ZERO WASTE Tier Dress • PDF Pattern
By Birgitta Helmersson, ZW Tier Dress is a PDF sewing pattern.
File Name: ZW Tier Dress Type: ZIP|Size: 6.2MB
Please note: This PDF sewing pattern uses zero waste pattern cutting and comprises of instructions to draw shapes directly onto your fabric. With the exception of some templates, there are no large pattern pieces to print out. The cutting plan/templates document for the ZW Tier Dress requires printing of 15-18 pages in A4/US Letter Paper.
Garment Details: The ZW Tier Dress is made up of 3 separate cutting plans which can be mixed and matched to make 4 different dresses. A short dress with thin straps, long dress with thin straps, short dress with sleeves and long dress with sleeves. If you are not using the sleeve then the strap for the dress will need to be cut from a contrast or remnant fabric. This dress has an above the bust self lined panel, the A-line dress below this is gathered on. There is also a bottom gathered tier that can be added to the dress and a gathered sleeve with an elasticated hem. The sleeve is hand sewn to the strap and underarm after the dress has been fully made. There are 2 different pattern layout options for this dress, which vary slightly depending on what size you are using.
Sizing: This pattern comes with 10 size options, an XS-6XL (hip 86-152cm / 34"-60"), with all sizes included in the one pattern purchase. There is a separate cutting plan booklet for sizes XS-2XL and 3XL-6XL which include detailed measurements and templates.
Sizing, finished garment measurements and fabric requirements can be found here.
Fabric Suggestions: This works best with lightweight woven fabrics in cotton, linen, silk or viscose. A weight of approximately 80-160gsm is ideal.
Fabric requirements: Widths and yardage requirements vary depending on your chosen size. If you want to work with a fabric outside of the recommended widths there are alternate pattern layouts provided in the instruction booklet. See Garment Views / Yardage Requirements image for more details.
Tools & trims recommended: Sewing machine, overlocker, iron, chalk or dissolvable pen, scissors, measuring tape, pins, long straight ruler or right angle ruler to assist in cutting, tape to stick together templates.
-VIEW A, B, C, D: Binding to finish underarm, OPTIONAL light weight fusing for front and back bodice lining (B + D).
-VIEW A, C: Contrast or remnant fabric to cut straps.
-VIEW B, D: Binding to finish sleeves, elastic for sleeve hem.
Skill Level: Sewing Level: 3 out of 5 - Advanced beginner, should have some experience with sewing.
Tutorials: SEWING THE BODICE - ZW TIER DRESS & SEWING BINDING.
PDF Pattern/Instruction Booklet: Includes measurements in both centimetres (cm) and inches ("). Booklet/Templates are printable on both A4 or US Letter Paper size. You only need to print the CUTTING PLAN booklet in your size, which is a 15-18 page document.
The Method: Zero waste pattern cutting is a bit like a puzzle. It is a method of pattern drafting where you utilise a length of fabric end to end by strategically planning your pattern pieces so that everything is used. This pattern is ‘PAPERLESS’ meaning that no printing of large pattern pieces is required. Instead of using full scale paper patterns, you draw your pattern pieces directly onto your fabric with the aid of a cutting plan and small templates. We love working with this method for 3 reasons:
1. More flexibility
This method allows for easy changes such as using different fabric widths and making simple fit and design changes yourself. Using patterns that fit into a zero waste square or rectangular block is a very efficient way to work. It means that it is easier to patchwork together remnants or use left over fabrics you already have lying around.
2. An easy way to learn to self draft your own patterns
Working this way will help you to start building a toolbox of skills, and you will learn an alternative method of self drafting your own sewing patterns, which are super easy for beginners to understand.
3. Less fabric and paper waste!
*This pattern is for personal and non-profit use only and should not be used for commercial purposes in any way.
Explore other makes on insta #zwtierdress
Photo credits: Birgitta Helmersson Studio