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When I made my DIY button-up dress, I wanted something with a flattering look. So, with the V-neck and tie belt, I think I got it!
And this is a perfect outfit to stand on its own! No need to match a top or bottom, and I can dress it up or down.
McCall’s M7920 Dress Pattern
I like McCall’s M7920 sewing pattern because it’s labeled easy and is a classic for all seasons. There’s a simple design, but there’s much to this dress.
It’s got a V-neck button-up with a facing and button closures. You can make a straight or A-line skirt with side-seam or topstitched pockets.
It’s semi-fitted through the bust with dolman sleeves. You can add the tie belt for more shape.
Materials
Here are the fabric and notions I used for this garment. Why do I have so much chambray?
Fabric: Whenever I’m on the fence about how a pattern might turn out, my default is to make it in chambray.
It’s an easy fabric to work with, and I got it at Joann. As a lighter-weight denim, the drape is pretty nice.
The fabrics suggested for this dress are linen, crepe, denim, and twill.
Notions: I used 1/2-inch (0.5-inch) buttons and lightweight fusible interfacing for structure.
Sewing the Button-Up Dress
Making this dress was a little more involved than it looks. I followed the directions.
Don’t let my pattern modifications scare you. Besides raising the waistline, I made a bust adjustment for the bodice.
I basically traced the original sewing pattern. Then I worked on opening up the bust area by slashing it.
I like making a pattern and testing it on the mockup. But I could have gotten away with not making one.
There’s enough ease worked into this semi-fitted pattern, but I just wanted to see how it’d fit.
I made my mockup with muslin fabric, or shall I say I sewed scraps together!
My waist is high, and I have a short torso and long legs. I decided to raise the waist a little. Otherwise, it’d feel too low.
I marked it on the mockup to remind myself to raise the skirt. I took mine up an inch, which may not seem like a whole lot, but it makes a big difference.
And I had to change the buttonhole placement so none of the buttons would fall on the seams.
Maybe I should have extended the length of the skirt when cutting. I was fussing with the hem width, but oh well.
I also made the optional tie belt to go around the waist, because it’s cute with it.
Well, I can say I like the A-line skirt version. And most of all, don’t you just love dresses with pockets?
Notes
I prefer to make skirts, so it’s not too often I make a dress. For me, having separates to mix and match is more fun.
But sometimes, I’ll wear a dress because I don’t have time to mix and match. You can just throw it on and go about your business.
I think the tie belt helps balance it out, and an alternative to a tie belt would be a wide elastic belt.
Whatever you do, know that it’s fun to throw on sneakers when wearing this dress. I promise it’s comfy too!
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