Making THAT Dress Fit || Altering Butterick 4790

[@gillianbeswick1795]

I made tis dress in 1955, jus after I had finished my "O" levels. I was so proud of it, and had many agreeable comments. BRILLIANT.

[@geministargazer9830]

gillian beswick yeah, the original was good

[@jennhill8708]

That was the year I was born. My Mom never learned to sew; I avoid sewing machines, as they give me dreadful headaches. I think that was Mom's issue, as well. However, she bought into the whole idea that handsewing is an impossible task. I like to sew by hand & it doesn't take forever. Plus, I don't have the dreadful headaches, nor do I want to chuck my beautiful machine through the window. I do wish pattern companies that reprint patterns should do no more than grade the patterns upwards. I'm sure your dress was lovely! Did you go out to lunch/dinner to celebrate your "O" levels? Awesome achievement.

[@johannaholmgren8088]

Makes me wonder if the original, which is definitely not exactly the same as the repro, would fit better than the repro, without adjusting the fit....

[@christine55416]

so I'm late to the game and just learned about the walkaway dress in 2023, but after watching your dress and how you are so knowledgeable about fit points and how to address issues, I'm kind of surprised at how many people just picked up a pattern (someone repeated this challenge in 2022) and sewed a dress in three hours, in the first time in their final fabric, without thinking about fit at all... i felt like I learned a ton in twenty minutes and I've never attempted to sew any garments!

[@aletaschulz1108]

The “simple “ pattern that could be completed between breakfast and lunch is fast becoming more complicated by adjusting for fit.

[@TayaSews]

If what you want to wear to lunch is a badly fitting apron you can totally make it in the time advertised, haha!

[@SarahBent]

Most of the fit problems are a result of 'modernizing' the pattern

[@sonipitts]

And hanging overnight to relax the hem.

[@masimons165]

@@sonipitts What do you mean by that? I've never heard of it.

[@FlickiChicki]

@@masimons165 on skirts that have a hem on the bias - like a full circle skirt or this one - if you don't hang the skirt for a while, the bias pulls "wonk" and the skirt hangs off. On me, I get it so it usually pulls longer front and back, then hem while on.

[@Grace_x68]

Marika, this is by far the best tutorial on this dress. You really started a trend two years back.

[@cristinacrizi7579]

I am an experienced sewer but I learned a lot from your video, including how to mark my mannequin. Thank you so much!!!

[@radishpie3374]

Oh my goodness! I thought you were calling this the “walk away” dress because of how difficult the fit was and I remember trying to make it years ago, giving up and “walking away”!! Haha! In fact I found this pattern three weeks ago and decided to use it in my new project which is to mod podge pattern pieces to the wall of my studio like wallpaper! Such a coincidence!

[@maggiereese1053]

My Mom had a dress like this (she was a thirty something in the 1950s). It was one of my favorite dress up dresses when I was a little girl. Memories! I think I am going to buy a pattern and make one for myself.

[@geministargazer9830]

Maggie Reese don’t do it, the original pattern is MUCH better.

[@johannaholmgren8088]

@@geministargazer9830 Yes I've actually ordered the repro, but now I'm not sure I want it.....not after all the comments etc about the problems with fitting it....

[@merindymorgenson3184]

I find it fascinating to see how facile you are in dealing with the fit adjustments. I learn so much in just watching these videos. You are clearly an excellent seamstress as well as an excellent instructor! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Your second mock-up was so flattering to your figure! Proof that good tailoring can make a potato sack look flattering. Thanks Marika!

[@anne7792]

That is so backhanded

[@louisegogel7973]

@@anne7792 I’m guessing she has the same figure and is speaking about her self image. Enchanted Rose has a lovely well balanced figure.

[@Bright_Broccoli]

​@@louisegogel7973 I thought the comment was about literal potato sacks and not about anyone's figure.

[@ColleenMarble]

i bought this pattern last year, then injured my wrist. I'm currently recovering from my second wrist surgery. It'll be months before I can sew again but this dress is first on my list! thanks for the video and sew along!

[@imamonstr]

I can't believe how many alterations need to be made on the pattern! I know this is what should be done but it blows my mind! I'm working on developing my sewing skills and am so glad for all of this!!!

