I am ridiculously picky about the length of certain clothing items. Shirts can’t be too long, but they need to hit at a just-above-hip length, depending on the style, of course.
I think it’s probably safe to say we all have specific lengths and fits that make us say, “yes! This one is perfect.”
When it comes to maxi dresses, however, I am uber picky.
It needs to be longer than my ankles.
It needs to not drag on the floor.
It needs to brush the tops of my feet.
And goodness I sound super high maintenance. Eeks.
I promise I’m not, I just know how I like my maxi dresses to fit!
This maxi is one of my absolute favorites. Its thick material isn’t see-through, it’s a flattering fit, and when do I not love navy? The only problem is that it is just too short. I tried to put off washing it as long as possible, but well, I didn’t want people to start smelling me before they saw me, if you know what I mean. Even after letting it hang to dry and stretch a bit, I still found it hitting such an awkward length.
Sadness. Sadness. Sadness.
This problem can be easily fixed, so I thought I’d show you a quick and easy way to lengthen that maxi hanging in your closet because of the dang length.
Supplies:
- maxi dress to lengthen
- coordinating fabric to lengthen*
- sewing machine
- thread
- pins
- sewing gauge
*My maxi is a jersey fabric throughout, so I chose a light blue jersey for a color blocked look for my dress. You can choose to stay consistent with your dress fabric –choosing jersey with jersey, cotton weave with cotton weave– or you can mix and match. I thought about adding a patterned navy cotton fabric to the bottom of this dress, but opted for this light blue jersey I had on hand instead.
1|| Measure and cut the lengthening fabric. Be sure to add about 1.5-2″ extra for your seams and hem. Measure the bottom circumference of your dress, being careful not to stretch it as you measure. My dress was wider at the bottom than the width of my fabric, so I ended up needing an additional 8 inch panel.
2|| Seam together your lengthening fabric to match circumferences, and pin right sides together.
*You can choose to let out the hem of your dress, if you’d like. I opted to leave mine in for a couple of reasons: 1) in case I give this dress to someone who needs the shorter length–it’ll be a quick fix, 2) I wanted the additional weight that the gives. I guess I should have added that to my list of maxi dress requirements…I love when a dress has a night weight to the bottom hem, so it moves well as I walk.*
It’s the little things.
3|| Sew the bottom seam with at least a 5/8″ seam allowance — I opted to do about a 1″ seam allowance. We will be top stitching the seam to give it more of a professional and finished look, so we want our seam allowance to be large enough to catch.
4|| Press your seams towards the bottom of your dress, and top stitch around circumference. I chose to use a contrasting thread –navy — for this step, but you can choose a coordinating thread if you’d like!
5|| This step might require a little bit of help, as it’s difficult to measure the correct length needed while also wearing your maxi dress! Put your dress on and mark where you will hem for the new maxi dress length. Measure and pin. Sew hem.
I used jersey, which doesn’t fray much, so I didn’t worry about finishing that interior edge. To give your dress an even more polished look, fold and press a 1/4″ hem and sew. Now fold over and press again to your desired length. Sew hem.
6|| Finally get that dress out of retirement, and start wearing it! I’ll share photos of it soon — the weather hasn’t exactly been cooperating for photos of this spring maxi dress, but I am loving the new length!
Andy and Harlow surprised me at the airport last night to pick me up, so I didn’t have to take a cab home. Goodness, she grew up like crazy, it seems, and I was only gone for 4 days!
Happy last day of Winter!! Think Spring will get the memo that it’s finally time to show up!?
xo
I LOVE THIS. Why can you do everything?
so not true!! But measure how much longer you need yours — and I’ll lengthen your dress for you too! Just need to pick a color :) xoxoxo
You’re kind of a genius. I have to agree with Kate, why are you so good at all the things?!
I have totally been meaning to do this on one of my maxis but was dreading it. After reading this, I realize I totally don’t have to dread it. I might just get it out and get it ready for that warm weather I keep hoping for!
What can you do if your maxi dress is patterned? :/
Hi. I have an alteration question for a maxi dress. I found a maxi dress at boston store yesterday that I love. The problem is this, the dress is size 22. I really need size 24. They do not make the dress in size 24. Can a Maxi dress be altered to increase from 22 to 24? Do you have any recomendations?
Thanks.
Laura