As much as I love to sew challenging intricate pieces, I can also appreciate a good basic pattern with satisfying results. Let’s just not confuse basic with boring. The Tiarella Dress has a classic sheath silhouette that has endless possibilities! Try using a crisp cotton sateen or ponte knit. For my dress, I used Mood Fabrics’ black and blue poly tweed which has a rich texture and sparkly sequins woven throughout. Finished with the perfect fringed trim, I’ve created one stunning Chanel-inspired look! Take this look to the next level by pairing it with a bright colorful blazer. Perfect for a day at the office then cocktails after work. What ideas do you have for your Tiarella Dress? We’d love to hear them!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 2.5 yards of Black and Bright Cobalt Tweed with Metallic Shimmer
- 2.5 yards of Lucidum Black Bemberg Lining
- 3 yards of Italian Navy and Light Gray Wool Trim
- 1 Royal blue and silver metal zipper- 36″
- MDF136 – The Tiarella Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
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.
This pattern is pretty straight forward in terms of sewing. Here’s a quick overview with helpful tips along the way!
Tip: When working with tweed you should always finish the raw edges with an overlock stitch to prevent fraying. You could also use a fusible to stabilize the fabric.
Here’s how to sew: (Follow the following steps for your lining as well)
Once your darts are complete on the front and back bodice, clip them together at the shoulder, and side seams and stitch.
Tip: Pins tend to get lost in the large, loosely woven yarns. I suggest using clips to keep your fabric layers together.
Sew in the darts for the skirt front and backs. Clip the front of the skirt to the back at the side seams and stitch.
Clip the sleeves to the bodice and set them in. Now you can clip the bodice to the skirt and sew together at the waist seam.
Lastly, clip the center back seam together from the bottom of the zipper notch to the bottom of the skirt and sew. The average length for a dress zipper can range from 19-22″. You can adjust your zipper and shorten it as needed. Insert your lining, and install your zipper and you’re pretty much done!
Add a classic Chanel inspired twill tape to complete your look!
Try styling this dress with The Zea Blazer (keep an eye out, free pattern coming soon!) for a stunning bold look!
9 comments
Can you give us the pattern of the jacket as well
The blazer pattern will be available later this month! Keep an eye out. 🙂
I grew up sewing and am so happy and excited to see a work related pattern and instructions. Now I can teach my daughter. Thanks.
Hi Shirley! I’m pleased you like our patterns! I hope your daughter will love sewing as much as you do! 🙂
Thanks so much for your generosity in sharing your patterns for free. I love this dress on you, you look great! I really like the darts, rather than having something pulling skin tight on my Granny belly!
Hello – Is there any way to get a little more detail for the instructions?
Hi Laura! In order to keep our sewing patterns free, the amount of instructions can vary by garment. However, if we update or redux this pattern, we will also update the instructions! If you have any specific questions regarding the pattern, I’m happy to help. 🙂
Thank you for your response, I’m wondering for the bust darts am I sewing to the dart point or just the 5/8” seam allowance in the v cut below it?
Hi Laura! You’re going to sew right on the dart legs, all the way to the point. We’ve got a great article on Tips for Sewing Darts, complete with illustrations, which I think might help you!