12 Double Gauze Dress Patterns to Combine Style and Comfort!

Double gauze fabric is a soft and airy material that consists of two layers of fine cotton gauze stitched together at regular intervals. It has a natural crinkly texture that gives it a relaxed and casual look, perfect for summer dresses! 

In this post, I will share with you 12 dress sewing patterns that are suitable for double gauze fabric, as well as some tips and tricks for sewing with this fabric. Let’s get into it!

Understanding Double Gauze Fabric

Double gauze fabric is usually made from 100% cotton. It is lightweight, breathable, and absorbent, making it ideal for warm weather garments, but can also work for cold weather as a layering piece. 

It also has some drape compared to other 100% cotton fabric types, but not too much, so it can hold the shape of the garment without being too stiff. 

Double gauze fabric comes in a variety of colors and prints, from solid to yard-dyed geometric, to prints. Double gauze is extra popular in Japan which is why you can buy many beautiful double gauze fabrics from Japanese Etsy stores.

12 Dress Sewing Patterns in Double Gauze Fabric that Combine Comfort and Style:

There are many dress patterns that work well with double gauze fabric. Generally, you want to choose dress patterns that have a loose or easy-fitting style so it works well with the soft and crinkly look of the fabric. A dress that is more casual and flowy, instead of a silhouette that is very fitted or formal.

Here are 12 dress patterns that I recommend for double gauze fabric, along with some examples of how they look in this fabric.

1. The Stevie Dress by Tilly and the Buttons

The Stevie Tunni & Dress by Tilly and the Buttons is a simple and versatile pattern that features a cocoon shape, kimono sleeves, and a back closure with ties or buttons.

It can be made as a tunic or a dress, with or without patch pockets. Like many Tilly and the Buttons sewing patterns, the Stevie Dress is great for beginners, quick and easy to sew as it has no darts, zips, or set-in sleeves. 

Tilly recommends using light to medium weight fabric, including double gauze fabric. The boxy fit and comfy style works great with double gauze fabric.

2. The Trillium Dress by Made by Rae

The Trillium Dress is a cute dress pattern that features a cut-out scoop neckline, pockets, and shirring in the back for an easy, comfortable fit. If you don’t like double gauze fabric getting loose as you wear them over time, this dress’ back shirring panel will help the dress to stay fitted to your body.

The Trillium Dress is suitable for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics such as double gauze, voile, lawn, or rayon challis. It is also beginner-friendly, with no zippers or closures needed. In fact, it is the first dress pattern I ever tried as a beginner sewist years ago! 

3. The Madhu Dress by Seamwork

The Madhu Top is a cropped raglan top but can be easily hacked into a tiered dress by following this easy tutorial.

The Madhu sewing pattern has a soft gathered silhouette and style which is perfect in double gauze fabric, and makes a great breathable spring or summer dress. It is also so easy to sew, you can cut it out and wear it on the same day. 

The Madhu Top is suitable for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics such as linen, double gauze, or any soft non-stiff natural fiber fabric.

4. The Southport Dress by True Bias

The Southport Dress features a flowy shape and relaxed fit which is the perfect formula for using double gauze fabric! It is a tank-style casual dress that has a button front, a drawstring waist, and can be made in maxi length or mid length.

The Southport Dress is ideal for double gauze fabric because it has a relaxed and breezy fit that showcases the fabric’s drape and movement. The combo of the tank style and double gauze fabric makes it a perfect summer dress!

5. The Bettine Dress by Tilly and the Buttons

The Bettine Dress is another simple and stylish pattern that features a blousy bodice, an elasticated waist, and a tulip-shaped skirt. 

The Bettine Dress is flattering for all body shapes, as it skims over the hips and creates a feminine silhouette, enhancing the natural feminine body curve. It is also very beginner-friendly, as there’s no set-in sleeves or button plackets to deal with.

6. The Nani Iro Work Dress by Nani Iro

The Nani Iro Work Dress is an oversized shirt-style dress that was “inspired by ancient shepherd’s robes” according to the designer. It features a button front, drop shoulder, and the fabric is gathered around the neckline.

