You know that favorite maxi you (sometimes) wish was mini but don't want to "permanently" altar ...#fashioncommitmentissues anyone? S-A-M-E. That's why we decided to come up with a quick n' easy bubble hem hack that will transform any of our Dakota Dress styles into a convertible mini-maxi dress. And, we give you everything you need to do it. So what's stopping you? Read the simple breakdown below or watch this 4 minute tutorial video by Our resident professor Rob Younkers, or both! And remember, the most important is having fun with it : ) Embrace mistakes, learn something new, think of something totally different - ENJOY the process, and definitely practice your "I made it!" gloat ; ) 

1. HEM IT 

• Leave your Dakota dress hem unfinished. 
• Cut the hem allowance down to 1/2”. If you’re a beginner and don’t want to deal with a very fine baby hem you can hem at 1”
• Run a stitch 1/4” above the entire circumference of the unfinished hem

2. PRESS IT 

• Use that stitch as a fold line, press it up towards the dress all the way around

3. CUT THE RIBBON, FOLD THE LOOPS, PIN, + SEW 

• Cut the ribbon included in your kit into 4-2” pieces
• Fold into 1/2 “ loops (it will be much easier to sew the loops with extra ribbon allowance, which can be cut off after sewing).
• Pin the loops with the crossover at the folded edge of the hem  (one at each side seam, center front, and center back)
• Sew the loops in place
• Cut off the excess ribbon, leaving 1/8” beyond the sew line
• Fold up the hem once more, and pin in place.

The loops should now be facing up inside the hem

5. Sew the hem

Quick n' easy 

6. Add the Buttons

• Grab a cutting board from your kitchen. Slip it in between the front + back of the dress. This helps make sure you are only sewing through one layer of fabric
• Sew on button on each of the side seams + center front + center back