Mood’s newest free sewing pattern is an instant favorite of mine as we head toward fall. Building off of the crisp and classic button-up shirt that everyone should have in their wardrobe, the Lantana hem slips past your waist and billows around your ankles for a gorgeous silhouette that’s perfect for showing off your favorite print! I chose one of Mood’s exclusive new sateen prints, but this maxi would stun in anything from poplin to voile. Try soaking up the last few summer rays in an unconventional cover-up in a stunning chiffon!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 4 yards Mood Exclusive Stream of Consciousness Stretch Cotton Sateen
- 10 Italian Black Plastic 4-Hole Button – 18L/11.5mm
- MDF163 – The Lantana Maxi Shirt Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
Step 1
First, form your sleeves by sewing up the inseam. Since this garment is unlined, I used French seams for most of it.
Step 2
Once the sleeves are formed, you can form your cuffs by sewing up the shorter sides with a regular seam. Attach one of raw edges to the bottom edge of your sleeve, like you see below, and then fold the cuff inward in half. Tuck in the other raw edge and slip-stitch the cuff closed.
Step 3
Set your sleeves aside for the time being and get started on your bodice. Using the guidelines on your pattern, sew the fish-eye darts into your front shirt panels.
Step 4
To create the button plackets, fold 1/2″ of the center front edge of your front shirt panels inward, followed by another full inch. Edge-stitch into place and press.
Step 5
Fabric faces together, pin the lower back shirt panel to one of your back yokes, pleating it in the center like you see below. Take your second yoke and pin it with the fabric face against the wrong side of your lower back panel. Sew and press your yokes upward.
Step 6
Attach the front and back panels at the shoulders and side seams using French seams, attaching the optional button loops into the side seams if desired. Set your sleeves into their respective armscyes using French seams as well.
Step 7
Next, create your stand collar and then attach it to the neckline of your shirt. For tips on how to sew a stand collar, check out this handy tutorial!
Step 8
Lastly, make your buttonholes and sew on some corresponding buttons. Hem the bottom edge of your maxi shirt and it’s ready to wear!
Step 9
If you’re making the optional belt, as I did, simply fold your fabric strip in half along the length with the faces together, sew along the three open sides and leave a 3″ opening along one edge. Clip your seam allowance, turn your belt right side out, slip-stitch the 3″ opening closed, and press.
I, personally, wear the belt folded back on itself to cinch the waist of the garment in the back, but there are tons of ways to style it. Let me know your ideas in the comments below!
Courtney I would personally make this long sleeved n make it to wear in the fall/early winter here in the south.
Hi Susan, that’s an awesome idea! I’m currently gathering swatches to do the same. I want at least one of these in my wardrobe for every season! lol
Courtney, I love this so much. Thanks for sharing!
I would also like to know if the mood team can please share some more patterns for men’s clothes from time to time? 😀 I love sewing for myself, but cool and trendy patterns for men are almost impossible to find..
Thanks so much for this pattern, so cute!
OMG!! I was just thinking I need a duster style top in my life…this fits the bill…will be making with long sleeves for the fall.
Muchas gracias es justo lo que estaba buscando, saludos desde Ecuador
I admire your skills and fashion!
Thank you so much!
I bought my first sewing machine today! I hope I’m not being too adventurous in making this dress as a complete beginner?
I wouldn’t recommend this pattern to a beginner, much less a complete beginner. This style of collar in particular takes at least intermediate sewing skills (making the collar stand can be rather tricky). The button placket may also be a challenge for someone who has never sewn before. For a first sewing project, it’s good to try something super easy so you can get used to your sewing machine while also gaining the confidence to start harder projects.
Nevertheless, I assume you tried it? How did your project go? Did you finish it?
Thank you a lot you are there. All your patterns are always sooooooo great. I love to sew your designs.
Greetings from Germany
Wondering what you’d say to a fuller, shorter, buttoned skirt instead. I am relatively new to sewing, so I don’t think it’s quite a project for me yet, but I loke thinking about how Inplan to experiment with patterns.
Link to download pattern does not work, it brings me back to this web page, very frustrated
Hi Coolie,
If you’re still having trouble you can email info@moodfabrics.com and they’ll send the pattern directly to you!
Thank you for this pattern! I’m almost done making mine! I used a shirting cotton and used an embroidery stitch to add whimsy. The sleeves were a breeze for me to set! I intentionally left some mistakes, it gives it character and I learned so much! I plan to use my garment in many ways, as I do prefer having a flexible and adjustable wardrobe. I usually self draft, but this pattern made sense to me! Thanks again! I didn’t know that I’m an intermediate sewist! Thanks for the confidence boost!
I am looking forward to making this beautiful Lantana dress. Please let me know if the seam allowance is already included on the pattern.
Yes, all of Mood patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance.
I am looking forward to making Lantana maxi dress. Please let me know if the seam allowance is already added in the pattern or I have to add it.
Thanks
Yes, all of Mood patterns have 1/2 seam allowance included.