Summer is when I do the most sewing for myself. That’s because I always want new skirts and dresses when it starts to warm up, and both of those are generally easier to sew than, say, jeans and jackets. Last summer I made a maxi dress using my free easy tee pattern – it was super easy to sew and very comfortable, so it got quite a lot of wear time. A few of you asked if I had tried a dress like this with a woven (non-stretchy fabric), so when started getting warm this spring that’s what I did.
I stuck pretty close to the easy tee maxi dress tutorial, with just a few changes to accommodate the woven fabric, since the tutorial was written for use with a knit. First, I made the dress hit just below the knee instead of maxi length – with no stretch in the skirt it might have been hard to walk in at maxi length.
Next, I added a placket in the front to make sure there would be plenty of room to get it over my head. In retrospect, I think the neckline is roomy enough as is that I could have skipped this step. But it’s kind of fun to leave the placket unbuttoned and wear it open for a little variety:
NOTE: I used this great tutorial from Melly Sews to sew in the front placket, and that was the first thing I did once I cut out the fabric.
The third change I made was to cut the sleeves a little longer and roomier, and the top of the dress a little looser. I just wanted to make sure the dress would still be plenty roomy even without a stretchy fabric. This is how it looked when I used the easy tee pattern to cut out the pieces (red dots show my cut lines):
A little extra room, and enough length to turn the shirt into a dress. I cut two pieces of what you see above (both on the fold) – one for the front of the dress and one for the back.
Other than that, I sewed up the dress just like you see in the easy tee maxi dress tutorial. With one more little change – instead of making a casing to run elastic through to cinch the waistline, I just sewed elastic right to the dress from the inside at the waist.
If you give this a try, be sure to use a lightweight fabric that’s quite flowy – that way it will drape well and be cool and comfortable in the summer weather!
Find all the other easy tee top and dress tutorials here and get the free pattern here!
Idhika says
Great Design and good fit to you love this
Amy says
Love this! What shoes are you wearing? Super cute!
td bank hours says
Wow.. This is a awesome dress style. It’s a best choice of summer. Thanks.
MARY says
I love your patterns and your instructions. I have learnt to sew with Jersey with these patterns and I have made 2 tops so far and working on the 3rd and planning this dress as my 4th. Your fabric choices are simple, but amazing. Thanks very much for taking the time to blog these as I prefer using your website than buying patterns and trying to get them to fit! You are amazing seamstress.
malen rizon says
thank you for sharing
zoila says
Thanks , I’ve used all your patterns , are very accurate. You’re a great seamstress and have very good taste.
autumn says
You’re welcome! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Natasha says
Hey I love it I made a tunic length but I suck at hemming the neck 🙁 Any tips ?
Dara Harper says
You are SEW generous! Thank you!
becky brown says
HI I am new to this sewing without a store bought pattern. But I really want to. What do you mean “cut strip for neck b indning”? ie……how long and how wide ? Does it need to be curved to match the neckline?
You think this would work with a lightweight cotton?
Pooja says
I just love the easy tee pattern. Made myself some 10-12 tee shirts over last 6 months. Some colour block ones. Some raglan sleeve ones n even the lace on front with raglan sleeve one. The latest project is a dress. Took in the side seam slightly and reduced the tee length to make a bodice and added a half circle skirt to it. Result: beautiful and super comfortable dress!!! Lady, every time I wear these clothes, I bless you!!! The size is right and flattering too. Thanks a lot!!!
Cher @ Designs by Studio C says
I love this dress! It looks so comfortable and I am so excited to make it! Thanks so much!
Sharlyn says
Looks terrific! I have been savig some fabric to try the easy tee maxi dress this Summer. Thanks for all your great ideas!
sorahart says
I am loving all of these dress tutorials…perfect for summer!
Elizabeth says
Just got my pattern ready–increased to an XL to make my first Easy Tee!!! And when I read this, I remembered the PERFECT woven to make a dress! Super excited! Love all your posts and sewing tutorials! (I’m short and not thin….your patterns are perfect!) Thank you!!!! 😀
Barbara says
Just wondered if you might be willing to share your XL variation or how you adjusted to get it to the XL.
Kristie says
Thanks for sharing this. I have been wondering if I could just make it into a tee, and maybe I can. Your fabric choices are always amazing. And thanks for sharing this great pattern. It is the one I turn to the most.