Day 9 of our 12 days of Christmas freebies! We have an awesome pattern for you today. Top and dress extenders for both girls and mama! My daughter is TALL and I swear sometimes she grows inches overnight. Her favorite tops and dresses get short and she’s so sad when I say ‘no girl, too short!’. Forget store bought tops, her belly is always going to peek out. I tend to prefer a shorter dress for myself and reflect that in my women’s patterns. You may want it longer, no more fear or cutting those too short dresses into tunics or tops. Just add this quick and easy extender and go!
Download your FREE pattern here. See the print layout below. The pattern is layered, so you can only print the size/s you need. If you need help putting the pattern together, pop over to the faqs and troubleshooting page or ask in the facebook group . Print and assemble the pattern. I’m going to use my serger for construction, if you don’t have a serger, make sure you’re using a stretch needle (jersey, ballpoint, stretch) and a stretch stitch (zig zag, lightening bolt or triple stitch).
For mama sizes only print pages 1-2 and 5-6.
For girls sizes only print pages 3-4 and 7-8.
Supplies:
You will need knit fabric. I prefer a lightweight lining knit because it will be the most undetectable under your garment. You will also need 4″ wide trim and 1/4″ elastic. You can choose to use less or more wide lace, but you will need to adjust the length of your extender pattern piece. You can also use a piece of knit fabric- like pre-ruffle fabric or trims but cutting in 4″ wide strips.
Now, let’s get started! You will use 1/2″ seam allowances through out (they are included, you don’t need to add them).
Cut 2 main extender pieces on the fold. Cut 1 piece of elastic from chart OR it’s best to use your preferred waist measurement MINUS 2″.
With right sides together, stitch main pieces together at ONE short end.

Optional stitch 2 or more layers of lace together. I really love a double layer of lace… don’t forget to buy double yardage for this option! If you would like to use pre-ruffled fabric, cut 4″ strips of fabric. If the fabric if chose needs to be hemmed, cut 4.5″ and hem along bottom edge.
Press 1/2″ toward wrong side along hem edge on main piece.

Pin lace over preseed hem. Edgestitch hem in place, attaching lace at the same time.

Create a memory press along top edge by pressing 1/2″ toward wrong side.
Unfold memory press. With right sides together stitch other short end from top to hem.
Repress memory press. Then edge stitch in place. Leave a 2″ opening to thread elastic. Thread elastic then close opening. OR use my favorite method to insert elastic HERE.
All done! Now you can easily make these extenders for your tops or dresses to add length.
Can’t wait to see all the pretty lace and fabric extenders on you and your littles. As always, I would love for you to share in our Made for Mermaids Facebook Group and tag us on Instagram #madeformermaids #madeformermaidspatterns 🙂 See you tomorrow!
12 Days of Christmas Freebies
Day 1 ~ Handwarmer Muff
Day 2 ~ Hippie Headband
Day 3 ~ Ribbon Bookmarks
Day 4 ~ Layered Bow Tie
Day 5 ~ Lace Boot Cuffs
Day 6 ~ Fleece Earmuffs
Day 7 ~ Ornaments
Day 8~ Shark Tail
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