It may be a cliche that fashion is cyclical, but that doesn’t make it any less true. This spring and summer, we’ve seen a resurgence in the layered and tiered skirts we associate with the boho vibes of the Seventies and we’re bound to see this transition into the fall. Our new Water Lily Dress free sewing pattern highlights this trend with delicately layered ruffles and a simple silhouette. Make yours light and breathable with a stunning voile print, or let it flow more fluidly in a crepe de chine of your choosing!

Purchase Materials Used Below:

• 3 yards Mood Exclusive Le Muse Cotton Voile
• 2 yards Mood Exclusive Primavera Cotton Voile
• 1.5 yards Dusty Peach Japanese Pima Cotton Lawn
• 24″ Invisible Zipper
• MDF209 – The Water Lily Dress Sewing Pattern (free download below!)

Alternative Recommended Fabrics:

• Voile
• Batiste
• Crepe de Chine
• Chiffon

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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.

First, create each of your skirt ruffles by attaching two half circles at the sides with French seams. Press each seam and hem the outer edge of each ruffle layer.

Create two separate skirt extensions, attaching the front and back pieces at the sides. The front portion should point up while the back points down. Since the skirt is unlined, I recommend using French seams here as well.

Attach one of your skirt ruffles along the bottom edge of one of your skirt extensions. This will be your middle ruffle, so if you’re doing contrasting layers, be sure to attach accordingly. Since this part can get tricky, I recommend using regular face-to-face seams and binding them with bias tape when your dress is complete.

Attach the top edge of your second skirt extension to the bottom edge of your first. They should be pinned face to face with the skirt ruffle sandwiched in between.

Pin and sew your lowest ruffle to the bottom of your second skirt extension.

Following the guides on your pattern, sew the darts on the front and back panels of the main layer and lining layer of your dress. Attach the front and backs and the sides using regular seams.

Create each of your straps by folding them in half face-to-face and sewing along the length. Pull right side out with a loop turner and press.

Sew a few inches at the bottom of your center back seam and attach the first ruffle along the bottom edge.

Attach the lower portion of the skirt to the bottom edge of your dress, similarly to how you sewed the skirt extensions to each other.

Pin and stay-stitch your straps into place at the front bodice and back princess lines, line you see below.

Pin your lining face-to-face along the top of your dress and stitch where the dotted line indicates below. Clip your seam allowance at the corners, turn right side out and press.

Lastly, insert your invisible zipper at the center back seam to your main dress layer only. Finish sewing up the center back seam and then pin your lining along the zipper and lower edge of your dress, tucking in any raw edges. Slip-stitch the lining to your dress to complete.

Will you be giving this dress a try? Let me know what kind of prints you’re considering in the comments below!