We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Butterick’s B6318 dress is a reissued pattern from 1961. I made view A with same-fabric ties. The dress has a semi-fitted bodice, short dolman sleeves, wide single-layer tie ends (wrong side shows), narrow hem, full gathered skirt and back zipper.
To sew B6318, I used a striped cotton chambray from my stash (Fabricland). This fabric is a variation on the striped cotton I used to make my Peppermint Gathered Summer Sundress last year. The chambray is two-sided, so I could easily play with the stripe direction and layout. For the bodice and skirt, I made the stripes vertical. As for the belt, I made the stripes horizontal. I also made the sash tie with a double piece of fabric so it would be less likely to stretch out, even though the two-sided fabric would have been perfect.
Overall I think I got an amazing fit with no alterations! The bodice has an all-in-one bodice and sleeve design with dolman sleeves. I sewed size 18, and for once, I did not have to do an FBA. The bodice fit in the bust, fit in the back, fit across the upper chest, and fit in the arms. I love this dress! However, the neckline in front is a bit high, so if I were to make this again I would cut it lower and reinforce it.
The dress has a very simple construction, with just six pattern pieces. I was able to take the time to match the stripes on the seams along the shoulder/arms. And my attention to detail paid off, as people noticed and commented on this!
This fabric easily raveled so I finished all the seams with vintage rayon seam binding. I had several packages in my stash (from yard sales, great aunts, etc) but didn’t know how to use it. After a brief search, I landed on this tutorial from Laura Mae Designs.
The skirt has a deep 3” hem so the dress hits me just below my knee. My Oma had dresses/aprons in colours like this; this dress reminds me of her although I doubt she would wear such a thing (she preferred straight/pencil skirts). B6318 has a big skirt with lots of gathers; it would be fun to wear with a crinoline! The only downside of this dress is that it doesn’t have pockets. I wasn’t sure how to place them but if I make it again, I’ll definitely figure it out.
The pattern for B6318 is available here.
It’s a beautiful dress, perfect for summer. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.
Very pretty dress! So cool to catch the twirl in action.
Beautiful!