The New Look Sewing Pattern 6145 is designed for beginner to intermediate sewers looking to create versatile knee-length shift dresses. With this single pattern, you can craft five distinct looks, making it an excellent value for expanding your wardrobe. Be aware that basic sewing skills and an understanding of pattern instructions are necessary to achieve the best results.
Five Versatile Looks: This pattern offers instructions and pieces to create five distinct knee-length shift dress styles from a single purchase, maximizing your creative options.
Misses' Sizing: Available in size A (8-10-12-14-16-18), accommodating a range of common body measurements for Misses' figures.
"Easy" Skill Level: Designated as an "easy" pattern by New Look, it is suitable for confident beginners and those looking for straightforward sewing projects.
Timeless Shift Silhouette: The pattern features a classic, comfortable knee-length shift dress design, a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down.
Customization Potential: Provides a foundational design that can be easily personalized with different fabrics, embellishments, and minor alterations.
Excellent Value: Get five different dress styles from one pattern, offering great versatility.
Beginner-Friendly: Rated as 'easy,' it's a good choice for those building their sewing skills.
Size Range: Covers a standard range of Misses' sizes (8-18) within one pattern pack.
Classic Style: The shift dress is a timeless garment, ensuring your creations will remain fashionable.
Single Size Pack: Only one size pack (A) is available, meaning extensive size adjustments may be needed outside this range.
Basic Design: While versatile, the core shift dress design is simple, which might be less challenging for advanced sewers.
Fabric Dependent: The final look and feel of the dresses are highly dependent on the chosen fabric, which is not included.
Excellent Value: Get five different dress styles from one pattern, offering great versatility.
Beginner-Friendly: Rated as 'easy,' it's a good choice for those building their sewing skills.
Size Range: Covers a standard range of Misses' sizes (8-18) within one pattern pack.
Classic Style: The shift dress is a timeless garment, ensuring your creations will remain fashionable.
Single Size Pack: Only one size pack (A) is available, meaning extensive size adjustments may be needed outside this range.
Basic Design: While versatile, the core shift dress design is simple, which might be less challenging for advanced sewers.
Fabric Dependent: The final look and feel of the dresses are highly dependent on the chosen fabric, which is not included.
Using New Look Sewing Pattern 6145 allows you to create stylish and comfortable knee-length shift dresses suitable for various occasions. Here's how to get the most out of it:
Choosing Your View: Before you begin, carefully review the five different views offered. Each view might have slight variations in neckline, sleeve, or hem details. Select the view that best suits your style and the occasion.
Fabric Selection: The success of your dress largely depends on your fabric choice. For a casual summer dress, opt for lightweight cotton or linen. For a more structured or office-appropriate look, consider stable knits, gabardine, or crepe. Always check the pattern envelope for recommended fabric types.
Accurate Measuring & Cutting: Take precise body measurements (bust, waist, hip) and compare them to the pattern's body measurement chart, not your ready-to-wear size. Cut fabric carefully, adhering to grainlines, to ensure the garment hangs correctly.
Muslin Test (Optional but Recommended): Especially if you're new to fitting or using a new pattern, consider sewing a 'muslin' (test garment) from inexpensive fabric. This allows you to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before cutting into your fashion fabric.
Customization: This pattern provides an excellent base for personalization. Consider adding decorative trims, pockets, or even slight length modifications (within the design limits) to make each dress uniquely yours.
Real-World Application: Imagine sewing a vibrant cotton shift dress for a summer picnic, a sophisticated black crepe version for a business casual event, or a cozy wool blend shift for cooler weather. The versatility of this pattern means your handmade wardrobe possibilities are extensive.
Unfold and Press: Gently unfold all pattern pieces. If they are heavily creased, lightly press them with a dry iron on a low setting (no steam) to ensure they lie flat for accurate cutting.
Identify Pieces: Familiarize yourself with all pattern pieces by comparing them to the layout diagrams and labels on the instruction sheet.
Choose Your Size & View: Refer to the body measurement chart on the pattern envelope to select your correct size. Decide which of the five views you wish to create.
Cut or Trace: You can either carefully cut out the pattern pieces for your chosen size or trace them onto pattern paper to preserve the original multi-size pattern.
Fabric: The pattern envelope will list suitable fabric types and required yardage for each view and size. Common recommendations include lightweight to medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton, linen, challis, crepe, gabardine, or stable knits.
Notions: Matching thread is always required. Depending on the view, you may also need interfacing, a zipper, hooks and eyes, or buttons. The pattern envelope will detail all necessary notions.
Basic Sewing Tools: A sewing machine, sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, pins, a tape measure, a seam ripper, and an iron are essential.
Care instructions for your finished dress will depend entirely on the fabric you choose. Always follow the care recommendations provided by the fabric manufacturer.
Generally, machine wash cold on a gentle cycle or hand wash, then hang to dry or tumble dry low. Ironing temperatures will vary by fabric type. For delicate fabrics, dry cleaning may be advised.