I love combining two or more patterns to create a garment. Pattern hacking is a modification of an existing sewing pattern or combining multiple patterns to create a new look. It allows me to create a unique design or customize an existing one to my specifications. This has been my year of sewing by pattern hacking. I’ve created an expensive linen top for less and a summer dress with flamenco flair. I’ve also made a trench coat with a twist and brought my Pinterest inspiration to life.
My last linen makes of the summers are comprised from two sewing patterns each. The top is a recreation of a one shoulder top that I came across online. I knew it would be easy to recreate and make it my own. Plus, I could make it in my favorite color which wasn’t an available option to purchase.
The dress is a combination of two misses’ top patterns. A little back story on the fabric color choice. I don’t have a tendency to gravitate towards shades of purple. As I am definitely an earthtones kind of gal. The fabric was intended to be a dress for my sister, but I went with a knit fabric for her instead.
Two linen looks
Off the shoulder top
The sleeve: McCall’s R11416
The bodice: McCall’s M7686
Linen dress with flamenco style sleeves.
The sleeves: Vogue V8392 / The bodice: Burda 6225
The inspiration.
The trenchcoat
I love the mystique of a trenchcoat. It’s a style that gives a polished finish to an outfit day or night. I wanted a traditional trench with an added twist. So, I decided to add a half caplet that was removable. One side of the peplum skirt from McCall’s M7508 was a perfect fit.
The outer fabric is gabardine, and the lining is polyester.
Buttonholes were added to the shoulder edge and back of the peplum to align with clear buttons hidden under the collar.
The buttons are antique brass, and the belt buckle is leather.
My Pinterest inspiration
This outfit has been on my mood board for some time, and I finally decided what color and type of fabric to recreate it. The fabric is Alpine Shirting Slub Chambray in blue from www.fabricwholesaledirect.com It’s a poly/cotton mix and 60 inches wide. The width was perfect for making the necessary alterations to the sewing patterns that I used. Simplicity 8296 and Vogue V8584 were so close to the original that I didn’t have to alter them too much.
I used 1-inch-wide knit elastic for the neckline casing and sewed a 4-inch hem on both top and bottom.
By cutting the largest size in both patterns, all I needed was to extend the length and cut the bodice in an A-line shape. I cut the pants in the same manner.
The most work that went into this outfit was deciding which of my patterns to use and the type of fabric. Fabric, elastic and thread are my favorite sewing combo to make quick and easy garments!
I’ve got more pattern hacks up my sleeve and can’t wait to share them in the months to come! Happy Sewing!