[@sf9145]

Your bodice fits the best out of all of the "contestants". I haven't yet watched all of them but a lot of them. I think they all did what you did. After watching your experience I think, well, now I know, they all used too large of a pattern and although most had to adjust the darts and other places...their neck lines and shoulders, under shoulders didn't fit so beautiful like your mock up. Can't wait to watch part one...

[@louisegogel7973]

I like your mock up material on you! And I like how you explain in, photograph/video, and pace your videos

[@felicitygee381]

Wow! That full bust adaption instruction is what I have been looking for all my life. Thanks Marika! (I am on my 3rd day trying to finish the "1 hour dress" may not make the sew along but will watch)

[@kestrel3392]

I actually just pulled this dress back out to try and finish it! I need to make some major alterations and will be using this!

[@annhahn9743]

Same here! We tried it with cotton and the fit was horrible. We are going to try to make some adjustments to it.

[@annholmes9650]

Loved this video - thank you for sharing . You explained everything very well!

[@gwendolinelaurie]

Hello i'm french this dress was my first home made dress. I was very proud. I'm so happy to see someone else doing 1955's pattern. thanks

[@marywest2896]

new viewer, who loves sewing channels, but I can't sew, it is encouraging me to seek out classes though....your instructions were so simple even I understood them!!! a non sewer!! THANK YOU. I am even braver about classes now....when I view other channels as they fit the patterns, it is like trying to learn calculus!!! to me it takes real skill to know about a subject and make it so simple even the most unskilled or untrained can understand. I will be a regular watcher now.

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Welcome Mary!

[@Charliefarley170287]

I made this dress a few years ago after watching Sewing Bee. It took me longer than the Sewing Bee time limit but I like to take my time. I love how easy it is and that I feel all swishy and twirly in it. My only problem is the wide neck because I have narrow shoulders but that's an easy alteration.

[@bluewingsprite]

Your videos are so soothing and your smile is the sweetest. Thank you.

[@lizzyleek7942]

Watching this part of me thinks as 'bullet bras' were popular at the time if maybe the pattern was designed with them in mind which makes adjusting the pattern to the more rounded shape of the bust today cause the pattern to pull and stretch awkwardly. 🤔

[@geministargazer9830]

Lizzy Leek modern patterns are just shit in general but yeah the older patterns were shaped with pointier boobs in mind

[@hinachansansensei]

Yeah, I was wondering if at least part of the fit issues is due to how undergarments/support garments were then and now. Putting aside bullet bras, there's the question of girdles and other shaping elements...

[@brewerner2175]

Absolutely! When fitting an historical garment, one must ALWAYS thing of the period foundation layers :) Good catch!

[@jcaylalove8713]

Ahhhh bliss! Thank you Marika ☺️♥️ New Zealand has just gone into lock down so this is just what I need! Hope everyone is safe and well. Much Love & Peace ♥️✌️

[@mothersuperior6751]

Aelith & Josh Carter Me too. (Lockdown NZ) Looking forward to working on this. But got myself distracted clearing off my cutting table... was hoping to do my mock up today, but it will be tomorrow.

[@emmadavey3892]

Another New Zealander here 🌻 super excited to attempt this. Best country to be in right now 💞 stay well 😷

[@creatingfitsofhappiness7104]

My biggest complaint about this pattern is that the chest of the front panel digs into your armpits. I’m glad you are doing that modification.

[@normacooper6377]

Impressive alterations! Congratulations on the successful completion of this project 🎊

[@sirkkue3072]

Oh shoot. I think my downstairs neighbor would not appreciate me starting to sew at 10pm with you lovely people. So I'll be doing this earlier in the day for the most part. Also, hello. I'm a new costube follower and wanted to say that I absolutely love your Constellation gown.

[@saffity]

Thank you for the Edelweiss link, I’m using the GBSB pattern and will be using these adjustments! So looking forward to this!

[@cup_o_sew4556]

I started this dress last year, but put it in my unfinished projects pile when I couldn’t get it to fit properly. Thanks so much for this, I can’t wait to dig it out again!

