Jersey Girl! McCall 4547 and Butterick 4973

This is the first dress of several that I plan to sew this season. At the beginning of the season, I started designing a fall collection that would include a variety of garments. It was hard to narrow down a few pieces to compliment what I already have in my wardrobe. So I decided to create a dress collection as a sub-set of a larger collection for myself.



Pattern Description: This is a out of print McCall's pattern, 1989, size 10. Misses's Dress - For Stretch Knit Only: Close fitting dress with princess seaming has raglan shoulder pads, side zipper closure, front neckline ties with or without contrast and trumpet shaped skirt.

Fabric Used: blue/purple matte jersey. I love jersey. It's easy to care for and very comfortable to wear.

My version of the dress did look like the photo and drawing. The instructions were easy to follow. There were no confusing or complicated techniques involved in the construction of the dress.

I really like the style of this dress, particularly the trumpet shaped skirt and versatility of wearing the tie. Nothing to dislike.

Pattern Alterations: I made several alterations: my usual sway back, board shoulders, and FBA. I omitted the side zipper. The neckline was wide enough to slip the dress on without the additional side opening. When I purchased this pattern I was between a size 8 and 10. Now I'm size 12/14. so I had to alter the pattern pieces to accommodate my current size. I used M4930 as guide to make the adjustments, including a little extra room as I don't like my clothes too tight. (Normally I add two inches to the length of dresses. In this case I didn't. It was very long to begin with.)

I probably would not sew it again. It's unique enough that I wouldn't want the same dress again unless I changed the tie and neckline.

Conclusion I had fun making this dress. I like the style options and it is very comfortable and easy to wear.







Pattern Description: MISSES’ DRESS: Dresses A, B are below mid-knee, slightly flared, have high waisted bodice with elastic casing, skirt and sleeve variation. A: gathered sleeve with sleeve band. B: three-quarter length sleeves with elastic casing, lined skirt with gathered lower edge and elastic casing.

Pattern Sizing: (8, 10, 12, 14) I made view A, size 12 with alterations.
I used a macroon matte jersey.

My dress did look like the photo. The sleeves on the model were loose at the arm band. My was snug. I think my arms are a little thicker than the arm size drafted for this dress.

The instructions were easy to follow. I didn't care for the bulkness of the method noted for finishing the elastic casing. So I modified it slightly to suit my preference. I trimmed the bodice seam allowance to 1/4 inch as instructed. Instead of turning under 1/4 inch on the skirt seam allowance, I finished the raw edge by overlocking. Then press and form the casing.

Like: It was simple and cute. I thought it would be a easy dress to make. Dislike: The neckline is too low. I wish I had thought to bring it up about two inches.

Pattern Alterations: I did a FBA, added 3/4 inch to the shoulder seam, and added 1 1/4 inches to the side of the front skirt to match the increase in the bodice front. I lengthen the skirt by two inches following the pattern instructions.


The first attempt at a FBA covered the width, but did not provide coverage to the rib cage.

On the second try, the adjustments were adequate.






I probably would not sew it again. I have other dresses that I would like to try. But I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion Easy dress to make.