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How to Sew a Knit Maxi Dress
There are some patterns that grab your attention and you just run away with the creations. Simplicity 8874 was that pattern for me recently. If you’re a beginner and want to learn how to sew a knit maxi dress, I’ve got a treat for you today. Keep reading.
When I first saw Simplicity 8874, I was drawn to the squared neckline and flared skirt. I love a good maxi skirt, and when I find a pattern that’s versatile and easy to sew, it’s a win-win! I could easily sew this dress up in about an hour. However, because I’m a slow sewist and prefer to take my time to add extra finishing touches to even the simplest of patterns, I usually spend at least a few days making a dress. I cut a size 12 and made no pattern adjustments.
This maxi dress pattern comes with four different views. But what’s most exciting is how you can make it look so different based on fabric choice and mixing the bodices and sleeve options. I love the dress so much that I’ve sewn it four times already.
It’s very comfortable and can be dressed up or down. I’ve worn all four dresses several times already. LOL! I’ve worn them to church, the grocery store, lounging around the house, and out to dinner. Another sew sister gave me the idea of making one for the winter. So, I’ll probably pull out some sweater knit fabric and make one with long sleeves and style it with boots, a belt and winter hat. Hmmm…
For this version of the dress, I used the squared neckline bodice, the long skirt, and sleeves with ties. I styled it with my high heel animal print pumps and my DIY clutch purse. The shoes are for sitting and short distance walking only. I can’t wear pointed toe shoes anymore because they hurt now. There is a link to a Sew Along video for the purse at the end of this post.
If you’re intimidated by working with knit fabrics, the best way to get over that is to just give it a try. And keep trying until you become comfortable with the fabric. If you missed it last week, I created a Pattern Review video for this dress, sharing some of the knit fabrics that will work well for the dress, so check that out at the end of this post. I also share in the tutorial supplies that I used to help achieve nice hems and topstitching with knit. Click the link at the end of this post to watch the Pattern Review.
MACHINES I USED
It’s not secret that I’m a Baby Lock girl! I love my Baby Lock machines and for this sew-along I used three different machines. Yes, I used my Soprano, Vibrant, and Euphoria to sew this simple dress. Was it really necessary to use three machines on this project? Absolutely not!
But let me tell you how rewarding it was to use three machines, all dedicated to a specific task, to make these beautiful dresses. I could have easily sewn the dress with my Vibrant Serger, with the exception of the bust darts and top stitching. It would have been a really quick project.
However, I wanted to demonstrate how this can be done on a regular sewing machine, while giving you a taste of what it’s life to use a serger. And because I LOVE my new Euphoria Coverstitch Machine, there’s just now way I would topstitch without it ever again. LOL!
You don’t need three machines to make your dress, but it was like a beautiful dream to use all my Baby Locks to sew the dresses. The finished product speaks for itself.
LET'S SEW A MAXI DRESS TOGETHER
If you want to give this a try, then join me as I show you how to sew this dress. There is a new video on my YouTube channel where I walk you through the steps of making the dress, with lots of detail.I suggest watching the pattern review first, though, to get all the details in preparation to sew. Follow the links at the end of this post to watch the videos.
Thanks for stopping by,
Remember: When you live in your DESIGN, it is from there that God SHINES!
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials I mentioned in this post.
- Simplicity 8874 Sew Along
- Simplicity 8874 Pattern
- KNIT Fabric Options
- DIY Clutch Purse YouTube Video Tutorial
- Simplicity 8874 Pattern Review Video
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(DISCLAIMER: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.)
NEW WEBSITE
I’ve updated my WEBSITE a couple of times on my own. I knew it was time for an upgrade so I decided to hire a professional to do the work this time. Big things are happening so I had to stop playing. LOL! I really LOVE my new website and want to send a shout out to Charity Mohone for the beautiful job she did on the makeover. I hope you will take a look at the entire site and see all that I’m up to lately.
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(DISCLAIMER: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. All opinions in this post are my own.)
This Post Has 4 Comments
I love your styling of the jacket. Your’e an inspiration. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much, Agatha! I’m so glad you’re inspired.
Hi Anita! So excited! I was talking to my Aunt yesterday about you and she has been following you for a few years. She loves you too!?
Wow! That’s awesome that she’s been following for so long.
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