This blog shows how to make a pretty gathered or ruched dress. It’s a simple sewing project perfect for beginners!

• Step-by-step guide for sewing a ruched dress
• Just need basic sewing skills and a few materials
• The dress has an elastic waist for a comfy fit
• Cute style looks great dressed up or down

Want an easy sewing win that’s fashionable, too? Read on!

What is a Ruched or Gathered Dress?

A ruched or gathered dress has a stretchy, wrinkly look on the bodice and skirt. This texture is created by sewing stretchy fabric sections onto a non-stretchy base. The elastic allows the material to bunch up or “gather” in an appealing way.

Ruched dresses are flattering on many body types. The ruching creates a slimming effect around the stomach area. The style looks fashionable yet is very comfy to wear!

What You’ll Need

To make this easy ruched dress pattern, you’ll just need a few simple supplies:

• 2 yards of lightweight woven cotton fabric (for dress base)
• 1-yard thin, stretchy knit fabric like jersey (for ruched sections)
• Sewing machine and basic notions like thread, scissors, pins
• 1-inch wide elastic for waistband

Having these basic materials on hand? Great, let’s get started!

Step 1 — Cut Out Dress Pieces

First, use the pattern to cut out the following from your base fabric:

• One front bodice piece
• One back bodice piece
• Two front skirt panels
• Two back skirt panels

For the stretchy ruched fabric, cut:

• Two strips for front bodice ruching, 6 inches wide
• Two strips for back bodice ruching, 6 inches wide
• Two strips for skirt ruching, 10 inches wide

Take your time to cut out each piece accurately. This makes assembly easier later!

Step 2 — Sew Ruched Sections Onto Base

Now the fun ruching part! First, sew the stretchy strips vertically onto the center front bodice piece, spacing them evenly apart. Repeat for the back bodice piece.

Next, sew horizontal strips of stretchy fabric onto the skirt pieces, spacing them about 4 inches apart. This creates a ruched texture.

Try to sew the strips very evenly so the ruching looks uniform. Use a stretchy zigzag or overcasting stitch to allow the fabric to gather nicely.

Step 3 — Assemble Dress

With all the ruched sections completed, it’s time to sew the dress together.

First, attach the front and back bodice pieces at the shoulders using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Then attach the skirt pieces the same way — front to front, back to back.

Next, sew the bodice to the skirt, matching up side seams. Leave an opening for the elastic waistband to be inserted.

Try on the dress to check the fit. Make any needed adjustments before adding the elastic waistband through the opening.

That’s it! A quick iron, and you’ve created an on-trend ruched dress.

FAQs

What is a ruched dress?

A ruched dress has a stretchy, wrinkly texture created by sewing elastic onto the bodice and skirt.

Is this sewing pattern difficult?

No, it’s a very easy beginner-friendly pattern! Just need basic sewing skills.

What fabrics are needed?

You’ll need lightweight woven cotton for the base plus a stretchy knit-like jersey for the ruched sections.

Is this a flattering style?

Yes, the ruching creates a slimming effect around the midsection.

Can I dress this up or down?

Absolutely! Pair with sandals for casual or heels for a dressier look.

How long does this project take?

For a beginner sewist, expect 4–6 hours from cutting to finishing.

Styling Your New Dress

This comfy ruched style pairs well with sandals or sneakers for a casual day look. Dress it up with heels and accessories for an evening out.

The fitted yet stretchy silhouette flatters so many figures. The ruching detail makes it look way more complicated than it really was, too!

Have fun wearing your new handmade creation. Sewing is such a confidence booster when you can make fashionable DIY clothes!

***

*** This post was previously published on Craftsing.com. *** #beginnersewing #diyfashion #dresspatterns #gathereddress #rucheddress #sewingpatterns #sewingtutorial