Dress Patterns for Beginners: Easy to Fit and Sew

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBbXUGzQV78214SqKjfkNzGZfG_xvwHxW8ztkWGCwBKs5NLdOkqTR48sYYcUhIeyakmF_B0vypd8REOzgrGEFbi2U5FQ1FcjHrGwZS9sVGv1HpSNVonVOALscrPo7PC5EqJ7fFqM_D0ww/s1600/Slide7.JPG"><img alt="McCall's 3129 " border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710141224015581954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBbXUGzQV78214SqKjfkNzGZfG_xvwHxW8ztkWGCwBKs5NLdOkqTR48sYYcUhIeyakmF_B0vypd8REOzgrGEFbi2U5FQ1FcjHrGwZS9sVGv1HpSNVonVOALscrPo7PC5EqJ7fFqM_D0ww/s400/Slide7.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a>This is the third part in a series on easy to sew dress patterns. This post looks at a princess pattern that can be easily fit using gingham. The second pattern has mock sleeves for a fast and easy to sew dress style.<br /><br />In locating dress patterns for curvey fit or larger sizes, McCall's 3129 shown above is a princess dress style that has a great 'fit and flare' silhouette. It skims the upper body, then flares out. If you want a short sleeves, you can have that too. <br /><br />Don't let the fact that this dress style has four main pattern pieces (front, side front, back, side back) stop you. Once you machine baste those pieces together, have a fitting and you will notice how nicely the final fit can be achieved. <br /><br />Fitting sample? If you really want to know: Woven, cotton gingham check is the preferred fabric to use when making a fitting sample. It is the easiest way to see if the grain line falls straight, that horizontals aren't crooked and that your pattern pieces are balanced. <br /><br />Fitting? Make it easy by adding to the dress pattern seam allowances at the side and back seam lines to equal 1" (+ 3/8"). That way you can play with the extra fabric if you need it. Once you get a good fit, go back and make marks on your paper pattern that match your new seamlines. This way your paper pattern can be used again.<br /><br />Fabric fitting pattern: <br />step 1: Add to pattern seam allowances so that side and back seams = 1" wide.<br />step 2: Use gingham for the fitting garment.<br />step 3: Cut only the dress, don't include facings or zipper.<br />step 4: Machine baste in the largest machine stitch using contrast color thread.<br />step 5: Wearing best bra and shoes, have a friend make the alterations. They can see the back, you can't.<br />step 6: After alterations are complete, remove dress and use pencil to mark the stitch line or pin line. Add horizontal marks on both sides of the seam line, so you know where to match up the pieces when you sew them together again.<br />step 7: Transfer the alterations back onto your paper pattern and add a new 5/8" seam allowance. <br />You could press your fabric pattern and use that. If you plan to do this, be sure fabric has been pre-shrunk. Also take care not to pull this fabric pattern off grain. Usually it's easiest to trace a new pattern from the fabric fitting pieces and add back the 5/8" seam allowances.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyXmqZUKeSo0jqMho2hNF8DuqntttkZMe0-0_H8XSwzacij2aYeKbcIT3QP3tGxoVkkY4cuAk_wYvgBlnsaLw980JNXElMke7UpTS_oUVKkwKbuvKz1NxBteNwHrjWmWaZcF4ndmA1Hvi/s1600/Slide9.JPG"><img alt="Butterick 5211" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710140096989060002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAyXmqZUKeSo0jqMho2hNF8DuqntttkZMe0-0_H8XSwzacij2aYeKbcIT3QP3tGxoVkkY4cuAk_wYvgBlnsaLw980JNXElMke7UpTS_oUVKkwKbuvKz1NxBteNwHrjWmWaZcF4ndmA1Hvi/s400/Slide9.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a>Looking for something easier to fit and sew? With only two main pattern pieces (front and back), Butterick 5211 is easy to lay out, cut and sew. It is a nice summer look with a mock sleeves. This is a tunic dress that can be belted too. The extended shoulder make the sleeve look a breeze to sew (it's just a wider shoulder seam line). There is a 'key hole' slit in back, rather than a zipper. A zipper could be added instead. <br /><br />When choosing your fabric, both of these dresses will make up in simple woven summer fabrics very easily. The princess seam line style should have patterns of moderate size or smaller, so that the pieces don't cut up the print. The tunic dress would be great for larger, graphic or abstract prints.<br /><br />I hope this series has helped you find the dress pattern that best combines your sewing ability and figure type. With the right combination, sewing a dress can be easy to do!

Dress Patterns for Beginners: Easy to Fit and Sew

This is the third part in a series on easy to sew dress patterns. This post looks at a princess pattern that can be easily fit using gingha...

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Dress Patterns for Beginners: EASY to SEW