This pattern comes free in her book <Nani Iro Sewing Studio>. Because Nani Iro is a textile designer who mainly designs double gauze fabric, most of her dress patterns work really well with double gauze fabric. 

I’ve attempted to make the Work Dress pattern but ran out of fabric, so I’ve made the Work Shirt (same pattern, shorter length than the dress pattern) instead with a double gauze fabric purchased in my Japan trip.  

7. The Indigo Smock by Tilly and the Buttons

The Indigo Smock dress is a modern and versatile pattern that features a loose-fitting bodice, a gathered skirt, and several sleeve design options. 

It can be made as a top or a dress,  gathered at high waist with the option to show the pretty frills at the seam which I think is quite cute!

The Indigo Smock dress with its relaxed and effortless style is suitable for double gauze fabric, as it has a bohemian and relaxed feel, and allows the fabric to flow and crinkle.

8. The Kimmy Dress by Seamwork

The Kimmy Dress is a versatile raglan dress that is so easy to sew, looks effortless and comfortable. It features a cropped raglan silhouette, dolman sleeves with adjustable gathers. The elastic waistline also offers this frock its figure-flattering shape, creating a chic silhouette that’s perfect for spring or summer. 

The Kimmy Dress is suitable for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton lawn, linen and double gauze. Make this dress in double gauze to turn it into your summer go-to wardrobe essential!

9. The Emerald Dress by Made by Rae

The Emerald Dress is a simple shift dress or top designed to offer comfort in the summer heat. It features a V-shaped neckline, and curved hem. 

It can be made as a top or a dress, with a seam line at the center – perfect for a bias cut to add extra comfort or any fun play with patterned fabric.

 The Emerald Dress is suitable for light- to medium-weight woven fabric with a drape, such as linen and linen blends, loose-weave cotton, cotton double gauze, etc.

10. The Adeline Dress by StyleArc

The Adeline Dress is a stunning and sophisticated pattern that features a V-neck, a cocoon shape, and a high-low hem.

The Adeline Dress is a fabulous pattern for double gauze fabric, as it has a modern and minimalist design that contrasts with the fabric’s crinkly and cozy texture. You can also choose a double gauze fabric with large scale prints, such as some Nani Iro designs, to showcase the impressive pattern on your dress.

 It is also easy to wear, as it can be dressed up or down for different occasions.

11. Hanbok Wrap Dress Pattern by Sewing Therapy

The Hanbok Wrap Dress is a unique pattern that is inspired by the traditional Korean garment, the Hanbok. It features a v-shaped neckline, a wrap front, and a gathered skirt. 

The Hanbok Wrap Dress is suitable for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics such as double gauze, any fabric that is light and soft!

12. The Ariel Dress by Seamwork

The Ariel Dress is a sleek and simple pattern that features a midi-length column silhouette, delicate straps, and a center front vent. 

The simple silhouette makes a great summer dress or layer it up with cardigan or jackets for a more formal occasion or slightly cooler weather.

The Ariel Dress is suitable for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics. 

Tips for Sewing with Double Gauze Fabric

Sewing with double gauze fabric can be a bit tricky, as it is prone to fraying, stretching, and slipping. In general I wouldn’t recommend double gauze for anyone who is brand new to sewing. 

For most sewists who have sewn garments before, you can achieve beautiful results that’s so worth it, just with some experience and patience. Here are a few tips and tricks for sewing with double gauze fabric that I’ve learn working with them:

•  Pre-wash and dry your fabric before cutting, as double gauze fabric tends to shrink a lot in the first wash due to its 100% cotton content and how it is weaved together. 

•  Use a walking foot or a dual feed foot to help feed the fabric evenly and prevent shifting or bunching. You may also want to use pins or clips to secure the layers together.

•  Double gauze fabric tends to fray easily, so finish the raw edges of your seams with a serger, a zigzag stitch, or a French seam to prevent fraying and add stability. You may also want to use a wider seam allowance, such as 5/8 inch, to allow for more fraying.

•  Staystitch the curves and the bias edges of your fabric to prevent stretching and distortion as the fabric is so flexible. You may also want to use interfacing or stay tape to reinforce areas such as the neckline, the armholes, or the button placket.

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