This post will share a really fun, fast sewing project that is ideal for a beginning sewer. I used McCall’s pattern M6754 to sew this scoop back peplum tank; read on for the details, Wildflowers!
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This pattern is such a good one for beginners because there are not TOO many options which is something that I have found overwhelming when I was learning to sew garments. There are two bodice options- sleeveless and tank top, and a peplum or full length skirt option. That’s it. There’s a limited number of sewing pattern pieces to cut out, which also limits overwhelm, and the tank top option in particular is really simple to put together. I found the pieces to match up exactly and I’m not a perfectionist when it comes to cutting- not by a long shot. Because my kids are still small, I really value a pattern that can be cut out and assembled quickly and this pattern was perfect in that regard.
The fabric that I used was knit that my mom bought when I was a kid…and I’m 33. It’s black with an 80’s-fabulous gold insignia pattern on it. It is a basic t shirt knit, and the one tool that has taken my garment sewing from basic to badass is using a proper stretch needle.
I wrote a post about sewing with spandex, and despite all the blogging I’ve done about canning and giant yarn, that post has been the most consistently popular- go figure- probably because in it I explain why the stretch needle is so valuable. This is a stretch needle- get a package on amazon and use it on t shirt knit, spandex, or anything stretchy.
It makes seams flat, not wavy, and professional looking. You don’t want to look like an amateur and that’s exactly what a universal needle will potentially do for you; give you a rookie looking seam. You want smooth as butter and a stretch needle will give you smooth seams.
For my post about how to find amazing vintage cowboy boots, go here 🙂 These are my “Horn Lane” boots 😉
I omitted the elastic casing in the waist of this pattern because it looked adorable without and I didn’t see why it would be improved by including it, once I got the top on. I am on the short side, 5 foot 4 inches, and I ended up shortening the straps 1 inch total.
I can’t wait to make another, but in a really drapey rayon so it has a much more feminine, modern look- the peplum will fall very flat, and maybe I’ll make it longer- not as long as the dress but longer than my first version.
THIS is the fun of sewing, Wildflowers 🙂 What do you think? Share in the comments what I should make out of this pattern next!
If you want to learn how to sew, check out the courses HERE!
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