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Sunday, March 6, 2011

Easy, Draped Maxi Dress DIY Tutorial

One of my resolutions this year was to try draping a garment (a la Project Runway) rather than using a commercial pattern.  This is my first try with it and it seemed relatively simple so I thought I'd share a tutorial on it too :)  The dress I made is a very basic Grecian-inspired, draped maxi using a super soft jersey material.  The best thing about it is that you only have to sew 2 lines - one side seam and the hem.

 
Draped Maxi Dress DIY
(I know I need to shorten the hem, but I'm still trying to decide if I want to add drawstrings up the side to adjust the dress length as I choose)

See full tutorial after the jump:


What You'll Need:
  • 2-3 yards of 60" jersey (I used a stretchy 100% Rayon from Joann's)
  • Matching thread
  • A belt
1.  On a dress form / model / yourself, center fabric against body vertically (the fold in the fabric from being on the bolt should line up against your side from underarms to ankles) and tie the ends once.

Photo of tied ends

2.  Tie it one more time so you wind up with kind of a fancy looking danish

3.  Tuck the ends inside and pin.  You'll hand tack these down when you're ready to sew.

4.  Pin right underneath your underarms and also at your ankles.  

5.  Carefully cut excess fabric from the bottom at the length you want it (maxi, below knee, at knee, etc.) but don't forget to leave a little excess for hemming.

6.  Remove dress from dress form / model / self and sew down the side from where you pinned at the underarm and ankles.  Hem your dress.

7. Voila!  You're finished!  The great thing about jersey is that it will not fray so you can leave the ends unfinished if you prefer.  Hence, I left the entire neckline with a raw edge.  You'll most likely want to wear this dress with a belt of some sort either at your waist line or right underneath your bust.


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51 comments:

  1. curls-and-pearlsMarch 6, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    OMG beautiful!!! I love this style of dress, the whole greek goddness thing is something I adore. You did an amazing job, it's gorgeous!

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  2. Sydney's Fashion DiaryMarch 6, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    The dress is so beautiful. You're very talented. I love the teal color too. You did such a great job! Thanks for sharing the tutorial.

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  3. CMarch 6, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Do you know how much I love grecian dresses?! This is AMAZING. My favorite DIY of yours to date! The shoulder strap detailing is the best part. Please don't add a drawstring. The dress is perfect as is!

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  4. Ruth AnnMarch 6, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    This is hands down absolutely 100% one of my favorite (if not THE favorite) things you've done on here. Stunning, I love the color, and I"m such a sucker for Grecian dresses.

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  5. PingMarch 6, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    OMG & WOW! this is absolutely stunning! so pretty and just an amazing job as usual.

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  6. AnonymousMarch 6, 2011 at 3:30 PM

    OMG it's gorgeous!! One of my fave DIYs from you <3 You should really start selling your pieces.. I love this dress!

    xx The Little Dust Princess

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  7. TA.NMarch 6, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    the final product looks amazing!!! I can't believe you said there's only two sew line!

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  8. SewPetiteGalMarch 6, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Elaine - Thank you so much! I've been a fan of the whole goddess style too :)

    Sydney - Thank you! I hope this tutorial inspires a non-sewer to give it a shot :)

    Cee - You are too sweet - thank you so much! And thanks also for the advice on the drawstring. I very much trust your judgement :)

    Ruth Ann - Awww, thanks love! It'll work for maternity too - you should give it a shot - or just drive your butt down here and visit me ;)

    Ping - Thank you for the super kind words!!

    Jessy - Aww, thanks so much!! I'm still not confident enough in my abilities to sell the clothing but I appreciate your vote of confidence!!

    Gracie - Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Just 2 lines of sewing - very simple :)

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  9. LauraMarch 7, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    This is SO pretty! You should go into business girl :)

    I'd love for you to checkout the giveaway I am hosting this week.

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  10. JenlovesBalMarch 7, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    Very impressive SPG! I love the draping! You look like a goddess. :)

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  11. UnknownMarch 7, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Wow..amazing! Seriously how do you do it? You are so talented- I just am in awe!!!:D

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  12. KileenMarch 7, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    wow, this dress is so beautiful!! i love the color of the fabric and the draping is so elegant.

    cute and little

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  13. LisaMarch 7, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    omg you are so talented! the dress is gorgeous.. it drapes beautifully! and i really love the color you chose for the dress too!

