Pattern Review: McCalls 6754 Peplum Top
For the last couple of months, I have really wanted to sew a peplum top. I love tee shirts that have something fun and dressier about them, so this was perfect. I picked McCalls 6754 because of the princess seams and raglan sleeves – two of my favorite details. The pattern is designed for you to use striped fabric and place the front panels on the bias to make a chevron effect.
But I wanted to use this soft and beautiful Japanese knit that I had in my stash (sold by the Fabric Fairy) so I placed my pattern pieces on the grain.
This pattern was easy to sew, but the fit required lots of adjustment… so here’s my advice to you and to future me in case I make another: ignore the size chart and make your ‘usual size’. My usual size for store bought clothes is a 12, but according to my measurements and the pattern size chart I needed a 16. According to McCalls, the 12 is a medium and comes in one pattern envelope, and the 16 is a large and comes in a different envelope. I bought and cut the size large and it turned out way too big. I think I took the blouse in a total of 6 inches from the side, back, and front seams before I added the skirt. That made the neckline wider than I like.
So if I sew it again, I’ll need to buy the other size pattern and make a medium.
I also shortened the bodice by 1” since I’m only 5’4” tall and I normally have to shorten everything. But in this case I’m not sure that was the right choice. So next time (if there is a next time), I won’t do that.
One more thing… my biggest pet peeve about patterns from the ‘big 4’ companies is stay stitching. I always think, ‘do really I need to?’ I just hate that step. So the last time I was in a local apparel fabric shop I picked up this knit stay tape. I ironed little strips of it to the princess seams where the pattern told me to stay stitch and it worked like a dream.
Even with all this fussing about it, I totally love it. It’s comfy and cute and perfect for running around with kids when I don’t want to embarrass them in my pj’s.
So, what have you been sewing up this week? Did you make something with one of my free sewing tutorials or patterns? I would love to see! Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe.
<a href="https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog" target="_blank"><img src="https://i1348.photobucket.com/albums/p723/sewcanshe/squarebutton2_zpsf4a22b7f.jpg" border="0"/></a>
Happy Sewing!
Featured
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
That top is super cute!
Your peplum looks great! I love the floral print and the princess seams!
I love it! I love raglan sleeves and princess seams as well. I will have to try this top.
What a cute top! Great fabric choice.
I’ve never seen a peplum with those two details! I LOVE raglan sleeves. It looks great!
I love posts on sewing with knits! Recently I found a place in the area that sells the knit stay tape, and I’m looking forward to buying some and trying it!
Krista
I think you’ll be glad you did. It’s pricey but it works very well. And you get a lot. 🙂
I bought this pattern after seeing it here. Did you do the lining as well or is it better just to do the top. I am very new at doing this, any hint would be good.
Thanks Caroline.
Karen
The lining is only necessary if you are using stretch lace (as in the picture). If your fabric isn’t see through, don’t worry about a lining at all. I did the raglan sleeved version, which didn’t specify stretch lace or a lining.
Have fun!
Caroline
I love your shirt! And such great advice! Fitting is one reason I am more likely to buy something at the thrift store and alter if needed. I would love to have a shirt like this one if it would fit well. I am going to buy that pattern very soon!
To help pick a size in the big pattern companies look at the finished garment measurements. They have more wearing ease than most people want. Your top looks great.