Simple Maxi Dress Tutorial

Tools and materials:

• Fabric
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Ruler
• Sewing machine or needle and thread

Fold the fabric

Start off with fabric that measures 45x45inches. You will need two pieces of this, one on top of the other. Fold the fabric in the way shown in the picture.

Mark the bust measurement

For the next stage, you need to know your bust measurement. From the narrow end, find the place where your bust measurement is. My bust measurement is around 40 inches, so I’m dividing this by 4, which is 10, and then I’m adding a 1-inch seam allowance. Therefore I’ve found the 11-inch mark on my fabric. When you’ve found the right measurement, draw a line to mark this point on your fabric.

Mark the shoulder and neck measurements

To mark the shoulder measurement, you want to go 4 inches up from the bust measurement and then find the part of the fabric that is 6 inches across in width. Draw a line connecting the shoulder to the bust, and then draw your underarm curve. To mark the neckline, on the folded edge, you want to come up by 1.5-2 inches from the bust, and that will be the neck of your dress. Use a curved ruler and connect it to the shoulder mark.

Measure the dress length and cut

Now you need to measure the dress length from the bust area. My dress is going to be 45 inches, but your height will determine the length. Move the tape along the bust line to get an accurate measurement. Once done, cut the fabric out. You’ll now have the front and the back pieces.

Attach the pockets

I have four pocket pieces already; you can cut the pockets whatever size you like. I’m going to attach them to the side seams. I’m attaching them 8 inches down from the underarm. Pin the two pieces together, right side to right side. Sew the side seams and around the pockets.

Attach the neckline strips

I have two strips of fabric for the neckline - 2 inches wide. Pin them on the front and the back of the dress with the right sides facing each other, and then sew them down. Once done, fold the straps in half and sew them to cover the raw edges. Cut off any excess fabric after sewing. 

Attach the arm straps

I have four pieces of fabric that will form the straps. Start pinning them from one end of the armhole to the other. As with the neckline straps, fold them in half to cover the raw edges and sew. Also, fold in the part that will form the straps and sew all the way through. Lastly, join the ends of the straps up and sew.

And there you have a gorgeous, floor-sweeping dress perfect for wearing throughout the summer. It’s light and flowy and will keep you comfortable while looking stylish at the same time. I’ve gone for a very bold African print on my dress which I love. I think that the turquoise and purple circles are a really fun element. I hope you love your dress as much as I love mine.