[@cairamj1928]

I am so late to this party ! Just found this pattern by accident on Etsy. Thought it was cute and only now am I learning about all its flaws! I’m overwhelmed at all the alterations, afraid I’m not that knowledgeable in my sewing skills. I’ll have to rewatch this video 59 times before I can attempt this dress!!

[@nataliae5365]

i've made this dress and i actually hated the way it looked on me. probably a lot of that were fit issues that i didn't know how to fix. i'm excited to try out your tips!

[@anglomallorquina5898]

To anyone using, the printed out pattern: it uses British sizes! I had to do some adjusting because I have a very short torso, but I think the GBSS pattern is shaped slightly better.

[@FlickiChicki]

I'm using my Grandma P's original 1950s pattern, but I'll be joining in! I have my preferred skirt already cut out, sewn to the added waist band (I am too hippy for a circle skirt at my waist) and hanging to get the wonk out of the hem. I need to figure out the full bust adjustment yet on the bodice. ETA - mock up complete! And dang it, I love the brilliant purple mockup, so guess I'm making 2 dresses.

[@hinachansansensei]

Two for the price of one, then, but not really haha

[@JustSaralius]

Just wanted to say thank you for the links and I also must commend you for a smashing good video! Music is perfect (both style and volume), the cam shots and lighting look great and the editing over all is just on point! The content as well; Great work!

[@louisegogel7973]

I agree fully ❤

[@PrettyShepherd]

This was great! Thanks for sharing your patters alteration tips. It’s been so long since I tried to alter commercial patterns and it always seemed scary to me 🙈 but you made it look so simple! ✨ you’re amazing! 🌸

[@bernadettemilani2600]

What a difference those adjustments made. Great dress on you! Going with the upper bust measurements and adjusting the bust works so much better! I’m so glad you did this video to share the visual!!! It really helps to get the point across.

[@sockerplinga]

Thanks for a great video! I found this dress/pattern in 2023 and I wanna make it. Now when I have watched your video Im not really sure. Need to think about this, as I will need to make adjustments. But hey, a fun challenge, right? ;)

[@jenniferlabelle-brown4956]

This is very helpful! I really appreciate that you amalgamated resources for us here and I feel like I won the lottery with that Sewing Bee link!

[@JannaVervecken]

This pattern has been sitting in my pattern stash for years, and you just made me want to make it now! Thank you!

[@aimeevanlandingham3844]

Man I don't have the fabric for this but I really want to do this. I will probably just join and do the pattern alterations I need. I have made this dress before but I took it apart as I wasn't happy with it. I've also lost nearly 60 lbs since then so a new dress is needed lol.

[@updownstate]

Go for it.

[@karenvonbargen4472]

They made a child's version of this back in the day, a pattern I picked up at a church bazaar. Delightful surprise!

[@jessief2150]

Amazing timing! I've been wanting to try to make this again! Thank you

[@Fireball0]

I made this dress a few years ago, with the adjustments suggested by Edelweiss Patterns. It came out so awesome, that I made a second one reversible. Now that I have the adjusted pattern, it is one of my favorite dresses to make. I should mention that I often draft my own patterns, so the adjustments were fairly easy for me.

[@mcwjes]

I really dig the reversible dress idea. So efficient!

[@lidialippold9274]

I am new to your group. I just signed up today. But I so wish we had someone like you who can teach people like me who want to learn how to make a pattern to fit our body correctly. We do have a place here, but the cost to sign up is way more than I can afford. I love your KZbin. Thank you for making this video.

[@alib8758]

I cut this out last year. Chopped off the front part at the waist and added the circle skirt so I could wear it with a regular petticoat. I have to redo all my adjustments though right after I cut it out I dropped two sizes.

[@fionafiona1146]

Frensh seams appear to do that whenever I fail to make different seam allowances.

[@Alice0hMy]

@@fionafiona1146 🤣🤣🤣

[@BradKandyCroftFamily]

I tried making that dress when I was first learning to sew in my teens. I HATED it afterwards, and it was all due to fit, plus I hated everything I made Hehe. I am excited about this episode!!

[@kelliwoolsey542]

McCall pattern KZbin channel has in-depth three part series on tissue fitting and adjustments! Thanks for the fit tips!

