piece.
• Right sides together, pin the other collar piece with the ruffle in between.
• Sew the collar pieces together across the top & around the sides.

Step 9

ATTACH COLLAR

Join one side of the collar to the neckline.

• Sew a basting stitch to gather the neckline all around.
• Sew one side of the collar to the outside of the neckline.

Step 10

FINISH COLLAR

Sew the other side of the collar to enclose the raw edges of the neckline.

• Pin the other side of the placket with the seam allowance folded in.
• Stitch in the ditch from the seam on the outside.

Step 11

BOTTOM HEM

Finish the hem at the bottom of the dress.

• Sew an overlock stitch along the bottom edge.
• Sew a 1/2″ regular hem all around.

The Completed Mendocino A-Line Dress Free Sewing Pattern by Mood Fabrics

We can’t wait to see your version of the Mendocino A-Line Dress! Whether you choose rayon, linen, or polyester crepe, this pattern is the perfect canvas for your creativity and sewing skills.

Share this post with a friend (or two!), download the Mendocino A-Line Dress free sewing pattern, and show us which fabrics and colors you choose, using the hashtags #MoodMendocinoPattern & #MadeWithMood.