How to Make a Muumuu

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

This mid-century inspired muumuu is a great intermediate sewing project and is perfect for throwing on at a pool party or for a stroll down the boardwalk! Pick a punchy cotton print or laid back linen to suite your style.

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Sewing machine

  • Scissors

  • 3 yards of printed cotton fabric or linen

  • Measuring tape

  • Ruler

  • Coordinating thread

  • Straight pins

  • Fabric chalk or pencil

  • Needle and brightly colored thread

  • Iron and ironing board

Video of the Day

Step 1: Measure Fabric

Measure and cut two large rectangles the full width of the fabric (selvage to selvage) and 45 inches in length -- these will be the front and back of your muumuu. If you're using a printed fabric with one orientation, be sure it's facing the right direction when cutting, pinning and sewing or you'll have upside down motifs.

Video of the Day

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 2: Create Neckline

Fold one rectangle in half with both selvages aligned to the left and a folded edge on the right. Make a mark at the top edge with fabric chalk 4 inches from the folded edge. Using a straight edge or ruler, draw a diagonal line from this mark 10 to 12 inches down the folded edge, depending on your desired neckline.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Maintaining the fold, cut along the marked line to create a plunging neckline.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Tip

Pressing seam allowances before pinning and sewing keeps widths consistent and reduces puckering.

Fold over a 1/4-inch width of your neckline and press to create a clean edge.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Fold over another 1/4 inch to encase the raw edge and pin before sewing.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Sew a straight stitch along pinned neckline, keeping the presser foot aligned with the folded edge.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Remove pins, trim extra threads and press your freshly sewn seams.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 3: Pin and Sew Shoulder Seam

Line up the top edges of your fabric with both printed sides facing each other.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Pin along the top edge (shoulder seam), starting from each side and working towards the neck to avoid over-stretching the neckline.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Sew a 1-inch straight seam along the shoulder line starting from each far side and stopping at the neckline seam.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Fold seam allowances under a 1/2 inch and press before sewing to finish the raw edge.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Fold the back-neck seam allowance under a 1/2 inch to encase the raw edge. Press before sewing.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 4: Finish Edges

Finish the hem and sides of the garment by folding and pressing the edges a 1/2 inch before sewing straight seams.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 5: Mark and Stitch Inseam

To mark the inseams of the caftan, thread a needle with a contrasting thread color. Using a long basting stitch, mark a vertical line 8 inches into the side your garment to act as a guide for sewing.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Your inseam should be about 24 inches in length, but may be altered if you desire a shorter hemline.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Machine stitch over your basted stitches to create straight inseams on both sides of the garment. When finished sewing seams, remove basting threads by pulling gently.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Give your chic muumuu a final press and trim any stray threads before sporting at soirees!

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Tip

Use printable iron-on transfers to create custom labels for your handmade garments!

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Have questions about fabric or where to find more sewing patterns? Leave them for us in the comments below! --Happy Crafting

Advertisement