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SLEEVELESS MAXI DRESS | BURDA 6414
It’s starting to feel like sleeveless maxi dress season in my town. I’m READY for it! I’m a big fan of maxi dresses and I used to sew them a lot. I love the comfort most of all, and this one is giving me the ultimate vibe of comfy-casual. If you’re a new beginner to sewing and like what you see so far, keep reading. This post is sponsored by Baby Lock.
PATTERN INFORMATION
I used BURDA STYLE 6414 to make this beautiful dress. I’ve heard from quite a few people who are not fans of Burda patterns. I happen to really love them. However, they’re different from the other popular brands. I’ll mention some of those differences throughout this blog post.
This is a beginner-friendly pattern, so if you have basic sewing knowledge you should be able to complete the garment. The pattern company rates this as an EASY project and I agree. There are only 5 pattern pieces required to make View A, the maxi dress. However, View B has 8 pieces included to sew the short version.
The sleeveless jersey dress comes in two lengths, maxi and knee-length. The oversized bodice creates a blouson effect as it narrows in at the waist, aided by elastic. The slim skirt has a short slit on one side to give extra room for walking. View B is gathered at the shoulders with ties. There is also a waist tie that you can make for either view. It is available in US sizes 8 – 18, and EUR 34 – 44. I do realize that their sizing is very limited.
Inside the Garment
Pretty insides make me happy. I used all three of my Baby Lock sewing machines to create beautiful seams and hems for my dress. No, I don’t need 3 machines to create the beauty. However, having dedicated sewing machines to simplify the process has really been a game changer for me. Having all three machines set up and ready to go also streamlines the sewing process. It just makes me smile.
I used my BABY LOCK SOPRANO to sew all the seams. I set the machine to a NARROW ZIG ZAG stitch. The stitch width was set to 0.5mm and the stitch length was the standard 2.5mm. These were the best options for the fabric that I used. It’s important to choose your stitch type, width, and length according to your fabric type and thickness. Choosing the settings on my Baby Lock Soprano is quick and easy using the Operations Panel. A quick touch of a button and I’m all set to stitch.
Whenever I work with knit fabrics, I use the WALKING FOOT that came with my Baby Lock Soprano. It helps to feed the top layer of fabric through the machine evenly, while the feed dogs from the machine feed the bottom layer. I also used a Size 10 JERSEY NEEDLE for my chosen fabric. It’s important to choose the proper type and size needle based on the fabric you’re using. I am not brand specific when choosing my needles. I just happen to have lots of Schmetz needles because they have worked well for me.
I used my BABY LOCK VIBRANT SERGER to finish the seam allowances inside the dress. Although it’s not necessary to finish the raw edges of knit fabrics, because they don’t unravel, I like the polished look. Therefore, I almost always use some type of finishing technique. Since the serger trims and finishes the seams simultaneously, it’s a time saver. Also, you can actually sew the entire dress with the serger, including hemming. The only part you will need your regular machine for is to create the elastic casing.
The hems on the neckline, sleeves, and bottom of the skirt were sewn with my BABY LOCK EUPHORIA COVERSTITCH. This machine has truly elevated my sewing. The hems are always very clean. But the best part is how beautifully it hems on knit fabrics, without stretching out of shape. I usually stabilize my knit fabrics before hemming to prevent the stretching, but I don’t have to with EUPHORIA (although I still do). I sewed all the hems on this dress without stabilizing. The EUPHORIA is a true game changer.
Fabric Options
The back of the envelope gives one option for fabric – Jersey. However, you can use other knit fabrics as long as there is a good amount of stretch. If you want to use a more stable knit with less stretch, I suggest going up a size. And if you’re not sure, make a muslin from a fabric of similar weight and stretch. I used this DOUBLE BRUSH POLY SPANDEX that I purchased from our local Joann Fabrics.
Alterations Information
You will notice below how the garment measurements are printed alongside the finished garment line drawings. The finished hip measurement for the skirt is printed on the Front pattern piece. There is no finished bust measurement for the bodice, which is okay since it’s designed to be oversized.
I cut a size 10 for the bodice and 16 for the skirt. Since the skirt is gathered at the waist, I was not concerned about the extra width. Unfortunately, Burda doesn’t give all the other measurements that you receive with other big brand patterns. So if you need to know the measurements for other areas, you can measure on your own. This is actually a good practice too because sometimes the measurements are off. This is how we find out that a pattern runs large or small after we’ve completed the garment (especially if you’re not making a muslin or fitting along the way).
