Easy Infinity Maxi Dress DIY Tutorial

I've long been enamored with the concept of infinity dresses, but was a little wary of the open back.  So instead of the typical 2 strap version - I used 4 straps - 2 in front and 2 in back - for more complete coverage.  I also made the fabric overlap deeper to ensure the "v" didn't cut too low on any given side (the thought of wardrobe malfunction terrifies me).

Difficulty: Easy

Time: ~2-3 hrs

Materials:

• 4 yards 56-60" width chiffon fabric (I wear a strapless dress or full slip underneath)
• 1/4" elastic

Due to the length of the post and number of pictures, please see the rest of the tutorial after the jump.



Steps:

• This dress is essentially composed of 6 rectangles:
• 2 for the skirt
• 4 for the straps

• SKIRT
• Measurements are 28" x desired length (desired length depends on where you'd like the skirt to sit - either empire waist - good for tummy camouflage! - or natural waist.  Measure from the sitting point down to the floor and add 2")
• Cut 2 with the measurements determined above
• Mine were 28 x 45"
• Note: 28" was chosen so I could use exactly half the width of my fabric and also allow enough room to take long steps.  Please feel free to customize to your needs.
• Measure under your bust and divide by 2.  Mark this on your skirt panels and cut diagonally from the top to the bottom.

• Place right sides of fabric together and sew down each side.

• STRAPS
• Measurements are 14" x your height (you can adjust the length to whatever you prefer, but it seemed like this was an easy way to get proportionate straps)
• Cut 4 with the measurements determined above
• Mine were 14 x 62"
• Note: Similar to what I did for the skirt, I used 14" so I could quarter the width of my fabric.  Yours should cover at least 2/3 of your torso width.
• Place the right side of one strap against the right side of your skirt.  Make sure the width overlaps the center front of your skirt as well as the side seam.  Pin in place and repeat for the remaining 3 straps ensuring they are evenly spaced and overlapping each other.  Stitch across allowing 5/8" seam allowance.
• Each side should look like this:

• And the dress in total should look like this:

Um, please disregard the renovation materials!

• DRESS
• Measure your elastic by placing it against your waist comfortably.  Cut and sew ends together with a zig zag stitch back and forth.
• Place elastic where the straps meet the skirt.  You are essentially going to case the elastic by pushing the seam allowance material up and over the elastic and then stitching in place.
• Alternatively, you can case and insert un-sewn elastic before sewing the elastic ends together.  I prefer casing after the fact because I hate threading the elastic through.

Push seam allowance over elastic and stitch into place taking care not to sew into the elastic

• Finish your raw edges.  I used a rolled hem, but you can also do a narrow hem if preferred.

Rolled Hem

• Hem to your desired length.

You're finished!  

Now it's time to play with how to wear it!

Per request, here are the pictures individually - please click to enlarge:

 

If you have questions on how to tie certain styles, please let me know!  I just didn't want to extend this post if no one needed it :)

UPDATE: How-to for the sleeved look

1.  Throw the back straps up and over your shoulders

2.  Criss cross at front and tie loosely at waist

3.  Throw front straps over shoulders and criss cross at front

4.  Join the strap ends of both front and back straps at waist and tie in a knot