Recycled Curtain Ruffle Strap Dress

By: Sallee

http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/recycled-curtain-ruffle-strap-dr

I just couldnt resist turning this cute curtain fabric that I picked up at a local op shop into this summery little
number! Other than the easy-creasing factor, the material was great to work with, probably the easiest I have
sewn with so far. This is based on one of my initial inspiration to buy a sewing machine, a girly little dress
with ruffles on the straps. The contour bodice is a reworked version of Miasus original design (here on
Burdastyle, with a great tutorial), which i would recommend for the more blessed(?) girls in that region. I
have added a pdf tutorial on how to make the custom pattern block, it is uploaded as a pattern file. Please
note that this was configured to my measurements, and as I am not curvy in any manner, if you have larger
proportions anywhere you will need definetely need to play around with the pattern to adjust it. Please feel
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free to leave feedback! :) UPDATE The instructions on how to put the pieces together are now up! Please
upload your work if you make it, as I would love to see the results and how it worked on other people. I have
not seen any responses, despite the number of downloads I am not too sure if its because the instructions
were too difficult, or if they didnt work out well or the lack of instructions on how to put it together, but
looking forward to some great projects thatll hopefully come out of this! :D

Materials
100% Cotton

Step 1 Making the custom pattern block

Please download the pattern file for a set of full, step by step instructions on how to make the custom blocks
required to make the patterns for the dress.

Step 2 Putting the dress together

The following instructions are divided into three parts:
1. The ruffle straps
2. The Bodice
3. The Skirt
You will need:
1. The Dress fabric preferably something with a bit of stiffness, as you want sufficient volume for your
ruffles and your skirt for that cutesy doll-likeness.
2. The Lining i just used some cheap cotton/polyester blend fabric i had lying around
3. An invisible zipper dress length
Tutorials are available on Burda if you dont know how to attach an invisible zip

Step 3 Ruffle straps

1. Cut out pieces EXACTLY to the block. Do NOT add seam allowance.
2. Flip one of the long strips right side down (keep it vertical as shown in image) and fold in left and right
edges towards the middle, till they almost meet. Iron to flatten. Fold in again, to create a long narrow strap
that has the edges tucked in. Iron to flatten. Repeat with the other.
3. Sew together A and B edges, with right sides facing together. I left about a 3mm seam allowance, which i
folded to one side and then sewed over (so just sew a line down 2-3mm away from the seamline, along the
right side of the fabric). The visible thread shouldnt be a problem, as long as youre using one that is a
simliar colour as your fabric. Fold under and iron over a 1-2mm edge along the outer circumference of this
spring coil-like piece, then use the smallest zigzag on your machine to finish this edge with a baby hem. This
is for one strap, repeat for the other side.
4. To put the pieces all together, you will need to grab C and D ends and gently straighten out the piece,
which will create a ruffle. Tuck this edge into the prepared strap pieces. Pin and baste, then sew along the
inside edge of the strap. Be aware to check before sewing that the straps are mirrored, as you want them to
come out on either side.

Step 4 The Bodice

1. Cut out pieces as per image WITH SEAM ALLOWANCE. I used the exact pattern but in the lining
material to make the lining.
2. With the right sides of the external material facing together, sew H and I together. Fold seam allowance
over to one side and sew down 1-2mm away from the seamline to flatten the join (as per the ruffles)
3. Use this method to attached the mirroring panel (the stitch on the outside along the seamline should also be
mirrored).
4. Take the top piece, then attach M along the top length of the combined piece, and flatten seam with a
stitch. Be mindful to start in the middle, as to get it perfectly even.
5. Attach edges LE to D, using the same flattening technique. Repeat on the other side.
6. Repeat the process with the lining.
7. Now you have x2 bodice pieces, which should be a connected and a 3D version of the image.
8. Place the straps as needed, id recommend that you pin the pieces to yourself and get the length exactly
right. Place the constructed bodice piece and the lining right side facing each other.
9. With the straps secured and sandwiched between the material and the lining, sew along the top of the bust,
being careful with the middle where it dips. Cut a small slit in the middle of the dip to release tension when
its reversed. Flip the bodice inside out.
10. Fold seam allowance over to the lining side and sew 1-2mm alongside the top seamline on the LINING
SIDE then iron to flatten out the joins.

Step 5 The Skirt

1. Cut out pieces as shown WITH SEAM ALLOWANCE. The markings along the D, H and L edges are just
there to show where the pleats need to be folded.
2. Right sides facing, sew G and K together, and A and I together, to form one big construction.
2. For the pleats, fold the squares(as shown) together to face each other, then fold this flap TOWARDS
THE MIDDLE of the skirt. Pin or baste to hold in place.
If your fabric is too sheer or is very lightweight, you may want to create a lining I didnt have to as my
curtain fabric was thick enough.

Step 6 The Bodice + the Skirt

Sorry, no image for this one, but its pretty obvious from here how to go about attaching the skirt to the
bodice. Just sew the right sides of the bodice and the skirt piece facing together and sew along where the
edges line up, being careful to keep the pleats nice and neat.
Add the invisible zipper and hem the skirt, then youre done! :D

Recycled Curtain Ruffle Strap Dress