Sometimes life calls for an easy to wear and easy to make dress…M7405 fits that bill perfectly! I made up a few of these in very little time and love them.
This pattern is from the Learn To Sew For Fun pattern line and is great for beginners. It is loose fitting, sleeveless with a gathered neckline that ties in the back and has a few hemline options. I tend not to make such loose fitting garments but… you know….sometimes you just want to let it all out.
Pattern: McCalls 7405
Fabric used: Rayon…I love this fabric so much! Every time I wear this dress I am complimented on the color. It’s a gorgeous vibrant royal blue.
Instructions: This pattern is made for beginners in mind and lives up to that claim.
Changes I made: I found that the armholes were too low for me and I had to take it in under the arm so that my under thingies don’t show. If making this for a beach cover up, it would be perfectly fine though. I think that next time I would change the order of construction…sewing the side seams before hemming the arm holes to round out the underarms. It is quite V-shaped under the arm and I don’t particularly like this.
Repeat worthy? Yes! I made two more already. (The one pictured below is already hanging in my daughters closet!) I also have one in the maxi version cut out and almost finished.
This is one of those really great beginner patterns! Especially for someone who has no experience but wants to sew clothing right away and wants skip the pillows and apron stage.
It’s also a great one…if it’s 11 am and you want to wear a new comfy dress to tonight’s BBQ 😉
This may or may not have happened 😉 !
They’re both great! I particularly love the royal blue 🙂 I tend to pass up learn to sew patterns because of issues like the odd construction order, but this looks like the perfect summer dress. I may just have to get it.
Thanks Jennifer! I don’t usually look at these either but I’m glad I did. There are times when someone will tell me that they want to learn to sew clothing and this is one that I can recommend to them for a starter project. It’s a great feeling to be able to wear your first sewing project.
Comfortable and cute, it’s a win win!
Thank you Faye! It is definitely comfortable!
What a lovely dress! So much better that it’s an easy sew.
Thank you Irene. Easy and simple designs are so great to have in your pattern stash.
Really nice dresses for summer. Love fabrics used for both!
Thanks Linda! My daughter liked them too! 😉
You can tell summer has arrived! I have one on my sewing table too. I think the loose fitting dress makes it great for any size. BTW, I love both of your versions of this dress! Can’t wait to see your maxi version of this pattern.
Made in a rayon, this pattern is a winner! Easy to make and easy to wear. I must get that maxi version finished…
Super dresses they look so lovely to wear and stylish and the fabric is lush
Oooo..lush is a great description of rayon! Thanks Lynsey!
Lovely! This pattern would look nice shortened as a top
Yes Sasha! You are so right…it would make a cute little top and would be a great stash buster. Thanks for the idea!
So very pretty! I think this will go on my must do list! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you Anne. Have fun making and wearing yours!
What a good find! There are lots of simple patterns out there these days but finding the right pattern – good instructions, easy to fit, nice design, wearable – for a beginner is a delicate art.
You’re right Morgan. I often have someone express their interest in learning to sew but they really want to sew clothes. Which is totally possible but I don’t want to suggest a pattern that would be discouraging. With the maxi version and alternate hemlines…this one is not only easy…but stylish too.
This pattern is far more fun than the gym bags they had the girls [no boys allowed] make in school sewing classes! It’s also great for big gals who would be a tough fit. When you’re learning you need encouraging projects. This one fits the bill! Thanks for your PR review.
Both of your dresses are beautiful. I love the prints.
This looks like the perfect little sundress! Super easy to make and great for showing off fun fabrics too!