[@AlexMarieDIY]

You are very patient, it's all these adjustments that put me off using commercial patterns, although I do feel a little guilty for not sewing all the patterns I own too. Weldone

[@SewFastDyeYoung]

I made this dress a few years ago and it gave me such a hard time. I loved several of your recommendations and I think I will use them it make it again soon!

[@updownstate]

I have this pattern! I never considered making it; I bought it in a thrift store to decorate the wall by my sewing machine. Hmmmm.

[@brendanopretenda9933]

I'm thrilled with this! I tried this pattern out years ago and was so disappointed! It seemed a good idea for being quite the novice. It will be some time before I'm able to get some fabric *cries* but I'm so excited for when I can get some and hopefully turn out a great fitting dress thanks to you sharing your expertise. Very much looking forward to the rest of the dress!

[@jessicasplaine5909]

This has been really informative. I'm so excited to watch on Saturday. I've always struggled with fba so it was great to see.

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

I definitely recommend checking out the video I posted in the description, they have some more info that is very useful!

[@ArisuTheFirst]

Sooooo I just bought an original 1950s pattern for this dress because of this video. It won't be here in time for the livestream, but I'm so excited!

[@Kalisayswhat]

I'm sewing a completely different project atm but this is such a beautiful dress that i've always been curious about! Thanks so much

[@cheryls8987]

I've made this from the original pattern many many years ago. It was in my Mom's stash. At that time the top had to be adjusted to fit my larger shoulders and bust. Otherwise it was a good fit. I also took out some of the fullness in the skirt to make it more A-line and less circle. It was a better silhouette for me. Years later I made one with two different fabrics to it was reversible. It was one of my favorite dresses.

[@ZhovtoBlakytniy]

No kidding I just made that dress this past weekend. It "fits" poorly, maybe I can fix it now 😅

[@IssisP]

I’ve had this pattern forever but couldn’t get it to fit right! Thank you for this video!

[@kzisnbkosplay3346]

Gah! Pattern alteration - the bane of my sewing life!

[@ToriLynnH]

My attempt was so sad.... .... glad to see this...

[@blueskye23]

That second mock up looked great! I have this pattern. Thamks for your suggestions.

[@TK-tcbk1]

I’ve had this pattern for about a year but after looking at completed dresses online I became to scared to make it. It’s the pattern-not the person sewing it. Thank you so much for the alteration suggestions. I may try it now. ♥️

[@butadara]

I made this dress in May 2019, and out of a full size bedsheet. To help it fit me I extended the darts in both directions! Put it on inside out and find your Apex with both darts extend to fit perfect, and then I made the lower center dart to help it fit my hips. The back part that wraps around add a few inches to make sure they over lap. I didn't do this, and just had the center open a few inches with 2 buttons on each side.

[@mo5747112]

whoo!! i just finished making this dress!!! I finished it within a week, and i also altered the the back top pattern :)

[@charlottegury1243]

Thank you for the beautiful content you provide for us

[@erinhall320]

This dress just popped up on my Facebook memories from five years ago! The fit was horrendous and I literally never wore it. Maybe I should dig the pattern out and try again.

[@SarahBent]

Oooh thanks for the reminder. Pattern is printing now. Also enjoyed the reminder that you are very tall. 27" skirts are perfect on me. But I'm 5'2".

[@SarahBent]

Also where did you get your dummy from?

[@ahc1957]

I really enjoyed your video. I will be following along. Thanks.

[@elinordrake7129]

Thank you for this video! I am new to sewing with wovens (not nearly as forgiving of measurement vagaries as knits!) ...I was feeling really..frankly, Stupid!!! at how it seemed to take me three mockups to get a dress to sort of fit...(I never even Did mockups when I used wovens & didn't know what a mock up was! lol) After watching this video (and a couple other alteration videos) I see that altering things can be a far more complicated & time consuming process than I realized. Meaning, not stupid, its just supposed to take awhile to get things just so. :-) This video was the attitude adjustment I needed. Have a lovely day!

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

Oh good! I tried to make this too. You and I are similarly shaped. Thank you so much.

[@agypsycircle]

Oooh! I love the fabric you chose for the final dress! That’s going to be so beautiful!

