TNT-- The Petite Friendly Sheath Dress

Is there any style more elegant than a classic sheath dress? 

For years I could not wear a sheath dress because I found few in petite sizing. Once I started sewing, I could make the styles that I want.

TNT McCalls 7085
Sheath dresses are comfortable to wear and easy to sew. I often get asked what are my favorite patterns for making a sheath dress. I have a few.

Only two are currently in print:

 Butterick 6624 has lovely princess seams. I've made this pattern up in stretch cotton sateen and denim with lycra.

McCalls 7085 has great shaping with darts. I've made this up in cashmere, wool, cotton sateen, batik and silk.

I've sewn both in different hem and sleeve lengths to get very different looks from a basic pattern.

A number of my very favorite patterns are now out of print but can frequently be found on Amazon, Ebay and Etsy. Here are my favorite out of print patterns for making a sheath dress:

OOP McCalls 7714 This pattern has a straight and a-line skirt options. I've made both. Many times. The many pieces make the pattern great for color blocking and scrap busting.

TNT Butterick 5520

TNT OOP Butterick 5520 is a raglan sleeve sheath dress. I've made this in ponte of double knit more times than I can count. It makes a polished dress that is as comfortable to wear as sweats. Don't tell the secret.

OOP Butterick 5453 is a raglan sleeve dress with a well-defined waist. The pattern is great for color blocking.

OOP New Look 6000  has a really nice, sophisticated sculpted look with attractive pleats on one side of the dress. DD loves this style.

OOP McCalls 6460 is another raglan sheath dress. The pattern has darts for fitting in the shoulder. I particularly like this pattern for silk charmeuse, silk georgette and silk chiffon.

OOP Vogue 9184 is a great sleeveless sheath dress. I've made this pattern up in linen, stretch cotton sateen quilting cotton and denim.

OOP New Look 6965 has a separate bodice and skirt piece. It too is great for color blocking.

So that's my list.

Happy sewing!

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