Click here for a quick summary
- Pattern: self-drafted using the mini slip dress tutorial by Essentials Club as a guide
- Difficulty: beginner
- Time: can be done within 2 days
- Tip: Use a narrow hem foot and a gathering presser foot to sew the ruffled piece faster. Use a Microtex needle for delicate fabric.
- General take: Love that the adjustable straps can create many looks
- My favorite sewing supplies: here
Last summer, I scored a mint-colored silky fabric at the thrift store. I love how shimmery it looks when the light hits at different angles. I had a bias-cut dress in mind but I was intimidated by how delicate the fabric was. So I put it in the wash, stored it away, and didn’t think about it for a while.
Fast forward a year later, I felt confident enough to sew slippery fabric. I was curious about the fabric content so I asked people on Tiktok, who suggested it could be some silk fabric. So I did a burn test and it is silk! Unfortunately, as I was about to cut the fabric I noticed a lot of snags and tiny holes in random areas of the fabric. Either the fabric already had defects at the time of purchase, or I ruined it in the wash, or both. I should be more careful handling dainty fabric in general.
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Pattern Drafting
I couldn’t make a bias-cut dress without including too many defect areas. Those Ganni bow mini dress pics kept popping up all over my socials (along with the Ganni blouse)! I love the cute design and thought it would look gorgeous in this silky fabric. I used the mini slip dress tutorial by Essentials Club as a guide and self-drafted my pattern. The pattern pieces needed are:
- 2 main panels
- 2 facings
- 4 straps
- 2 long ruffle strips
Below are the measurements I used. You can adjust the ruffle size and strap length to your liking. I made 4 straps to make them adjustable. The facings are the same width as the panel. If this is your first time drafting the pattern, I recommend making a toile or mock-up first to make sure the dress fits you nicely.
The Sewing Process
This pattern is easy to sew. I invested in a narrow hemming foot and a gathering foot, making hemming and gathering the long ruffle piece so much quicker! So the only time-consuming part was when I had to flip the thin straps right side out carefully.
I French-seamed everything to provide extra durability to the seams when dealing with fine fabric. I sewed the side seams for the main panels and the facings first. After that, I sandwiched the straps between the main panel and facing, right sides together, and sewed them. Once the straps were installed, I under-stitched the facings. The facing was showing from the inside of a garment on the sides as the area where the main panels and facings meet was bulky. So I hand-tacked those areas. Lastly, I gathered the ruffle pieces and attached them to the front and back panels of the dress!
Also, look how mesmerizing this fabric is when blue lighting hits different surfaces.
I really like this dress! I feel like you can dress it up or down. You can wear it on its own or with a top underneath. A black top and stockings with a shimmery ruffle-y dress would look classy. The separate front and back straps are adjustable, making it versatile. You can position the bow at the front, middle, or back or crisscross the straps too! The possibilities are endless. The crisscross tie version looks sexy but still cute at the back! Which look is your favorite?
Here is the finished garment in full view! I cannot wait to wear this out! It looks and feels luxurious.
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