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.
IÂ 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!
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 🙂
Dara Harper says
You are SEW generous! Thank you!
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!!!