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  14. FMT DonorMarch 8, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    Happy I found you!! Your jewelry is amazing. I can't wait to check out the rest of the blog.

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  15. SewPetiteGalMarch 8, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Laura - Thanks so much! I'll come check out your giveaway after this :)

    Hi Jen! You are too sweet - thank you for your kind words!

    Annie - You always make my day by saying the nicest things - thank you!

    Kileen - Thanks so much! Getting a color comment from you means a lot :)

    Lisa - Thank you! You should give it a shot :)

    Aubrey - Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting such kind things!

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  16. A.LiMarch 9, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    so PRETTY. !!!!!

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  17. PetiteXXSMarch 18, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    I've been meaning to tell you that I absolutely love what you did... and it looks amazing on you! Definitely Project Runway worthy :)

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  18. LeahMay 16, 2011 at 3:58 AM

    Wow that's amazing. Looks so easy, too. Do you think this will work on satin? :P

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  19. SewPetiteGalMay 16, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Hi Lei! Thank you! Since satin is a pretty structured / stiff fabric, I'm afraid the draping won't look quite right. Plus, there's always an issue of puckering at the seams when you're dealing with satin, I would stick to a knit of some sort for this tutorial. Hope this helps!

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  20. AnonymousJune 4, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    You are very talented! This dress is amazing! Great work! Please keep the great posts coming!

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  21. AnonymousOctober 8, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    hey this is super pretty :D
    about the drawstring thing, is it actually possible to make the length adjustable? because would be perfect for me! can you post a tutorial if it is possible?

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  22. SewPetiteGalOctober 11, 2011 at 1:28 AM

    alittlepetite - Thank you for your kind words!

    Anonymous - Thanks so much! Theoretically, the drawstring would allow you to adjust the length but I never did wind up putting one in. I'll post a tutorial on it if I ever do though :)

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  23. Isabella (Crafter)February 13, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    Love it :)

    I made a list of Maxi dress tutorials on my blog <3
    You're in it (twice actually) , hope thats okay :)
    http://crafterlifebyme.blogspot.com/2012/02/list-of-diy-maxi-dresses.html

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousMarch 3, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    What this still be long enough to be a floor-length dress for a tall, 5'10" girl like myself? I'm new to sewing, and am hoping to tackle this project (with a little assistance) today! Absolutely adore it!

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousMarch 3, 2012 at 6:25 AM

      **WOULD this still be long enought... :)

      Delete
    2. SewPetiteGalMarch 6, 2012 at 8:19 PM

      Thank you! I think it will be long enough - I had quite a bit of fabric to trim off of the bottom! Hope your dress turns out well :)

      Delete
  25. AnonymousApril 21, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    Do you think this would work with a satin (not stretch) type fabric? I need to make three bridesmaid dresses for my daughter's three adult bridesmaids and daughter has fallen in love with a glossy, fairly heavy, satin fabric. I know I'd have to hem all round the top so the neckline doesn't fray. Also, sorry .... so many questions ....... but bearing in mind the three bridesmaids range from almost 6ft tall to just over 5ft and one about 5ft 5", very roughly, how many metres of fabric would I need to order. The satin fabric is 60" wide. You are very clever. This style is just what we were looking for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SewPetiteGalApril 21, 2012 at 8:00 PM

      Hello! I think this dress works best with soft, lightweight fabrics like jerseys or maybe silky types. In my experience, working with satin (especially the glossy kind since the shine can be unkind to body lumps and bumps) can be difficult because it is such a stiff fabric and doesn't drape very well. I am also a homegrown sew-er who is far from an expert, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Regarding how much fabric needed, you'll probably need about 2 yards per dress since the width is 60". This will give you 72" in length with a little extra to do a facing at the top (if you decide to go that route). I hope this helps!

      Let me know if you have any other questions :)

      Delete
  26. Nekoiya OryaleJuly 13, 2012 at 12:58 PM

    It's work beautifully with chiffon fabric! I just finished mines!

