A few bright-eyed viewers of my Why Not Thrift video have asked about the marvelously patterned dress sharing the screen with me.
Just in case you missed it, here’s another a look at my awesomely shareable video:
Did you spy the groovy dress?
That fantastic salute to the seventies is a snap to create so let’s get making my Simple DIY Maxi Dress
Snag a long, rectangular piece of fabric that wraps comfortably around your body.
I thrifted that gorgeous piece of vintage polyester, yay!
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with right sides facing and lay it on a flat surface.
Grab a loose fitting maxi dress (or a tank top & long skirt), fold it in half lengthwise and place it on top of the fabric with the folded edges lined up.
I used this dress which I had previously made from a jersey bedsheet using a tank top & skirt as a template.
Chop out the basic shape of the maxi dress from the non-folded edge leaving a few extra centimeters for seam allowance.
Cut out the neckline shape as well and mark the front of the dress fabric with a pin if a V-neck is desired.
Unfold the fabric and your dress is ready to stitch together!
Sew the shoulders and sides together (remember to leave those armholes open!)
Chop out the desired shape for the front of your dress neckline.
Hem or bind the raw edges and your dress is complete!
Get my easy bias binding method here.
Should you have any fabric leftover go ahead and create a simple sash belt that doubles as a funky coordinating headband!
Stylishly comfortable awesomeness!
Transform your entire wardrobe for pennies with my groovy CoaR tutorial collections right here:
Looking at this has convinced me that I should make some similar dresses for myself. I can wear them over heavy long sleeved clothing in winter and light clothing in summer. Many thanks,and I gained my love of maxi dresses from growing up in the seventies.
You’re very welcome – it’s so simple to create this style of dress and it’s super comfortable too! 😀
Wow! Loving The Diy Maxi Dress and I remember wearing these in the seventies. These maxi dresses were so cool. I sewed many things through high school for home economics but never did a maxi dress and now I look at this tutorial and wonder Why. I guess because no one else did. I have been looking for a simple pattern for one that I like but now I do not need to look no more. I love the binding hemlines it add something too the dress. I am going to be making some of these this summer for sure. I think I will just make a thinner sash to go around the dress. Anyone else make one yet?
Cheers Marian 😀 Be sure to share your version(s) on my Confessions of a Refashionista facebook page to inspire others to get making 😉 https://www.facebook.com/ConfessionsofaRefashionista/
Just got my husband to watch your video and he thought it was really good. Biggest little one wanted to know what was happening, so I played it again for her too. “Awesome!” You have a new fan!
Fantastic! Keep sharing the love!
Gorgeous dress. I like how you did the binding on the bottom hem too, I wouldn’t have thought of that. Adds to the 70s-ness maybe. I’ll use that!
Binding hemlines is my new quick finish for dresses and skirts – and I’m definitely trying it on my next pair of DIY pants too! 😀
Love it, as per usual!
Cheers Tara, it’s a super comfy dress!