Use this sewing pattern and DIY tutorial to make a maxi dress – you can even use jersey bedsheets for the fabric!
Hello lovely readers – today I’m sharing a maxi dress tutorial. This dress was originally sewn in 2013 and I wore it many times over multiple years. It was definitely a closet staple for me! Below is the same dress made in another fabric.
Variations on a Theme
I made the blue 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. 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!
I sewed the pink dress with cotton spandex knit yardage. And I sewed the red version for my dress form below out of double brushed polyester.
Materials to Sew a Long Dress
So, want to make your own? You’ll need
- 3 yards of knit fabric, or a full size jersey bedsheet for the size small. For the 5x size you’ll need 3 1/2 yards
- 1/2″ elastic – 6 inches less than your under bust measurement
- 1/2″ wide ribbon – 1 (this applies to both sizes – the majority of the drawstring is comprised of the elastic above.
- The pattern, see below
How to Get the Free Maxi Dress Pattern
The pattern is in a women’s size S (34″ bust) and a women’s size 5x (60″ bust). It is important to note that the size 5x has only been tested on my dress form, so make sure to measure the pattern and compare to your body before cutting into your good fabric. More about figuring out fit before you cut in this post.
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.
How to Sew a Maxi Dress
When you print the pattern, you’ll print pages 1-4 for the size small, and pages 1-12 for the larger size. Please see the diagram below for how to assemble your pattern. In addition, you can find more info about printing here. Note that only the bodice will print and you’ll need to draft your skirt as shown in the video below.
I made a video tutorial showing how to sew this dress, which you can watch below or on YouTube here. For written instructions scroll below the video.
If you need some tips and guidance about sewing with knits, read this post.
Written Sewing Instructions
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 with the instructions from the video. For reference, the skirt I’m wearing is 43 inches long and I am 5’3″ tall.
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. Next you’ll stitch around the waistline USING A 3/4″ SEAM.
Press the waist seam open and then 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. After that, sew one piece to each end of your elastic to make a drawstring.
Now that the casing is sewn, use a safety pin to thread your elastic through the casing. Once that is done, burn, tie, or use fray check on your ribbon ends to seal them.
Next, if desired, sew buttons along center front seam for decoration. Sew the hem and then you’re done!
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!
johanna@projects 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.
Marcia
I made a country dress using a off white vintage crochet lace bed skirt purchased for $20. I use the bed skirt elastic part for neck area & my waist. It was beautiful with the crochet lace! It would be beautiful with a pair of cowboy boots.
Later, in a store I saw a dress with the similar pattern design and color. The store dress was more simple/plain, but pricy.
I would like to try making the dress with bed sheets, your dress looks great!