Women’s Sleeveless Solid Color Round Neck Maxi Dress Chic Style

Ingredients

• 2 yards solid color fabric (cotton or linen preferred)
• 0.5 yards coordinating fabric for neckline and armholes
• 1 inch wide elastic (for waistband)
• 1 spool sewing thread matching your fabric
• 1 piece scissors
• 1 machine sewing machine
• 1 piece measuring tape
• 1 set pins
• 1 iron iron
• 1 sheet pattern paper (optional for drafting)

Instructions

1. Measure and Cut: Start by taking your body measurements (bust, waist, hips, and length desired for the maxi dress). Use these measurements to create your pattern on the pattern paper or use a pre-existing maxi dress pattern as a template. Cut the fabric according to the pattern, ensuring to cut two pieces for the front and back of the dress.
2. Prepare the Neckline and Armholes: Cut strips of the coordinating fabric (about 2 inches wide) for the neckline and armholes. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the edge. Turn them inside out and press with an iron.
3. Attach Neckline and Armholes: Pin the prepared strips to the neckline and armholes of the dress. Sew them in place, following the curve for a seamless finish.
4. Create the Waistband: Measure your waist and cut a piece of elastic that corresponds to your waist measurement, minus an inch for a snug fit. Sew the ends of the elastic together to form a loop.
5. Sew the Side Seams: With the right sides of the fabric facing each other, pin the side seams of the dress together. Sew from the armhole down to the hem, ensuring you leave room for the elastic to sit comfortably at the waist.
6. Gather and Insert the Elastic: Mark a line on the waistband where the elastic will sit. Using a gathering stitch along the top edge of the bodice, pull the threads gently to create ruffles. Insert the elastic into the waistband casing, ensuring it is evenly distributed, then sew the waistband closed.
7. Finish the Hem: Finally, hem the bottom of the dress to your desired length. Fold the fabric under about ½ inch and press with an iron, then sew in place for a clean finish.
8. Final Press and Style: Give your maxi dress a final press with an iron to remove any creases. Style as desired with accessories like a belt or chunky jewelry for a chic look.