Made the Wide-strap Maxi Dress Yet? Here’s Some Hacks to Get You Hooked
- Words by Peppermint
There’s a whole lot to love about the Peppermint Wide-Strap Maxi Dress pattern. We collaborated with Lauren Boyle of Perth-based pattern label, Elbe Textiles, back in Issue 44, to create this effortless wardrobe staple – the quintessential throw-on dress to take you from day-to-night and season-to-season.
By the looks of it, you love it too – judging from all the unique and creative versions you’ve been sewing up and tagging with #peppermintmaxidress on Instagram. We’ve been so inspired by all your makes, we decided to round up just some of the lovely versions and clever hacks that have caught our eye at Peppermint HQ.
Not only is this pattern very wearable in it’s full-length glory, it’s easily ‘hackable’ too. You could shorten it into a floaty summer top, add gathered tiers for extra flounce factor or create a patch-work inspired look. The only limit is your imagination!
top image @JASPER_CREEK above @ST.EFFIESTUDIO // @CALEXAN4 // @ASHBETTERIDGE
Maybe you’ve had your eye on it for some time and it hasn’t quite made it to the top of your sewing pile yet, and you need a little reminder to get your maxi on. Or possibly you’ve already made it and need some inspo for version two (or maybe three…?), so here’s a few tips, tricks and treats from our friends in the sewing community.
above @POPSCANSEW // @KATIEMAKESADRESS // @E.ONUEL
HACK #1 || CROP IT TO A TOP
The subtle A-line of the pattern naturally lends itself to being hacked into a cute summer top. Just shorten to the desired length and you’re ready to go!
top image @JASPER_CREEK above @TAMMY.HANDMADE // @RUBY_MAKES // @SEWNINBRUNSWICK
HACK #2 || ADD GATHERED TIERS
Add extra flair by adding layers with gathered tiers. You can do this by measuring out rectangular pieces of fabric to the desired length (extra long for extra gathers) and the height that you’d like each tier to end up. Mel from MeltStitches has some great tips for calculating tiers at Minerva.
above @GYASTI // @HOUSE_OF_TAYLOR_CLOTHING // @THE.OVERCONFIDENT.BEGINNER
HACK #3 || PATCHWORK IT
Looking to use up fabric scraps? Pretty patchworks are a great way to create bold, fun patterns and the Maxi Dress is the perfect vehicle for a colour clash. Sew your pieces together first to create one large piece of fabric, then cut the pattern piece out as per the instructions.
above @THEPLEATEDPOCKET // @S.IS.FOR.SEW // @_PENSANDNEEDLES_
HACK #4 || ADD A SELF-FABRIC WAIST TIE
A super simple and practical hack! We love the idea of adding a self-fabric waist tie to cinch it in and change the silhouette.
above @YAYSTITCH
HACK #5 || COLOUR-BLOCK IT
Another fun idea we’ve seen around is a colour-blocked maxi split right down the middle. It makes for an easy variation… just grab two fabrics in your favourite colour combo and sew together.
above @MEGHANDMADE // @LEJDITEA // @KIMYAYSEWS
NEED EVEN MORE INSPO?
The ideas are endless, as this pattern is extremely versatile. Frill-seeker? Tucks? Ties? Our sewing pals have got you covered. Download the free pattern and then follow the #peppermintmaxidress hashtag on socials to hunt out a myriad of ways to turn this much-loved pattern into something super spesh.
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“2026: Reinvent, burn it down, let it go (whatever it is). Year of the Snake it up. Exercise your boundaries, exercise your body, take one teeny step every day towards a life that feels better to be in.
But don’t you dare shit on your old self while you do it.
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You are perpetually in the process of becoming, whether you can feel it or not, whether or not you add it to your 2026 to-do list.“
Some very wise words from @Damon.Gameau to take us into 2026 🙌🏼
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Ok 2026: let’s do this. 💪🏼
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