The armhole opening is large and creates the draping effect. If you’re uncomfortable with such a large opening, you can wear a tank or camisole underneath for more coverage. Another option is to close up the arm hole a bit by altering the pattern in that area. I’m not sure what that would do for the drape though.
Notions Information
The only notions listed on the envelope are elastic for the waist, and a twin needle. If you don’t have a coverstitch machine, you can change to a twin needle on your regular machine to sew your hems. You will notice in the photo below that I did not use my serger to finish the raw edges for the casing. Sometimes I will skip that detail and use the sewing machine to create the casing since that area will be gathered. It eliminates the extra bulk that we don’t want in the waist area.
Styling Options
I styled my dress with a pair of flat sandals for comfort. I intentionally hemmed the dress to wear with flats as casual wear. I added a silver chain belt around the waist, a long silver necklace and big hoop earrings. I forgot my bracelet but will definitely add a silver one when I wear this look.
Of course, it looks great with a big straw hat for those days when the sun is beaming, or just because.
How would you wear the garment?
Do you have this pattern? Do you sew with Burda? Would you make this dress long or short?
If you’re a new beginner who’s interested in sewing the dress, I have a SEW ALONG video coming for you. The dress is so comfortable that I must have another one. Grab your pattern if you don’t have it already and come sew with me. I will most likely post the Pattern Review video first to get everyone ready.
Thanks for stopping by,
Anita 💕
Don't Forget your Sewing Project Checklist
Did you know that I created a Sewing Project Checklist to help you stay organized while sewing your garments? If you missed the video where I shared 3 Steps to Time Saving Sewing for Beginners, check it out to learn how you can streamline your sewing process. Tap the link below to get a Free PDF copy of the Checklist.
Links to Products, Posts & Tutorials
Here are links to products, blog posts, and tutorials mentioned in this post.
- Pattern
- Fabric Option
- Sewing Project Checklist
- Learn to SEW Course
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
(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 20 Comments
Love this!!! Love the fabric, the color. Yep you are definitely getting ready for summer.
Hey Anita! you are so right having three machine to aid you sometimes. It’s! a blessing though! you and the dress are looking pretty summery !!
Thank you so much, DJ! 💕
That color is gorgeous Anita! The whole project, the fit , design and accessories! Beautiful!! Love ❤️ it! 😊. Excellent job, as usual
Thank you so much, Shon! 💕
Another successful garment!
Thank you Delores! 💕
This maxi dress is beautiful and you look great in it. I’m hoping you will do a sewalong for this pattern because Burda patterns scare me lol! I get confused with the measurements. Looking forward to more videos sewalongs with you Anita . Can’t wait. Will be purchasing this pattern for sure. Thank you.
Hi Yvette! I get it and you’re not alone. I’ve heard from quite a few people who are confused with Burda pattern instructions. Yes, a sew along is coming for this pattern. I’ll walk you through the entire process. Get ready! 🤗
Love it!!
Thank you Ramona! 💕
Anita, this dress reminds me of ancient Grecian fashions; thus, you look like a Grecian goddess! The color is complimentary to your skin tone and the accessories are a great touch. I am always amazed at your fashion eye and your impeccable sewing. You select patterns most people pass over and then turn the sew into a major fashion statement. You and your army of Baby Locks have boosted home sewing.
De!!! Thank you so much! Someone else mentioned the Greek style. I didn’t even pick up on that but you’re so right. I love it!!! Your words always make me smile. 💕
Stunning! You look beautiful in this style and color. You are such an inspiration.
Sorry for the duplicate, I thought it didn’t go. Love you, Anita
Thank you so much DJ! 💕
I am excited about the sew along, Anita! Two questions— I am wondering why you used your regular sewing machine for the garment seams instead of using your serger to seam and finish in one step. Also, with the bodice having so much ease and the skirt more fotted, would you still recommend choosing a pattern size based on your bust measurement or would you pick a size based on your full hip measurement? Is it still a good idea to grade between the two sizes if your caboose puts you in a bigger size than your headlights? 😉
Okay, first of all I’m laughing at your description of body parts. 🤣 I chose to sew the seams with my regular machine because I wanted to demonstrate all 3 machines. I chose my cutting size based on the hip measurement, knowing that I would be fine with the ease in the bodice. Yes, you can still grade between sizes to get your desired fit.
Dear Anita, your dress is so pretty 😊. I love dresses 💃, both maxi and short versions, my the most favourite is 50’s style. I sew with Burda, I have been a subscriber of the magazine Burda for 20 years and my mum has always sewn with Burda and her own ideas as well. Take care! Greetings from Europe 🙋
Hi Dagmar! That is so great to hear you enjoy sewing with Burda patterns. 🤗