Tie Strap Dress: Free PDF Pattern for a Chic Midi with Ruffle

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15 March 2024

In this post, you will learn how to sew midi tie strap dress with free PDF pattern.

Step into the world of effortless style and comfort with my latest tie strap dress design. This versatile midi dress, complete with charming shoulder ties and an adjustable front or back tie strap, is the epitome of chic simplicity. Ideal for those who cherish both fashion and functionality, my dress features a playful single ruffle at the hem and a flattering gathered silhouette that promises to elevate your wardrobe. To sweeten the deal, I’m offering a free PDF pattern in five sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for all. Whether you’re strolling through the city or enjoying a weekend getaway, this tie strap dress is your ticket to a stylish, carefree look.

Start creating your own with my easy-to-follow pattern and join the ranks of home-sewing enthusiasts who’ve discovered the joy of tailor-made fashion.

A woman wearing pink mini tie strap dress with ruffle at the bottom.

What is Tie Strap Dress

Fashion illustration of tie strap dress.

A tie strap dress is a charming and versatile garment that features straps which tie at the shoulders, allowing for adjustable length and fit. It often has a fitted bodice or waist, with a skirt that can be either straight or flowing. The straps not only add a decorative touch but also make it easy to customize the dress for comfort. This style is particularly popular for summer wear due to its relaxed fit and the ease of slipping it on and off. It’s a perfect project for sewers of all levels and a delightful addition to any wardrobe.

Materials & Tools Needed:

sewing tools needed to sew tie strap dress
magnetice seam guid and magnet on table

You will also need a magnetic seam guide or a magnet to help you sew evenly.

Suggested Fabric

Top can be made from various types of light weight non stretchy fabrics. This tie strap dress requires 2 yards of main and lining fabric.

Check out my detailed post on what fabrics are the best as lining.

Learn more on non stretch fabrics and choose best for this project.

Colorful non stretch light weight  fabrics perfect for sewing  tie strap dress.

Sizing Instructions

Tools and materials you need for measuring yourself
  • A measuring tape
  • A notebook and a pencil
  • A mirror
  • A friend or a helper (optional, but recommended)
To choose the best size , you need to measure your :
  • Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
A mannequin with measuring tape around bust part.
  • Hips: Measure around the widest part of your hips, below your waist.
A mannequin with measuring tape around hips part

You can now use the size chart below to compare your measurements and find the best option for you. If your measurement falls between two sizes, you have the freedom to choose the fit that you prefer, whether it’s slightly loose or fitted. Moreover, if needed, you can make adjustments to the pattern to make sure it matches your true size.

Size Chart

According to your measurements, you can check the size chart to find the best size for you.

gathered skirt size chart diagram
dress size  chart diagram

Free PDF Pattern For Summer Dress

The pattern is available at the end of the post for blog subscribers. Subscribing is free.

Read more and discover best gathered skirts you can add to this top pattern.

A woman wearing pink mini tie strap dress with ruffle at the bottom.

Printing and Assembling Instructions

Check out my detailed posts on how to print, cut-out, and assemble PDF patterns.

How to print and assemble free PDF patterns

How to cut out sewing patterns with tips and tools

Printed sewing patterns

Seam Allowance

I suggest including an additional 1 cm | 0.4 in of seam allowance to the pattern pieces for this project. This extra allowance will provide ample space for sewing the seams without affecting the overall fit.

You may utilize a ruler or tape measure to indicate the seam allowance on the fabric. Another option is to use a seam gauge tool, specifically designed for measuring different seam allowances. Incorporating seam allowance is a crucial yet straightforward process in sewing. It guarantees that your garment will be the correct size and shape.

Learn more:

How to add seam allowance in sewing

A woman wearing pink mini tie strap dress with ruffle at the bottom.

How to Sew Straps to Dress

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been sewing for years, I’ve crafted a detailed post and video tutorial that’s perfect for you. It’s all about sewing straps with ease and confidence. This step-by-step guide is designed to help you master the art of sewing straps quickly and effortlessly. Check out the post and video now, and let’s get those straps done right!

Detailed post on sewing straps here .

Video tutorial here.

DIY midi tie strap dress with ruffle detail

How to Gather Fabric and Create Single Bottom Ruffle for Tie Strap Dress

Check out my post and video tutorial where I break down the process of gathering fabric and creating ruffles, step by step. This guide is designed to make learning these techniques quick and hassle-free. Say goodbye to gathering woes and hello to beautiful ruffles on your next sewing project!

Read the post on fabric gathering here.

Watch the step by step video here.

Gathering fabric

How to Hem Tie Strap Dress

I created a comprehensive blog post that simplifies the process of hemming dresses. This easy-to-follow tutorial is designed to assist you in becoming an expert at hemming in no time, guaranteeing a polished look for all your sewing projects.

Learn how to hem in this post .

DIY midi tie strap dress with ruffle detail on woman.

Watch the Video Tutorial

If you’re interested in learning how I made this amazing tie strap dress, head over to my YouTube channel and watch the video tutorial. I’ll walk you through the steps of sewing a dress and also share some useful tips and tricks.

You can watch the video here.

Make sure to give a thumbs up, leave a comment, and hit that subscribe button on my channel to get more sewing tutorials. Don’t forget to share your results with me on Instagram or Facebook. I’m really excited to see what you come up with!

A woman wearing pink mini tie strap dress with ruffle at the bottom.

How to Style Tie Strap Dress

Styling a tie strap dress can be a delightful way to express your personal fashion sense. Here are some tips to get you started:

Casual Day Out:
Styling propositions for tie strap dress.

Pair your dress with sandals or sneakers, a denim jacket, and a sun hat for a relaxed daytime look.

Evening Elegance:
Styling propositions for tie strap dress.

Elevate the dress for an evening event by adding strappy heels, statement jewelry, and a clutch.

Layered Charm:
Styling propositions for tie strap dress.

For cooler days, layer your dress over a fitted t-shirt or turtleneck, and complete the look with ankle boots.

Beach Ready:
Styling propositions for tie strap dress.

Wear it as a chic cover-up over your swimsuit, and accessorize with a wide-brimmed hat and flip-flops.

Boho Vibes:
Styling propositions for tie strap dress.

Add a touch of bohemian flair with a fringe bag, layered necklaces, and espadrilles.

Remember, the beauty of a tie strap dress lies in its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different accessories and layers to create a look that’s uniquely yours! 

Ready Dress

As you tie the final knot on your tie strap dress, you’ll not only have crafted a garment that’s a testament to your sewing skills but also a piece that speaks to the heart of contemporary fashion. This midi dress with its shoulder ties and flattering ruffle is more than just a project; it’s a journey into the world of bespoke clothing. With my free PDF pattern, you’ve turned fabric into fashion, and comfort into chic.

A woman wearing pink mini tie strap dress with ruffle at the bottom.

I can’t wait to see how you make this dress your own. Share your creations with me using the hashtag #sparrowrefashion and join a community passionate about bringing personalized style to life. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or a daring DIYer, this dress is a canvas for your creativity. So, thread your needle, set your sights on style, and remember: the best fashion is the kind you make yourself.

Thank you for following along, and don’t forget to download your free pattern. Happy sewing!

In this post, you have learned how to sew midi tie strap dress with free PDF pattern.

Free Summer Dress Sewing Pattern

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I create sewing patterns, refashion projects, and practical tutorials designed to make sewing feel less intimidating and more creative. Most of what you see here starts with something I wanted to wear, remake, or figure out for myself, then I turn the process into a tutorial you can try too.