Border Patterns: Fabric Designs with Style

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNWJlxUvurd3RvzMPkIgfcxyGfo4aWCKjXOl87xNFnRdUVVVnKZkkK8UbM1lzD0_nK6Rkv9aKCXHDhbNJ9XeWbm_lo2sUibj512-sjiAQmQ_0nNkdFdwRdu_Qarw4CJZ5z-d6RzVol47b/s1600/20130406_085214+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNWJlxUvurd3RvzMPkIgfcxyGfo4aWCKjXOl87xNFnRdUVVVnKZkkK8UbM1lzD0_nK6Rkv9aKCXHDhbNJ9XeWbm_lo2sUibj512-sjiAQmQ_0nNkdFdwRdu_Qarw4CJZ5z-d6RzVol47b/s640/20130406_085214+(2).jpg" /></a></div><br><br>Border patterns have been popular on skirts and dresses over the past decades. Using border prints is an easy-to-sew, quick way to add visual interest to a simple dress design. With careful planning, a basic dress design can become interesting and unique. This can be done by choosing a border design, then considering the placement of the fabric pattern on the dress. <br><br>The blue floral on white fabric in this sketch was cut with both the skirt hemline and upper bodice shoulders placed along the selvage edge. Placing a dense border at the hem and shoulder creates the 'ombre' effect where the pattern is deeper at the top and bottom of the dress, while the middle area is open and less dense in pattern or color. <br><br>To create this effect, look for a skirt pattern that is cut straight, like a very wide 'tube' that is then gathered or pleated. Don't attempt an "A" line or flared skirt since the straight hem edge will be difficult to work with. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4no_9JZPFLeyrlc64SrPPSRd3J0B0V64DqI2piaxv0lMYETGwM5pvI9K6foWNf6VWEFY8SciZj2aPJsZmbZQ_DqLE4dO6Gcy-gEShR8GrQzVQnEeF9G4kHEP-9HDvUTqaHWAPmy_BTLXg/s1600/20130406_091620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4no_9JZPFLeyrlc64SrPPSRd3J0B0V64DqI2piaxv0lMYETGwM5pvI9K6foWNf6VWEFY8SciZj2aPJsZmbZQ_DqLE4dO6Gcy-gEShR8GrQzVQnEeF9G4kHEP-9HDvUTqaHWAPmy_BTLXg/s640/20130406_091620.jpg" /></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wktZz1zkf6KGkQNnR6FWYQufKK4fvu2W1EV-_4G9AYlZRrBsuHZ45x_-ljChHjjS0mkQqce33mmtvCxAMEIxRi9XCZ8GQRQiFJu1Ko0zi3G00CsFmoYtFKmmdWx_3xzDgeJw7h1wdhCl/s1600/20130406_091628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wktZz1zkf6KGkQNnR6FWYQufKK4fvu2W1EV-_4G9AYlZRrBsuHZ45x_-ljChHjjS0mkQqce33mmtvCxAMEIxRi9XCZ8GQRQiFJu1Ko0zi3G00CsFmoYtFKmmdWx_3xzDgeJw7h1wdhCl/s640/20130406_091628.jpg" /></a></div><br><br>The two dresses here show how great a simple bodice can become when the border pattern is placed running down the center front line. This is especially successful with embroidered yardage such as eyelet on linen and cottons, but printed border prints are nice on the bodice too. <br><br>Sewing patterns for most retro style 1950's through 1970's dresses with fitted bodices will work well using the center front border technique. Although these two tops have a center front closure (with cute covered buttons), it is possible to have the border design 'meet' down a front seam line instead. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqjeSK2gdtoSGEkMwUMy5jTgelNpYS4i7PctHRMcCxhs4tWjCcpJJMC_yBPJZf8N0S_pqOUExAyvY1vNquTLGyLIlRHT13zBAD2P5Cpdx5LZjf1lo7lM9IzTvtdY8JAoPgfvjMgmFDOIx/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqjeSK2gdtoSGEkMwUMy5jTgelNpYS4i7PctHRMcCxhs4tWjCcpJJMC_yBPJZf8N0S_pqOUExAyvY1vNquTLGyLIlRHT13zBAD2P5Cpdx5LZjf1lo7lM9IzTvtdY8JAoPgfvjMgmFDOIx/s640/IMG_1311.JPG" /></a></div><br><br>From the late 60's or early 70's, this tomato red shirt dress is a great example of how a simple border pattern can create an interesting look. The border is repeated on the collar and cuffs to balance out the design. Below are several examples from the 70's of border patterns used on both long and knee length dresses. All of the fabrics below are jersey knits, available today through vintage sellers. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvX_drN65RKdh63osaln2FDcC6OPLUe2F4BqreL9RnBMtXzLKCRFHbuyHTT6dsYyQZ82w0dxMg8dhyYshioyVSL_L3MGHm5DqPb9flgQTFYXup-XAuktTYf33npp1pg_fQkh5aUZ5f3ZJ/s1600/IMG_2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvX_drN65RKdh63osaln2FDcC6OPLUe2F4BqreL9RnBMtXzLKCRFHbuyHTT6dsYyQZ82w0dxMg8dhyYshioyVSL_L3MGHm5DqPb9flgQTFYXup-XAuktTYf33npp1pg_fQkh5aUZ5f3ZJ/s640/IMG_2100.JPG" /></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRbHsENLBKfUT2hQGqV7tB3_y78sMC22insNsuKGtsmTQif2MNkSI-0xv_F2tCf2b8fjTEQfYqGGiHaM7A1GU8f0D4p5UCvVz9o2RGbLBij09Ng4lHYpKrts8zVcf6sTt8DnBthyphenhyphen7ozIQ/s1600/IMG_4455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRbHsENLBKfUT2hQGqV7tB3_y78sMC22insNsuKGtsmTQif2MNkSI-0xv_F2tCf2b8fjTEQfYqGGiHaM7A1GU8f0D4p5UCvVz9o2RGbLBij09Ng4lHYpKrts8zVcf6sTt8DnBthyphenhyphen7ozIQ/s640/IMG_4455.JPG" /></a></div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjqFVtT4Uf8SYtj0nB0ZD9ztHxeHMCrlVHdyqwHNWplJsmx8iWqLqcPQHmW4lIT5goCav97NX82GOBiIBS3C9_aH46izWMEcAjErye0cjdcenTrMlHGcLVgJHH0RkbO1lr9I70_KCpRLm/s1600/P7170123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjqFVtT4Uf8SYtj0nB0ZD9ztHxeHMCrlVHdyqwHNWplJsmx8iWqLqcPQHmW4lIT5goCav97NX82GOBiIBS3C9_aH46izWMEcAjErye0cjdcenTrMlHGcLVgJHH0RkbO1lr9I70_KCpRLm/s640/P7170123.JPG" /></a></div><br><br>Now when you look at vintage or modern fabrics, be sure to look for border designs, they have so much to offer! <br><br><br><br>