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8-d5QrgehgWYGXGEpsS0SezVscHPCpsm_lCTbgi8-s3RZ-Qu6SYYyVwdKyzjeDfAGrL4sV0Ab1jQFs5B4SxBII4DtloTrF3hyphenhyphencHkozp9ozVhWz-D-0Wzk0pFn7nO0Kx_buQkHHtTmaPN/s1600/Slide4.JPG"><img alt="easy to sew McCalls 6117" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310647804543106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8-d5QrgehgWYGXGEpsS0SezVscHPCpsm_lCTbgi8-s3RZ-Qu6SYYyVwdKyzjeDfAGrL4sV0Ab1jQFs5B4SxBII4DtloTrF3hyphenhyphencHkozp9ozVhWz-D-0Wzk0pFn7nO0Kx_buQkHHtTmaPN/s400/Slide4.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a>This is the first is a short series on sewing patterns that are EASY to sew or EASY for new sewists (beginners). Because these styles tend to be shift dresses (loose with bust darts) or "A" line in shape, they are perfect for summer. This is the season to best sew for warm weather, the timing is right to make one of these styles.<br /><br />What I look for when choosing an easy pattern are several elements that need to come together:<br /><br />1) seam lines: few seam lines to sew - just the side seams please!<br /><br />2) pattern pieces: two main pattern pieces - front and back<br /><br />3) darts: few darts - bust darts are fine<br /><br />4) zipper: nope!<br /><br />5) sleeves: nada!<br /><br />6) neckline: simple and round, I think facing is easier than bias edge, but that's me<br /><br />7) hemline: machine sewn? yes please<br /><br />8) fabric: smooth, medium weight cottons: these are easiest to sew - quilter's cottons, cotton gingham checks, cotton shirting plaids and stripes.<br /><br />Here's a few patterns that would be EASY for a newbie, or FAST for those with experience.<br /><br />Top View, McCalls 6117: The pattern above is probably the most complicated with the neckline "V" slash in front. It also has a center back seamline which will aid in getting a smoother back fit. But overall, it's a simple style.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93Wgdcq6excBUenRSG7IhS6GneYKZdyXXxKU23v-seOBqlMJjcRj-ZMwKJkxBdbucOR2oSHJcPz2T-0SWXc_3y2wfkPSPKq0fHp31yLWXjIAz4DuPwxQXWjO5Uvmir78N2IuvMJ_kFpyX/s1600/Slide1.JPG"><img alt="easy to sew dress" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310646323298242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93Wgdcq6excBUenRSG7IhS6GneYKZdyXXxKU23v-seOBqlMJjcRj-ZMwKJkxBdbucOR2oSHJcPz2T-0SWXc_3y2wfkPSPKq0fHp31yLWXjIAz4DuPwxQXWjO5Uvmir78N2IuvMJ_kFpyX/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a><br />McCall's 9172: View D is sleeveless, optional dart or no dart, ‘relaxed fit’, neckline facing, pull over, large size range<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLOpHckYfaCtAhpSunH0qKOm93XXvUnh5N391kja7CVmKC2mciHGMDDbWTuxoru8keJgTiJp1H0IRNPtMtkJqPnA1rbjSFcHS6n9QtkmU9hMI9z_IHBSBMVZ_vQreVsEy-FArg01dtadq/s1600/Slide11.JPG"><img alt="Easy Palmer Pletch McCalls 6355" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310641780464562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLOpHckYfaCtAhpSunH0qKOm93XXvUnh5N391kja7CVmKC2mciHGMDDbWTuxoru8keJgTiJp1H0IRNPtMtkJqPnA1rbjSFcHS6n9QtkmU9hMI9z_IHBSBMVZ_vQreVsEy-FArg01dtadq/s400/Slide11.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a><br />McCall's 6355: basic shift pattern by Palmer/Pletch, neck binding, optional fitting darts. This pattern has options for creating a good fit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO_aENmQUehwxOLB_L2OFLbd0AR4B3dvUQoZwBw932ThJf7ksv3m8pJNdwpZ5u48lYRUnaWTNiodoItsojZpNmoBkj-AI93voSoJnKPX353bSHB48ew4eKT3rK52VtqGRjIdojdWs8ppV/s1600/Slide3.JPG"><img alt="easy to sew McCalls 6102" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310633837460594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO_aENmQUehwxOLB_L2OFLbd0AR4B3dvUQoZwBw932ThJf7ksv3m8pJNdwpZ5u48lYRUnaWTNiodoItsojZpNmoBkj-AI93voSoJnKPX353bSHB48ew4eKT3rK52VtqGRjIdojdWs8ppV/s400/Slide3.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a><br />McCalls 6102: View D, shift style, 2 bust darts, pull over, large size range, neckline facing<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvn-WdPipcMykXIvsSggK80kdYAEdS9eCf4pd-YgTjDNgvmc_TeHGqJIbumfo82KiYtYgB5eF0GBR8IuJWjS4hk0vLkLXHqbPW3yIsvIIbi_ivo-JKlcHn2FOmYM11xqtcFEi2RioSSW/s1600/Slide5.JPG"><img alt="easy to sew McCalls 6465" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310636538557730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvn-WdPipcMykXIvsSggK80kdYAEdS9eCf4pd-YgTjDNgvmc_TeHGqJIbumfo82KiYtYgB5eF0GBR8IuJWjS4hk0vLkLXHqbPW3yIsvIIbi_ivo-JKlcHn2FOmYM11xqtcFEi2RioSSW/s400/Slide5.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a><br />McCall's 6465: view E, slip over, sleeveless bias tape arm holes, loose A line shape<br /><br />Why Butterick and McCall's? I like their website format. At each pattern page, there is a clear, large view of the garment on a figure. Below this are line drawings (production flats) of the garment showing each seam line clearly. Fabric and notions are easy to read, and the yardage is there also. <br /><br />If you scroll down further, you will find the GARMENT MEASUREMENTS. This information can be compared with a similar garment you own and fit, so you know what the results will be. Use this to select hem width, hip and bustline ease (looseness). It is a great way to determine your pattern size, if you feel the size measurements may not be exactly your fit.

Dress Patterns for Beginners: EASY to SEW

This is the first is a short series on sewing patterns that are EASY to sew or EASY for new sewists (beginners). Because these styles tend ...

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