Black Tiered Crossback Sundress!
1:00 AM
Everyone is the sewing community is going gaga over tiered skirts and dresses. And they're so easy to make. You can attach them to any bodice or you can just make a skirt.
For the bodice, I used McCall's 7719. This consisted of the front bodice, front and back midriff pieces and the shoulder straps.
I didn't need a FBA, but I added armhole darts to get a better fit. It was gaping in that area.
The straps crisscross and I used a metal zipper because the fabric is a medium weight and I felt it would hold better.
To make the tiered skirt, I used "Ratio of Gathers". This is what use to be called "kitchen curtain" ruffles. In order to attach the first tier to the bodice edge, this tier needed to be two times the measurement of the edge to create the fullness for the gathers. That means I used a 2:1 ratio. Here's what the math looks like for a bodice edge measuring at 30":
Tier 1:
2:1 Ratio
30" x 2 = 60"
I needed a tier section for the front and back, so...
60" / 2 = 30"
So, each tier will be 30" wide and 9" long. You would cut 2 pieces on the fold at 15" x 9".
Tier 2:
2.5:1 Ratio
30" x 2.5 = 75"
75" / 2 = 37.5"
On the fold, cut 2 pieces at 18.75" x 10". Yes, the tiers are gradually getting longer.
Tier 3:
3.2:1 Ratio
30" x 3.2 = 96"
96" / 2 = 48"
On the fold, cut 2 pieces at 24" x 12".
Note: If you were making a long maxi style tiered skirt and the width of your tiers keeps growing, you will exceed the width of your fabric. At that point, you can just divide equally and cut 3 pieces instead of 2 for those tiers.
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16 comments
This dress is lovely; I absolutely love the crisscross back! Thanks for explaining how to add tiers to any garment. I am loving this trend as well.
ReplyDeleteI also have a few pieces that are dire need of an underarm dart. Gaping is an ongoing issue for me. Thanks for sharing these tips.
Thank you so much Crystal! I'm glad that you like it. And yes, pinching out that little bit of fabric in the underarm makes a world of difference!
DeleteIt's a very pretty dress and I love the fit and flare of the dress!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn!
DeleteSo pretty Erica!! I wouldn’t have known the ratio increases as you go but it makes perfect sense. Love.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kisha!
DeleteLove this dress and it looks great on you! Thank you for sharing how you did the tiers - I was looking this weekend for something like this!
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty! I love the tiered skirt. I was wondering if these ratios would still work if each tier was longer?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous result! I love the how you explained the tier ratios!
ReplyDeleteErica, I am totally inspired by your dress! Does the tiers length include seam allowance in your dress? What is the skirt length?
ReplyDeleteLove this dress!
ReplyDeleteLove this look and the dress!!
ReplyDeleteI just love this dress! It's playful and chic. I especially love the length. It's very practical. I'm definitely going to make one for myself. Thank you for the tips.
ReplyDeleteLove it! thanks
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this dress and learning how you constructed the tiers. I have been interested in knowing how it’s done. I definitely would love to try it.
ReplyDeleteThis is the Perfect LBD for the summer.. Soo sassy, comfy and cute..
ReplyDeleteTrying definitely....