KNIT MAXI DRESS | SIMPLICITY 8874

Hello there! Happy National Sewing Month! I hope you had a lovely Labor Day Weekend. As for me, I’m doing that “thing” again. I found a pattern that I love and I’ve sewn three versions already and planning to sew another one real soon. I’ve worn all three dresses and I can tell you that they will get more wear because I love them. Let me show you this knit maxi dress that I made with Simplicity 8874 so you can get this pattern.

Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress

I ran across Simplicity 8874 while at the fabric store recently and was drawn to the square neckline on the bodice of View A. I sewed that view first with a beautiful multicolor ITY Knit that has been in my fabric collection for some time now.

Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress

All the main seams were sewn on the Baby Lock Vibrant serger. The darts, neckband and armhole bands were sewn on the Baby Lock Soprano sewing machine.

Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress
Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress
Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress

I don’t usually add pockets when sewing with ITY Knit because it’s so flimsy. But I opted in on the pockets this time and they’re fine. 

As you can see, from the envelope cover, this in an easy to sew pattern, so it’s beginner friendly. Each dress, except View B, uses seven pattern pieces. Because View B has a two-part sleeve and ties, there are nine pattern pieces. The pattern is sized for stretch knits only, like: Activewear Knits, Double Knit, Jersey, Spandex Blends, and Stretch Velvet. The Pick-A-Knit Rule on back of the pattern envelope will help you test the stretchability of your fabric.

How to sew a knit maxi dress

You’ve probably heard me say that it’s best to practice matching prints, stripes, and plaids on simple patterns. Fabric choice is EVERYTHING! I really like stripes but you really need to take your time in the preparation and sewing steps. I’ve had this beautiful blue and white striped, rib knit in my fabric collection for a very long time. I sewed View D bodice with the long skirt. I skipped an important step in the cutting step and my stripes didn’t match up everywhere. I actually forgot to add my pockets because I was fussing so much with the stripes. But the dress still looks nice. All seams, except for shoulders were sewn on the sewing machine. The shoulder seams were serged.

Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress

I had planned on sewing View C next, with the sleeves, but I didn’t have enough of the fabric I chose. This is another ITY Knit from my collection that I love. I’ve actually used this fabric before on another maxi dress with McCall’s 7566. I’ll link to that dress at the end of this post. Since I didn’t have enough fabric this time, I sewed View D bodice with a long skirt again (excluding pockets again, on purpose).

Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress

You already know how much I love styling my DIY makes. I’ve shared that I usually style the garments before making them by matching the fabric with my accessories. When I chose this fabric, I knew immediately that I would wear the brown hat because it’s so perfect. You’ve seen me wear these high heel sandals a lot, and you’ll continue to see them in the future. They’re my favorite but only when I don’t have to do a lot of walking. I’ve mixed pearls with metals this time–a strand of pearls, big silver hoop earrings, silver and pearl bracelets. And I topped it off with one of my DIY clutch purses (see link for full tutorial at end of this post).

Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress

I wore this dress to church last Sunday and it was so comfortable. I wore the others to church also and they’re really nice to dress up or down. I wore flat sandals with this one on Sunday. I’m definitely making this again because one more knit maxi dress in my closet will make me happy.

Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress
Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress
Simplicity 8874 | Knit Maxi Dress

I left the hem raw on all three dresses. If I decide to hem the next dress, I will extend the hem length during cutting because I like the finished length on the dress without the hem inserted. I used a triple Coverstitch on the neckline and armhole openings on the squared neckline. The other two dresses were finished with a wide coverstitch. I used my beautiful new Baby Lock Euphoria for the finishing. That machine is magical. I love it so much.

Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials

Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials I mentioned in this post.

(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.

Thanks for stopping by,


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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 22 Comments

  1. Sheila

    Awesome!! I love all three dresses. Each dress fits you so well. I have to get this pattern

  2. Dorothy A Steward

    Love your dresses,I’ve made two maxis from the pattern,so easy to make,. Wish I could afford a coverstitch serger. Thanks for styling your makes. Be Bless.
    Dottie

    1. Anita Morris

      Thank you Dorothy! Yes, the coverstitch is a nice addition to the family of machines.

  3. Linda

    Your dresses are Beautiful! You’ve inspired me to try this pattern. I think I’ll make the short version. Happy National Sewing Month to you too. Thank you

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Linda! Have fun making your dress.

  4. Josie

    Hi Anita
    Thanks for sharing. I love all the dresses on you. About fabrics, you stated ” my stash” It’s difficult to find the right fabrics. Occasionally I get suitable fabrics online. Getting a pattern is half the battle.
    Again Thank s for sharing

    Josie

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Josie! Yes, fabric selection will make or break the garment. Before I discovered the online sewing world, I knew nothing about a fabric stash. I fell into the trap and started collecting fabrics over the years. I prefer to call it my fabric collection because it sounds better. LOL! But sometimes I forget and say, “stash.”

  5. Lynette Patrice

    Hi Sis, Thank you for sharing. I saw the dress on IG, but didn’t realize that you kept the hem raw; that’s good to know. Do you use the same machine for the triple cover stitch….that looks so nice!

    I’m still having sizing issues with fitting my patterns, but I love sewing for my grandbaby who’s three years old and my great niece who’s two years old ?

    Take care

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Lynette! Yes, fitting is an ongoing journey. Just try different fitting methods and stick with what works for you. There are loots of resources out there. It’s so nice that you sew for the children.

  6. Terri Gardner

    This post is full of so much inspiration. And Happy National Sewing Month to you!

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Terri! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and felt inspired.

  7. Barbara

    Your dresses look beautiful . I have this pattern , I am definitely going to make this dress.

    1. Anita Morris

      Thank you, Barbara! Have fun sewing your dress.

  8. Dara

    Anita Everything is Beautiful! Thank you SO Much for this post! Happy Sewtember!

    1. Anita Morris

      Thank you, Dara! I’m so glad you like the dresses.

  9. Maureen

    These are gorgeous! So are the shoes but I would definitely fall over! I think I will get this pattern and make it in a shorter length. Winter in Michigan is coming. I’m thinking ankle boots and tights with a sweater. Simplicity Patterns are on sale at Hobby Lobby this week! I so want to get a Babylock sewing machine with embroidery capabilities. Did you use your coverstitch machine on the neckline?

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Maureen. Yes, it would look great with boots too. I used the coverstitch on the neckline for all three dresses.

  10. Trish

    Anita,
    I love all of the prints. Definitely going to get the pattern. Keep doing what you do!

    1. Anita Morris

      Hi Trish! Thank you so much. You will love this pattern. Have fun sewing your dress.

  11. Robin Plummer

    Anita, these dresses are lovely!

    I need to try making this pattern because I could see adding sleeves, or a wide ruffle at the bottom. So many choices!

    1. Anita Morris

      Yes, Robin, so many possibilities with this one. It’s an easy sew too. You should definitely give it a try.

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