Garment Maxi dress
Level Intermediate
Sizes XXS – 4XL
Fabric Linen / cotton
Pieces 7
A long, easy-to-wear slip dress with narrow straps, a softly curved neckline and a skirt that flares gently to the ankle. The bodice is fully lined with neat facings, so the inside is as clean as the outside, and front bust darts give it shape without any zip or waist seam. It looks lovely in a soft floral linen or cotton for summer, and just as good in a plain viscose for evenings out.
Materials
- Main fabric: 1.8 to 2.2 m (2 to 2 3/8 yd) lightweight woven: linen or cotton-linen blend, cotton lawn or poplin, or viscose/rayon challis. Floral prints work beautifully
- Lining: 1.5 to 1.8 m (1 5/8 to 2 yd): cotton voile, batiste or a rayon/Bemberg lining
- Fusible interfacing: lightweight, for the facings and straps
- Matching all-purpose thread
- Hand-sewing needle, pins or clips, marking tool
Estimates for 140–150 cm (55–60″) wide fabric; see the full table per size below. Allow extra for prints that need matching or fabrics with a nap.
Pattern pieces
- Front, main fabric: cut 1 on the fold
- Back, main fabric: cut 1 on the fold
- Front lining, lining: cut 1 on the fold
- Back lining, lining: cut 1 on the fold
- Front facing, main fabric + interfacing: cut 1 + 1
- Back facing, main fabric + interfacing: cut 1 + 1
- Strap, main fabric + interfacing: cut 2
Follow the grainline and FOLD markings. Transfer the bust darts and all notches before you remove the paper.
New to PDF patterns? Start here
Our free step-by-step guides take you from your measurements to a printed pattern:
- How to take your body measurements: what to measure and how, in 10 minutes.
- How to choose your size: which measurement to follow, and what to do between sizes.
- How to print and assemble your pattern: A4, US Letter or A0, the test box, and taping the pages.
Get the pattern
PDF pattern in A4, US Letter and A0, with one file per size (00 to 22). Share your make with #sewcraftly!
Print page 1 at 100% and check that the calibration box measures 4 in (101.5 mm). New to PDF patterns? Read how to print and assemble a PDF pattern.
Printable sewing tutorial
Need help completing the project?
Get the full printable tutorial for this dress: detailed step-by-step sewing instructions with clear illustrations, line sketches, a sizing guide and the list of materials you need.
- Illustrated diagrams for every step
- Sizing guide and fabric table per size
- Printable PDF, instant download
Sizing guide
Drafted for a height of 1.68 m (5′6″). Choose your size by bust measurement: the bodice is fitted with darts, while the skirt flares out and leaves plenty of room at the waist and hips. Between two sizes? Go with the larger one. Not sure? Read how to choose your size.
Letter sizes: 00/0 = XXS · 2/4 = XS · 6/8 = S · 10/12 = M · 14 = L · 16 = XL · 18 = XXL · 20 = 3XL · 22 = 4XL
Body measurements
| cm | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bust | 80 | 82.5 | 85 | 87.75 | 90.25 | 92.75 | 95.25 | 99.25 | 104.25 | 109.25 | 114.25 | 119.25 | 124.25 |
| Waist | 63.5 | 66 | 68.75 | 71.25 | 73.75 | 76.25 | 78.75 | 82.75 | 87.5 | 93.25 | 99 | 104.75 | 110.5 |
| Hips | 87.75 | 90.25 | 92.75 | 95.25 | 98 | 100.25 | 102.75 | 106.5 | 111 | 115.5 | 120.75 | 125.75 | 130.75 |
Finished garment measurements
| cm | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center front to hem | 122.44 | 122.09 | 122.06 | 122.06 | 121.85 | 121.93 | 121.66 | 122.6 | 122.72 | 122.52 | 122.59 | 122.71 | 122.94 |
| Center back to hem | 127.01 | 126.44 | 125.94 | 125.61 | 125.1 | 124.69 | 124.34 | 125.17 | 125.14 | 125.21 | 125.44 | 125.47 | 125.95 |
| Hem sweep | 108.92 | 109.85 | 111.05 | 112.49 | 114.07 | 116.03 | 117.71 | 120.31 | 122.33 | 125.34 | 128.16 | 131.44 | 134.23 |
| Strap length | 23.03 | 23.94 | 25.17 | 25.95 | 26.85 | 27.76 | 28.49 | 29.09 | 29.69 | 29.94 | 30.24 | 31.01 | 31.06 |
Lengths are measured from the neckline to the hem on the pattern. If you are shorter or taller than 1.68 m, check the length against a long dress you own and adjust at the hem.
Fabric requirements
| cm | 00 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main fabric | 180 | 180 | 180 | 190 | 190 | 190 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 210 | 210 | 210 | 220 |
| Lining | 150 | 150 | 150 | 160 | 160 | 160 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 170 | 180 |
Estimates for 140–150 cm (55–60″) wide fabric. Check your cutting layout before buying.
Sewing notes
Fit & style
Pick your size by bust. There is no zip, so the dress slips over the head: make sure the finished hip width is comfortable before you sew the side seams.
Fabrics
Choose a light woven: linen, cotton-linen, cotton lawn or viscose. A soft floral print suits the long, flared skirt. Avoid stiff fabrics, which make the skirt stand away from the body.
Cutting & sewing
Pre-wash and press both fabrics. Staystitch the necklines right after cutting, and press every seam as you go.
Sewing steps
Seam allowances are 1 cm (3/8″) and the hem allowance is 2 cm (7/8″). Sew with right sides together unless a step says otherwise.
- Sew the bust darts. Stitch the darts on the Front from the side seam toward the point, knot the thread tails and press the darts down. Staystitch the Front neckline.
- Make the straps. Interface the straps, fold them in half lengthwise, stitch, turn them right side out and press.
- Attach the straps. Baste the straps to the right side of the Front and Back at the notches, raw edges even.
- Sew the side seams. Pin Front to Back and stitch from the armhole to the hem. Finish the edges and press open.
- Prepare the lining. Sew the darts on the Front lining and staystitch its neckline. Fuse the facings, then sew the Front facing to the Front lining and the Back facing to the Back lining. Press toward the lining.
- Sew the lining side seams. Stitch the lining side seams from armhole to hem, finish and press open.
- Join lining and dress. Pin them right sides together at the neckline and armholes, matching seams and notches. Stitch, trim, clip the curves, understitch, then turn the lining inside and press.
- Hem the lining. Turn up a narrow double hem, easing in any fullness, and stitch.
- Hem the dress. Press up a narrow double hem along the curved lower edge, ease in the fullness and stitch.
- Final press. Press the neckline, armholes, straps and hem from the right side, and check that the lining lies smooth inside.
Questions
What is in the paid guide?
The same steps as above, explained in more detail with a diagram for every action, plus the full sizing, fabric and cutting tables in one printable PDF. The pattern itself stays free.
Is seam allowance included?
Yes: 1 cm (3/8″) on every seam and 2 cm (7/8″) at the hem.
Does the dress need a zip?
No. There is no zip and no back closure: the dress slips on over the head. Check the finished measurements for your size before you sew.
Can I make it shorter?
Yes. Shorten the Front, Back and both lining pieces by the same amount along the hem, keeping the flare of the side seams.
Can I use a stretch fabric?
The pattern is drafted for wovens. A stable knit can work, but the fit will be looser and you can skip the lining.
Happy sewing!
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