Make a Cute Pocket Maxi Dress!

For this Pocket Maxi Dress I used one of my favorite pattern, The Tessa Sheath Dress from Love Notions Patterns. Pictured above is one of my many Tessa dresses. It's super easy and can be whipped up in just couple of hours. I will put more info at the bottom of this post about the Tessa dress.

If you love commercial patterns, above are two TNT patterns that I love as well by McCall's and Simplicity. Both patterns have Maxi views and could be used instead fo the Tessa dress. I ended up adding more length to the Simplicity pattern Maxi when I made it. I'm 5'5" and I added 4 inches to make it ankle length. However, I would say the McCall's pattern is the closest to the Tessa Sheath Dress, but it will need length added to make it reach the ankle too.

Adding Length

Because the Tessa dress doesn't come with a Maxi length option I needed to figure out how much length to add. I tried on my Tessa dress and used a yard stick to measure to the floor. I measured to the floor so it would for sure be long enough with heels on. I would rather it be too long than too short. It was right around 14 inches that I needed to add.

I use this pattern a lot for the shorter length so I didn't want to permanently alter the pattern to be longer. I simply used a clear ruler to measure 14 inches of extra length and then used a yardstick as my guide across.

Making a Pocket

Then I made a pocket. There's not really any trick I use to make pockets. I just put my hand down on some paper and make a pocket shape around it so that I know my hand will fit inside. I leave enough space for seam allowance as well. I cut 4 of these and attach them 8 inches below the armpit on both the front and back pieces. Be sure the curve is going downward. Once the pockets are attached, you can sew up the sides, making sure to go around the pockets.

Optional Waist Tie

One more thing..... I also wanted to add waist ties. You can do this however you choose but there is a great tutorial here that I used to make these ties. I cut 4 of these too. I wanted my dress to have an Empire Waist look so I attached them above my pockets but below my bust.

You can see here in the above picture how the ties give it a somewhat Empire waist look. It's so simple and a detail that I really love.

Back Vent Detail

The dress has a seam down the back so I left a 12 inch slit at the bottom when sewing the back together. Not only is it stylish but it helps to ensure that I will be able to move in this Maxi dress and helps keep me cool.

Maxi Dress Love!!

I'm beyond happy with how my Pocket Maxi Dress turned out. The waist tie is slenderizing and the pockets are great for keeping a cell phone.

You can check My Minerva Profile for more pics and fabric details.

Tessa Sheath Dress Details

I am an affilaiate for Love Notions Patterns. I recieve a small comission when my links are used to purchase patterns. It doesn't cost extra to use my affiliate links.

All Love Notions Sewing Patterns are digital downloads, you may print them at home or send to a copy shop. A physical pattern will not be mailed to you.

The Tessa Sheath Dress is a simple knit dress with lots of style. The dress features a bateau or scoop neckline, optional yoke detail and five sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 and long. Two hem lengths are also included- above knee and shin. Bonus- the bodice part of the pattern can also be easily mashed with the  Sybil Skirt Collection! The bust, waist and hip lines as well as apex are marked on the pattern to make customizing the dress easy! The Tessa Sheath Dress has feminine shaping at the back and the pattern is packed with tips on customizing the dress to your unique shape. The Tessa dress is a quick sew with no closures or darts!

Tessa Sheath Dress Features:

• Meant for knit fabrics
• 2 lengths: knee and shin
• 5 sleeve lengths: sleeveless, short, elbow, 3/4 and long
• Shaping at back
• Optional yoke detail
• Bateau and scoop necklines

Sizes: XS-XXXL (See Size Charts  here)

Skill Level: Confident Beginner

Pattern Formats Included:

• Print at home for US letter & A4 paper, trimless format with layers
• Large format file for copy shop printing. This file will print on two A0 (33″ x 46″) size sheets. Be sure to instruct your printer to print actual size in black and white on their cheapest paper. We recommend  PDFPlotting for printing the large format files.
• A projector file is also included for those using projector technology