Border Patterns: Fabric Designs with Style

Border patterns have been popular on skirts and dresses over the past decades. Using border prints is an easy-to-sew, quick way to add visua...

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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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Sheath Dress Patterns for Beginners: Easy to Sew, Part 2

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj329DkLK7hE5G9865TiWXPJ4awMEZIdfqzxywzsYrdjP7Zu6LWJeUt2yRx8d9vBcw35SuS3n1J0NF9QbaWW7U_5bPz97A_zt_6gojhdggmRnV0mkY_2wsOnDIxHnyYmdIV0bHFDOFvWO5O/s1600/Slide10.JPG"><img alt="Butterick 4386" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710125667875308498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj329DkLK7hE5G9865TiWXPJ4awMEZIdfqzxywzsYrdjP7Zu6LWJeUt2yRx8d9vBcw35SuS3n1J0NF9QbaWW7U_5bPz97A_zt_6gojhdggmRnV0mkY_2wsOnDIxHnyYmdIV0bHFDOFvWO5O/s400/Slide10.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a>This is a second post on easy to sew dress patterns. The first post looked at loose fitting shift dresses. After mastering the super easy shift style dress, it's time to sew a classic sheath dress.<br /><br />What makes the sheath dresses shown here easy to sew?<br /><br />1) no waistline seam, and they look great if belted<br /><br />2) dress skims the body, but isn't super tight or super loose (like a shift dress)<br /><br />3) no set in sleeve (but I found a great raglan sleeve instead)<br /><br />4) most are still 2 main pattern pieces: front and back<br /><br />The first dress shown above is Butterick 4386. This dress has a classic darted torso. It can be sewn into so many great styles, from a "little black dress" to a tropical summer dress, the fit will be slender. There is a back zip and hem vent. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ljva0YMBdtjoM7XUKw7V2mUPA3yQKn6wWA4H9zGSRgm4l0-nsIL9BN2Q2GMkPKu9Sc3quQNfY1AtxHlxFOEBoDdkqm2XL2W3jlRXwHyvx3RGpadoIp9J9MOVJ2Ow5n3sFlOJ6aNIExgD/s1600/Slide6.JPG"><img alt="Butterick 5638" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710124981212985506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ljva0YMBdtjoM7XUKw7V2mUPA3yQKn6wWA4H9zGSRgm4l0-nsIL9BN2Q2GMkPKu9Sc3quQNfY1AtxHlxFOEBoDdkqm2XL2W3jlRXwHyvx3RGpadoIp9J9MOVJ2Ow5n3sFlOJ6aNIExgD/s400/Slide6.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a> Curvey fit? This is the best pattern style for getting a good fit. Butterick 5638 has well placed 'princess seam lines'. Those long seam lines provide an opportunity to fit the bustline, torso and hips. There are six seam lines to work with, and each one can be let in or out only a little bit to affect the fit.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcXWWaa8-3XOWOv0XkiFw9hqCetkkjxW4vaqkWe1ykbdKtngz1BuoGLXEjQEGFrjv-JurjGNjyXmkqTD6heOJJ2zxifuUxJKndJuv5_HAo_9AOI_BFWN-QhKSekw8hg_Ghxif3bEYD5zw/s1600/Slide8.JPG"><img alt="Butterick 5277" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710124405297032946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcXWWaa8-3XOWOv0XkiFw9hqCetkkjxW4vaqkWe1ykbdKtngz1BuoGLXEjQEGFrjv-JurjGNjyXmkqTD6heOJJ2zxifuUxJKndJuv5_HAo_9AOI_BFWN-QhKSekw8hg_Ghxif3bEYD5zw/s400/Slide8.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a>Want Sleeves? Butterick 5277 is a short sleeved silhouette that is easy to sew, since raglan sleeves are used, rather than the more difficult 'set in' sleeve style. Long torso darts fit the body and there is a zipper down the back.