[@lindsey-do-it]

Oh man I'm so excited to see how you deal with this! I've tried making this dress twice 😓

[@kaytiej8311]

This is brilliant.

[@Sewingtrue100]

I wonder if the dress can be cut twice, instead of a bias strip around the edge. Cut the second dress as a facing, could be good for thinner fabrics. Alternatively create facing's only for a thicker fabrics

[@mamapooki49]

I watch the the sewing bee show and got the pattern from EBay. I too will have to adjust it to fit me, I love the style.

[@tammymasson2343]

This video was extremely informative and helpful! Thank you!

[@HellraizerKaizerin]

I finished about 90% cutting out this dress (modern patteen) likeee last spring and then... walked away from it, as it were... I don't have time to join the sew-along right now but I swear I'll pick it up again once crunch season is over at work.

[@AngelaCoffman]

This was in my recommended videos and I love revisiting this pattern. I made it when the throwback pattern first came out and loved it as long as I didn’t try to move at all. I remember the dress pulling weird as I tried to move my arms and it was super uncomfortable. I didn’t know anything about fit adjustment back then and scrapped it. The saddest part for me was the wasted bias tape.

[@johannaholmgren8088]

Same here, found it in my "recommendeds", which is weird that it's here as a Butterick 4790, when I was watching the videos about it and it was called Butterick 6015.

[@sinapisalba]

that cherry blossom fabric is sooo pretty! i can't wait to see the dress completed ♥ hope the kids will let me watch :oD

[@patriciabebb8894]

My mom used this style dress to make me several formal dresses.

[@elizabethsloan3192]

Very helpful, but it is discouraging that the pattern has been altered from the original by the company.

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Sadly all of the vintage re-releases have been altered to fit the "modern body"

[@catrinlewis939]

@@EnchantedRoseCostumes And as a result fits no one without careful alterations?

[@MrsBestiaAzul]

@@EnchantedRoseCostumes but what does it mean to "alter it tp fit the modern body"??

[@hotjanuary]

Mr.BlueBeast, modern bodies wear rounded bras of today and no shapewear around the tummy (aside from a small percentage of people).

[@LyricalJZ]

I bought this pattern two years ago and never dared start it! Fate has spoken!lets begin!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Good luck!! 🍀🍀🍀

[@florindalucero3236]

I was wondering, could the tricky fit that people mentioned to you, and that you also experienced in the bust, could that be a result of fitting the garment without period underpinnings? At that point in fashion, wouldn't the ribcage/back have been stiff and sharply angled from use of girdles and longline bras? And the breast shape that was in vogue at the time, while wireless, was "boat prow" as I like to call it :P Just a thought :)

[@msmarymac9230]

I did NOT sew this for myself, it was made for me. My seamstress ended up putting snaps under the arms so that don't gap open. My other recommendation is on the sleeves - probably because of the snaps they fit a bit awkwardly and can be uncomfortable where it rubs. She was wise to bring that arm back. It's made of a floral pique and I get compliments on it whenever I wear it.

[@AnoraJohnson]

This dress looks so cute on you! Tbh, I've noticed that the walkway dress doesn't flatter a lot of people's figures. You, however, *_rock_* it. 🤩

[@NorthernHedgeWitch]

did you make the plaid dress you are wearing in this video? I love it!

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

I did! Thank you 💗

[@NorthernHedgeWitch]

Enchanted Rose Costumes did you use a pattern?

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

Kinda, but I used it as a starting point and then altered it a lot.

[@Textile_Courtesan]

Back in 2006 I found this pattern while working at Hancock's Fabrics. I made a dozen of these and lived in them. I need to lose weight so I can wear them again. I made the front bodice belt extra long and added extra hooks and eyes to be adjustable.

[@Textile_Courtesan]

Oh, and the printing of the 2006 version is the same as the original but it's been in the past three years they changed the pattern pieces, I believe.

[@Textile_Courtesan]

Also, yes, the neck line is extra wide! I adjusted it to be a deeper scoop to bring the shoulder up closer to my neck. I'm going to get my pattern out and read my notes for all of my adjustments.

[@Dianestitchcraftrelax]

Thanks for sharing the process.

