Hello lovely readers – today I’m sharing a sundress tutorial – the first of 4 I wrote for you this month.
I made this dress from jersey bedsheets from Target. That was also my fabric source for this dress, but I wasn’t thrilled with that jersey. It’s just not that soft (not like the fab stuff I get from sponsor Near Sea Naturals, which you’ll get to see more of next week). But the striped jersey sheets are very soft, and so far this dress is wearing very well – it’s now been to Salt Lake City for SNAP and Los Angeles for Fabric Weekend 2013. Bonus: I only used the fitted sheet, with the elastic cut out, of my full-size sheet set to make this dress, which means I have a whole flat sheet and pillowcase left to use!
So, want to make your own? You’ll need
- 3 yards of knit fabric, or a full size jersey bedsheet
- 1/2″ elastic – 6 inches less than your under bust measurement
- 1/2″ ribbon – 1 yard
- The pattern, see below
How to Get the Free Maxi Dress Pattern
The pattern is in a women’s size S (34″ bust). If you need to make the pattern bigger or smaller, check out this post. To get this pattern, click your preferred option from the buttons below as a newsletter subscriber or gallery access pass purchaser. Note that the free version of the pattern does not have printable instructions.
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Please note that all my free patterns are licensed for personal use only (no selling items made from this unless you purchase it) and by downloading you are agreeing to this license.
If you need some tips and guidance about sewing with knits, read this post.
To start, you need to cut out the bodice pieces as instructed by the pattern. For the skirt, you need to cut out two pieces on the fold with these measurements (keep in mind, I’m only 5’3″, so you may want to add length to this skirt).
1/2″ (12mm) seams are allowed on this dress.
Place your bodice fronts on your bodice back, right sides together. Sew across shoulders. Repeat with other bodice pieces.
Lay your two bodices right sides together and pin along arm holes and neckline. Stitch. Turn this right side out.
Match the front side seams to the back side seams on each piece. On top in the picture is the outside of the dress, below is the lining. Stitch on both sides (red line) and turn right side out again. Side seams should be enclosed and center front still open.
Now match the fronts to each other along the center front seam, matching at the neckline, in the same way you did the side seams. Stitch.
Now the bodice is fully lined with all raw edges inside.
Stitch the skirt side seams.
Place the bodice right sides together over the skirt, matching the side seams. Stitch around the waistline USING A 3/4″ SEAM.
Press the waist seam open. Trim the seam allowance from the bodice down to 1/4″.
With the seam still pressed open, make 2 1/2″ buttonholes on the right side of the dress, on each side of the center front seam and above the waist seam.
Flip the seam allowance for the skirt up, and stitch along the raw edge to form the casing for the elastic.
Cut your ribbon in half. Sew one piece to each end of your elastic to make a drawstring.
Using a safety pin, thread your elastic through the casing. Burn, tie, or use fray check on your ribbon ends to seal them.
If desired, sew buttons along center front seam for decoration. Hem dress. You’re done!
In case you missed any of the other tutorials so far this month, here they are. Click on any picture to go to the post.
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And don’t forget – there’s a giveaway going on through Friday – enter and get some fabric to make your own sundress!
kelly
Nicely done! I love the buttons! I’ve been eying the jersey sheets at Target & Wal-Mart- next time I see some on sale I’m going to get them!
Shannon
Cute, cute, cute, Melissa!!!
Deborah J.
Cute dress! I will definitely make this one. Thank you so much for sharing!
Teresa
Sper cute! This dress looks really cute and really comfortable. What a perfect summer dress.
jodi
thanks Melly for the pattern, I have some jersey knit I wanted to do a dress out of for the summer. will be using this tutorial and pattern for sure.
Jess abbott
This dress was so fabulous Melissa, I am so impressed by it!
Rachel
Oh, this looks very comfortable! With the empire waist & long length it makes you look nice & tall 🙂
I’m still a beginner with sewing with knits, so when I become brave enough I’ll have a try at this.
Thanks for the tutorial.
Shaffer Sisters
Super cute. Looks perfect for playing at the park, girls luncheon, or date night.
Thanks for the free pattern and tutorial.
With Love,
Scary
Samantha
Thank you Melissa, this pattern is lovely!
justine
I was thinking this dress had a little bit of a Napoleonic vibe! Must be that Empire waistline.. it would be lovely in lace too!
Tara
Thank you so much for sharing! I have only been sewing about 6-7 months and have made plenty of dresses. I just have not worked with any knits yet! After this post it looks doable 🙂 I will be on the look out for a sheet set on my next Target trip!
[email protected] by me
Thanks for this tutorial! I didn’t make your pattern, but another maxi dress where the instructions included hand-stitching. I was in no mood for that, so your tutorial was very helpful!
Rachell R
It’s really cute and looks easy! Have you made other sizes available? I have a 41″ waist and 46″ bust (oh wait, depends in the time of day….I’m nursing! That’s at least a DD cup)
Thanks!
Melissa Mora
No, it’s just the one size. Try googling “Threads Grading Pattern” for an
article from Threads magazine about how to grade patterns larger or
smaller. That’s a good starting place.
Petra
Cute dress! I will definitely make this one. 😉
Robin
How do you make the pattern bigger. I”ve gained some weight during the time I was having children and haven’t lost it all, but am working on it, so I’m kinda large yet.
BARBARA ANDERSON
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE FREE PATTERNS+TUTORIALS+ALL THE MANY TEACHING “HOW TO’S”…I AM 68 AND HAVE LEARNED SO VERY MUCH FROM YOU…I APPRECIATE YOUR GENEROUS HEART IN GIVING ALL THAT YOU DO. IT HAS REALLY BROUGHT JOY TO ME IN LEARNING+MAKING SOME CUTE OUTFITS…MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS
Robin
I encourage everyone to check thrift and antique stores for fabrics. Or even sheets for making this cute dress or other projects.