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Buy the M7974 dresses sewing pattern from McCall’s. It’s perfect for an intermediate dressmaker. These buttoned front dresses have sleeve and length variations, a fitted bodice with front midriff, back yoke and gathered skirt with side seam pockets.
This sewing pattern is available to buy in the following format:
- PAPER (next working day dispatch on orders and FREE UK delivery over £50)
Suggested fabrics: Cotton blends, crepes, lawn, charmeuse.
Note: Fabric requirement allows for nap, one-way design or shading. Extra fabric may be needed to match design or for shrinkage.
Sizing: A5 (6-8-10-12-14), E5 (14-16-18-20-22), approx. UK sizes A5 (4/6 - 10), E5 (10 - 18/20). Please check the size chart and finished garment measurements.
Notions: A, B, C, D: Thirteen 1/2" (1.3 cm) buttons // A, D: One pkg. of 1/2" (1.3 cm) single fold bias tape // C: 3/4 yd. (0.7 m) of 1/4" (0.6 cm) elastic.
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I made the M7974 in a floral viscose for a summer garden party.
My measurements put me in a size 16-18 for McCalls but knowing they have a very large amount of ease, I sized down to a 14.
My adjustments were a 1.5cm narrow shoulder adjustment, shortening the bodice by 1cm and lengthening the waistband by 1cm. Next time I would maybe raise the centre front by an inch for a more every day look.
I enjoyed the construction of the dress which had some hand sewing and a new to me method of joining the skirt to the bodice which avoided a separate placket piece and was really fun.
I made the mini length which on me (5 ft6 ) hits just above the knee with a rolled hem. Unfortunately I forgot my print was directional so this pattern took 3m!
I am really delighted with the final result and love the dress. Giving 4 stars because of the sizing but otherwise really recommend.
Like with a lot of Big 4 patterns, there is a bit of extra ease in this. My toile was pretty blousy so I ended up cutting a size smaller than suggested for my measurements and the fit was much better. I've made view A (but cut on the fold to omit the button placket) and view B. Both worked out well, with the sleeves from view A being just a bit fiddley.
Next time I make this I will lengthen the bodice by a quarter of an inch or so.
McCalls 7974 is a darling sundress pattern that was perfect for the recent heatwave here in England! I would class this pattern for a confident beginner, as there are quite a few steps and it can get a bit complicated -- you should feel happy with gathering and button holes before embarking on making this garment. M7974 has a fitted, v-neck bodice with a button-front closure, with different sleeve and length variations, but I hacked my version by removing the buttons and adding a 9″ invisible side zipper. I made a toile of my usual size and found that this patterns seems to run quite large, so I would highly recommend checking the fit with a muslin beforehand.
I made View A from a Dolce & Gabbana cotton, which has a zesty lemon print on a bright red background -- it is such a happy, exuberant print! The cotton is lightweight and crisp, and holds all the gathering really well and gives the skirt a decent amount of structure – you can see more photos and details on my blog.
I made a couple of adjustments, which included adding a few centimetres to the length of the bodice under the fullest section of the bust, so the midriff would sit below comfortably and not across my bust line. I also raised the v-neck so it wouldn’t be as low-cut and also removed 2″ off the skirt length, which makes this dress hit just above my knee. To make this dress feel even more opulent, I added a fun, contrast lining to the bodice and finished my skirt seams with a Hong Kong seam finish.
M7974 was a fun sew, with clear instructions and a lovely finished garment. This dress is a real compliment magnet and makes my heart sing whenever I wear it!
I love this sundress!!!!! I have so much love for the fact that it is made out of silk/linen. So breathable and perfect for summer! I covered some buttons and did a small bust adjustment plus I lengthened the bodice a bit! All in the blog below!
https://www.victorialucilleanne.com/blog/measurefabric-m7974-silk-linen-sundress
So many cute details on this pattern!
I made size 12, view C, with the view A sleeves (those little ties!!)
Alterations:
,1/2 ' small bust adj.
,1' narrow shoulder adj.
,1/4' raised armhole.
Not all this went as planned. After making the narrow sh. adj., I realised that some of the bust shaping comes from the gathers at the shoulder, so I've added 1/2' back to the sh. seam on the front bodice only. The small bust adj. caused the bodice to ride up a bit too high, so I've then added 1/4 ' to the bodice length.
For the reference, I'm 5'3, HB 32.5' FB 34' W 28' H 36.5'
If you're planning to make this, take care with transferring all the markings (all these circles and squares McCalls use) to make sure your seams meet at the exact point. This is especially important for the front bodice / midriff panels and can save you some headache :)
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