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    Replies
    1. SewPetiteGalJuly 13, 2012 at 3:10 PM

      Ooh, thanks for info, Nikki! I'll have to give it a try with chiffon too :)

      Delete
  27. AnonymousJuly 20, 2012 at 4:42 PM

    Yours looks more graceful than the one that inspired you! Beautiful work.

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  28. lisacngMarch 5, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    So classy and sexy!

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  29. SewinstuffSeptember 6, 2013 at 10:42 PM

    Thanks so much for this tutorial! As if it wasn't quick and easy enough, I actually made a short-cut version: I skipped sewing the side seam and made sort of a wrap dress by overlapping the sides a little and using a belt to make sure it stayed. (I used lightweight jersey.) It worked well and looked great!

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    Replies
    1. SewPetiteGalSeptember 8, 2013 at 8:32 PM

      Ooh, sounds pretty! May have to try that myself - thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  30. JustOneVoiceFebruary 17, 2014 at 1:53 PM

    I was hoping to have some real sewing with this dress. I don't like the idea of a big knot on my shoulder. Can you create a design when there is a should seam? The top of the dress could just be tucked in so you don't have a raw edge, but that knot has to go. Sorry.

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    Replies
    1. SewPetiteGalFebruary 17, 2014 at 10:05 PM

      Thanks for the feedback! You could gather the shoulder and sew it, but I fear this particular design would have too much fabric to adequately sew down. The knotting was partially for the ornate design but also for the ease. I have another maxi dress tutorial here with normal shoulders: http://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/2011/08/make-your-own-stripes-colorblocked-maxi.html or you can do cap sleeves here: http://sewpetitegal.blogspot.com/2013/07/easy-shift-dress-diy-tutorial.html

      Hope that helps!

      Delete
  31. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2015 at 12:35 PM

    Hi, this is so SIMPLE & BEAUTIFUL - have always loved grecian since history in primary school. Thanks so much for sharing, will surely try this out!! The knot close-up is helpful, I can just imagine a flower tucked into that knot and peeping out from under it over the left breast!

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    Replies
    1. SewPetiteGalFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:20 AM

      The flower addition sounds gorgeous! Hope the dress works out well for you!!

      Delete
  32. Lil GillAugust 20, 2015 at 1:37 PM

    I am going to be making this tomorrow ready for a wedding on the 29th. I haven't yet used my sewing machine so fingers crossed it is as easy as it seems :) I will let you know

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  33. AnonymousOctober 23, 2015 at 10:17 AM

    This saved my life! It's so beautiful and elegant, without breaking the bank or spending hours of work to get the right look. I have a Greece-inspired costume party coming up, and this dress (but probably in white) will be mine! Thank you so much for posting this.

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    Replies
    1. SewPetiteGalOctober 29, 2015 at 9:59 PM

      Thank you for your kind words! Hope your costume turns out beautifully! I love the idea of this in white :)

      Delete
  34. AnonymousDecember 11, 2015 at 9:19 PM

    I really like its style..must try it at home..love to ware that in party

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    Replies
    1. SewPetiteGalDecember 16, 2015 at 7:24 AM

      Thanks so much! Would love to hear how your project turns out :)

      Delete
  35. oliveMay 3, 2016 at 6:39 AM

    This is so cute......thanx

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  36. AnonymousMay 3, 2016 at 7:14 AM

    I realize I'm a bit late to this party, but I had to tell you how lovely this is! I will have to try it, though it may take a while as I'm all thumbs when it comes to measuring/tying/pinning, etc. on myself. And I LOVE the big knot, by the way-the dress wouldn't be the same without it, and because it draws the eye, you don't have to wear a lot of jewelry-just some dangling earrings or a big cuff, I think. Simple and beautiful!

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    Replies
    1. SewPetiteGalJune 22, 2016 at 7:38 AM

      You are very, very kind - thank you for taking the time to comment! :)

      Delete
  37. UnknownJuly 4, 2018 at 9:53 AM

    This is so beautiful and creative. Not the usual crammed design, yet it pulls off with elegancy. I want to try it for bridesmaids
    Thanks so much. You are a creative genius

    ReplyDelete

I'm the type of gal who gets giddy when I receive mail - it's no different with comments! I really appreciate the feedback and love hearing from you :)