We all need a little extra whimsy in our lives right now, and perhaps this is why 2021 has been the year of ruffles, dramatic sleeves, and gathered skirts. Whether your style is more bohemian, cottage core, or romantic—these details can add a feminine touch and something extra special to your garments.
Even better, they are some of the simplest hacks to add to your existing sewing patterns. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are nine of our favorite Deer&Doe hack ideas from the sewing community:
Plantain Ruffle
The Plantain tee is a free pattern and a great wardrobe staple you can make again and again. But it is also the perfect base for getting creative with pattern hacks—like this giant ruffle from Elena of @juliecestjoli. The placement and proportion of the ruffle adds elegance and unexpected drama to this simple tee pattern.
Tulip Sleeve Magnolia Dress
Sleeve options are nearly endless with a little creativity, and the tulip sleeve is an underrepresented (but just as whimsical!) choice as the popular puff sleeve. We love this vintage needlework-inspired Magnolia dress from @mellealyce, who embroidered the white fabric and finished these tulip sleeves with some romantic lace.
Puff Sleeve Belladone
Speaking of the puff sleeve, how gorgeous is this version of the Belladone dress from Ginetta of @1ptitbout2table? If you are looking to update this classic silhouette, adding gathered sleeves will give this retro dress a fun and modern twist.
Mélilot Bib
Another popular trend this year? The bib neckline – and it’s easier to hack than you think. @ligne_de_couture used the Mélilot shirt to create this ruffled bib look, and she has a video detailing how she did it here.
Bruyère Dress
The Bruyère shirt . . . but make it a 19th century-inspired dress. Marika of @emkay_sparks used sleeve cuffs, ruffles, lace, and a long gathered skirt to turn Bruyère into something perfect for a little history-bounding. And do you recognize the skirt waistband? That’s because it’s from the Chataigne shorts pattern.
Ruffle Strap Centaurée
It’s no secret that the Centaurée dress is one of my personal favorite patterns, but if you’re not into thin straps—why not try adding a ruffle like @le_fil_d_aure? This simple change is cute, modern, and provides a little extra shoulder coverage.
Balloon Sleeve Hoya
Have you ever tried sewing a balloon sleeve? A cousin to the lantern, bishop, and puff sleeves (all popular 2021 styles), this gathered puff starts slightly above the elbow for a comfortable fit and very dramatic silhouette. Sandrine of @la_pie_verte_ details how to create this version of the Hoya blouse on her blog here (FR).
Gathered Bleuet Dress
Yla of @ylagnod gave another one of our older patterns—the Bleuet dress—a modern update by adding a waist seam and gathered skirt. She opted for a very fluid fabric to highlight the swish of the gathered skirt, and added a sweet and delicate neck tie to enhance the romantic vibe.
Orchidée Loose Blouse
Conversely, if you’re looking for a little less drama in your garments, why not skip some of the gathering instead? @couture_de_maitresse simplified the Orchidée top by allowing the bodice and sleeve hems to hang loose—creating an oversize sleeve and a straight bodice.