[@jesshart9636]

I've attempted this pattern and even though I allowed the waist to be three sizes bigger to then take in later, my word, it was still too small! As the fabric was already cut, I had to adapt the button section into a pointed waist with ties on either side just to get it to do up. It is quick to cut out and sew but the measurements are so very off!

[@plumplumi]

this is very likely redundant so if someone in the comments want to answer me i would really appreciate it. I'm looking with hungry eyes at her sewing mannequin since it seems to be a bigger size and I've been wondering how/where I could get one myself. I also bought my first pattern paper to dive into the "pattern altering so things actually fit me" and this video was very informative and exciting to watch! thank you !

[@jennyralgrievous6192]

You can get adjustable dress forms on amazon and eBay, some go up by size and some can be adjusted by hip, waist and bust measurements. If you are just starting out or don't plan on sewing enough to invest in an expensive dress form, you can search dress forms by clothing size or buy a cheap one and pad it yourself with newspaper or scrap fabric. If you look up how to make a dress form cover and have the fabric to do it then you can make a padded form look a little less DIY/homemade ❤️ x

[@lucycannon6732]

I made this dress to wear to a daughter's wedding over a decade ago...there's a memory or three.

[@shawneelechliter2564]

I am just starting on this dress. So based on my high bust measurement I'll be making the size 18. However I too have a waist that is larger than is 4 inches larger than the the size 18 waist measurement of 34". So i was trying to follow along what you did to adjust the waist of the circle skirt larger, did you just size up for the skirt? So for instance my waist is 36" which is closer to the size 22 pattern size, so could I just cut out the size 22" circle skirt pattern? I know I will have to make the hips larger by 10-11.5 inches to account for my larger hips and a bit of a tummy. So I will follow the steps you did for adjusting the hips and adding the extra dart to accommodate for the smaller waist.. Thanks for such a great tutorial!

[@Grace_x68]

Thank you Marika.

[@Berumira]

I have the same pattern! I should cut down my stash with all these retro Butterick patterns I have. lol

[@tummymummy0867]

Thanks for the link to GBSB FREE pdf pattern. Lots of other free patterns on the sam epage - who doesn't like free:)

[@kimberlyxu58]

I think vintage pattern is just more reliable......

[@billiev8705]

Whoop!! Perfect timing, Marieke! (Marika? Marike? Not sure about spelling, so I went for the most common Dutch spelling...) I have this pattern and I have similar fit issues, being an hourglass shape like you.

[@anjaprachtstueckwerk7546]

Thank-you so much for this video! I enjoyed it very much! Isn´t it interesting, how different the original pattern and the repro version actually are? I´m quite sure the original would have had less fit issues and if I ever tried to make this dress I´d love to find the original version. From time to time I make a 50ies dress for myself and after some struggles with repro patterns I´ve turned towards using original patterns from old magazines. Amazingly they are some magazines which provide patterns that do fit me perfectly with only the slightest adjustments if any. (And I´m no elfin!) No comparison to for example a repro Burda "vintage" pattern. Your video together with the Insta challenge to show one´s first and current sewing project have made me revisit my first attempt to make a 50ies dress. I made it several years ago using a Vogue pattern. It never fit me right, so remained unworn... it had to be almost completely unpicked and now is back on my table. Not easy to clean up a "quick and easy" project... too many overlock seams, too many quick sewing hacks (that do work a treat on a modern type of dress, but do feel so wrong when you are trying to time travel)... I´ve been "playing darts" for hours today and slowly, so slowly some shape is developping.... watching your sew along while I´m working....

[@RenaeFlowers]

Did you make the dress you're currently wearing? It's beautiful!

[@nicolawebb6025]

I loved this dress which I made about 20 years ago, but it was a nightmare to wear in the wind. I eventually got fed up of holding the over skirt down.

[@rosalindabarrett7508]

Thank you

[@cynthiabasil8356]

This is great I just bought that pattern. 😁

[@woolywonders5546]

Here in USA how can we watch The Great British Sewing Bee? Subscribed to BritBox but that show is not on there. 😢

[@EnchantedRoseCostumes]

I found the episodes on YT 😉🤫