DIY Boho Babydoll Dress: Pattern Review

I want to introduce you to a new maxi dress sewing pattern from Patterns for Pirates. While I was sewing this dress in testing I envisioned a boho chic look. Digging through my stash, I found this gorgeous vintage lace trim and inspiration struck. Imagine my delight when the pattern ended up being named “Boho Babydoll.” Here is my review of the pattern and how you can create your own fabulous Boho maxi dress.

Patterns for Pirates: Boho Babydoll Maxi Dress Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

This pattern comes with many options to create a beautiful boho look. Choose from a racer back tank, top or dress with short, 3/4 and long sleeve options, plus top length, skirt length, maxi length and a hi-low hem option.

Size Range: XXS – Plus3X

Recommended Fabric: Rayon Spandex or other drapey knit

The dress pictured here is the racerback tank option and maxi skirt. I used a Purple Rayon Spandex fabric from Joanns and vintage lace trim on my bottom hem. Want a similar look? I linked some fabulous options to make your own version below.

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The tank is finished with bands and it gives the tank a beautiful fitted finish. The bands allow an easy option for a lace overlay to be added. I can’t wait to try the look. You can find my tutorial on how to add a lace overlay to an outfit here.

This pattern is quick and easy with no difficult closures to sew. The gathering part does take a little bit of time but is not difficult to do.

Tips for sewing this maxi dress pattern:

-Do not try to short-cut the gathering process. Follow the instructions as written to get the best results.

-Use clear elastic to stabilize the shoulder and waist seam. Drapey fabric will stretch out your seams and can be heavy. You will need added stabilizers. I prefer this clear elastic from Dritz.

-Want to add the lace trim? Make sure you have plenty of room to walk before adding a non-stretch trim. My skirt allowed me enough room to comfortably walk, however getting in and out of a car, I lift the skirt up to make sure I don’t accidentally pop a stitch. More details on adding the lace below.

Tips for the length: I personally prefer a long maxi that I can wear heels with and still have it graze the floor. I shortened this skirt 1/2 inch per pattern suggestions for my height. It just touches the floor in the back while barefoot. Since I was going for a boho look I decided to go barefoot in my photos.  If I were to make another dress to wear with heels I would make sure to not shorten the skirt at all and maybe take up less of a hem if needed.

How to Add Lace Trim to Maxi Dress

The detail I love most about this look is the lace trim. My trim does not have any stretch so I needed to make sure I was able to walk comfortably before adding it to the hem.

After sewing the entire dress, I simply took the lace and placed it over my line of stitching at the hem. I used a light colored thread to match the lace and slowly stitched a row of straight stitching at the top and then again on the bottom edge of the lace. I overlapped the lace slightly where it met and stitched down the seam to hold it in place.

It provides a fun boho-vibe to the dress and was a simple addition.

I personally love when I can make multiple looks from one pattern. From tops to dresses, this pattern will take you through the seasons with sleeve and hem length options. I also have a top to show you using the same pattern. Find details for the top here.

This pattern also comes in a matching girls’ option for those super cute matching looks. You can find the patterns here.

Do you love the look of trim? You might enjoy these other projects:

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Thank you so much to Shelli at SHELLIQUATTLEBAUM photography for the lovely pictures.