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2s9DVVgrMMxuRuDTT-ywHfuBPGYpId5jVmq0NrFdDPfOwPZ9q_XOQlaM_t4hgIFjZmGQdVO0kMFmhT3hi9bVx-4AwGmuSqRWoaVt1HmWsk5U4cSGcU1Iv1JvPlLiw_x-n9CBUxBL1Kh-/s1600/Slide12.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710123254544304770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2s9DVVgrMMxuRuDTT-ywHfuBPGYpId5jVmq0NrFdDPfOwPZ9q_XOQlaM_t4hgIFjZmGQdVO0kMFmhT3hi9bVx-4AwGmuSqRWoaVt1HmWsk5U4cSGcU1Iv1JvPlLiw_x-n9CBUxBL1Kh-/s400/Slide12.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a>For a looser fitting dress, here are two styles. New Look: View A is available in two patterns, 6049 and 6095 (they seem to be identical). This dress has back darts to create a smooth fit. Side seams create the torso fit, if you don't want a close fit across the midriff. There is an optional back zipper.<br /><br />New Look 6021, View B shows French darts. These are long tapered darts that fit the midriff nicely. French darts were popular during the 60's. This type of dart is also a good look if the fabric pattern is large and would be distorted by front darts or princess seam lines.<br /><br />Fabric selection: In addition to the simple cottons mentioned for shift dresses (quilting cottons, cotton gingham, woven cotton plaids and stripes), we can add stretch wovens to our list. Keep your stretch manageable, don't select anything too 'wiggley' and out of control. When using a stretch, lay out the fabric so the stretch goes around the body (not 'up and down' or it will bag at the rear!). <br /><br />Obviously, the classic sheath dress is a vintage look that an experienced sewist can whip up in almost any fabric, from wool flannel to brocade.<br /><br />Fittings are more essential with the semi-fitted sheath style. Plan to do a trial fit before sewing your final seam lines. I suggest when cutting to making 1" wide seam allowances down the side and back seams lines. This will give room to alter for fit.<br /><br />Slender fit: Look for slender darts. Don't take up extra width in the darts. Do your fitting from the side seams.<br /><br />Curvey fit: These darts are wider and may be shaped towards the dart point. This fit may also need side and back seam line adjustments. Traditionally, the back seam was cut 'on grain' or very straight, but now it is common to use that seam line to fit the rear nicely.<br /><br />Princess seam lines make curvey fittings much easier. Just distribute any alterations through the several seams, and you will notice that the fitting process is actually easy to achieve.<br /><br />Zipper: Take note to make your zipper seam allowance (the back seamline) 1" wide. You will be soooo happy you have the extra fabric when you sew in your zipper. It sure helps to have the extra width. <br /><br />Math: get a 1" wide seam allowance by adding 3/8" to your cutting line. Yes, you will have to draft that line onto your pattern tissue first, before you cut. <br /><br />When sewing a zipper, be sure to clean finish the fabric edges first, so the cut edge won't unravel and get into your zipper. I use an overlock seam or I zig-zag over the fabric edge to bind that over and prevent it from unraveling.<br /><br />Once you get the sewing of this dress style perfected, it could become your favorite: fast, great fit, and easy to sew.

Sheath Dress Patterns for Beginners: Easy to Sew, Part 2

This is a second post on easy to sew dress patterns. The first post looked at loose fitting shift dresses. After mastering the super easy ...

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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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