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Oh the wrap dress….a universally flattering cut and a timeless dress. Today’s post features the second look for my 3 Great DIY Dresses to sew series. Last week I showed you how I took the Pony Tank Pattern and created a maxi using an easy hack. You can find that full post here. This is another easy DIY Dress using Butterick 5206 (a Faux Wrap Dress). For this review I will focus on this specific pattern, but you could achieve a similar look with many other knit wrap dress patterns.
Make the Look
To create a maxi dress from a pattern without a maxi length option, you simply add length at the lengthen line on the pattern. I walked through my specific steps and posted a video with a how to on this post. For this look, I simply measured from my waist to where I wanted the skirt to fall plus hem allowance to achieve my new measurement rather than from my underarm as I did in the pony tank pattern. The reason it is different is the pony tank pattern is one piece and this dress pattern has a separate skirt and bodice portion.
Sewing Pattern Review
- Pattern Description – Dress, mid-knee length, has close-fitting mock wrap bodice, flared skirt, contrast binding, side zipper, sleeve variations and tie belt
- Sizes – 8/10/12/14, I made the 8 bodice graded to a 10 skirt.
- Fabric Used- I picked up this fabric on clearance at Hobby Lobby around $3/yd a couple years ago. I believe it is a poly lycra but I am not sure. It has almost a swim fabric feel to it and is somewhat heavy.
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Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Sort of, I changed it to a maxi length and omitted the bias binding everywhere except the bodice front.
- Were the instructions easy to follow?Yes, this pattern was easy to follow. I didn’t use the zipper or binding and attached my sleeves in the flat for a quicker sew.
- What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that it was a mock wrap dress and the skirt would just be a front and back rather than an actual wrap. This would make lengthening the skirt a little easier. I didn’t care for the binding, mostly because I am too lazy and too short on my sewing time most days.
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- Pattern Alterations or Design Changes- I omitted the bias binding and the zipper. I added length to the skirt to achieve a maxi length and left it unhemmed (again…being lazy). I drastically took in the arms and the bodice to achieve a more fitted look. I just kept basting and trying it on until I achieved the look I wanted. I did not do the belt as instructed because I did not have enough fabric. I simply cut as long of a sash as I could squeeze out. Put it right sides together, stitched around and left an opening to turn it right sides out. Pressed it flat and slip stitched the opening closed.
- I also added clear elastic to my shoulder seams to help with shape retention. This fabric is a bit heavy so I probably should have used it at the waist and side seams too. Here is the clear elastic I currently use: Dritz 9346C Lightweight Elastic, Clear, 3/8-Inch
- Would you sew it again? Yes, this is a quick and easy dress and I love the finished look.
- Would you recommend it to others? Yes, this is a beginner friendly pattern if you omit the zipper and binding like I did. I really don’t know why a knit dress needs a zipper anyway and the bias binding adds a lot of time and can be frustrating for someone new to sewing. So, if you are looking for the easy way out, consider dropping those two steps.
Next Wednesday I will share my third dress in the 3 Great DIY Dresses to Sew series. I hope you enjoyed this second look.
Until next time, Happy Sewing
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Please stop by the other 2 dress posts in this series to see more great DIY Dress options:
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I
This is a beautiful dress – very classic! Great photos – they really show off the dress and the model.