The time has come! I started a new video sew along using Butterick 6214. I chose this pattern because it has a simple loose-fitting silhouette, no closures, very few pattern pieces and can be sewn up in both a woven and a stretch knit fabric. All that combined seemed to fit the bill of what I was looking for to teach as a beginner friendly project!
If you have struggled with choosing the right size sewing pattern from a commercial envelope this sew along is just for you! In this new FREE series of videos I’ll be walking you through the most common mistakes I’ve seen beginners make when trying their hand at sewing clothes and then I’ll also show you how to correct them and what you should be doing to help get some more successful results even as a newbie sewist!
Above you will see me wearing the exact same top in two different sizes. I made both of these in the same fabric to illustrate what often happens when beginners first start sewing from commercial patterns. Maybe you have done this before? You pick the size according to your body measurements and the pattern envelope size chart and end up with something that is way too big! That’s what I did for the picture on the right. Based on my body measurements the pattern had me cut out the XL. This is what you get because of the amount of ease that has already been added to the base pattern measurements by the manufacturer. Way too much ease for my liking. In this new series I will teach you how to use the exact same pattern with no modifications to get a better fitting garment as shown on the picture on the left. I have so much content to cover! Phew! I hope you are up for it.
In this first video I discuss the pattern we’ll be using, why I chose it, what fabric I used to make the black & white version I’m wearing in the video and what you need to do to get ready to follow along in this video sew along series! Hope you’ll join us for some sewing fun!
If you need to get your hands on the Butterick 6214 pattern we have some in our online shop in both size ranges here.
If you enjoy the video and plan to join in on the fun be sure to leave me a comment below!
Click HERE to watch Video #1, #2 and #3 in this sew along for Butterick 6214
p.s.- You can order my favorite clip & slide measuring tape in my online shop here.
Carla Lissa
Got the pattern and definitely will be joining the series. Thank you Vanessa for doing these kind of videos.
Joetta Brown
Thank you for doing this series. This is what I have been searching for! I have my
Pattern and I am eager to get started.
Mary
Looking forward to get back into sewing for myself again.
Jenny
My pattern arrived today and it is still in the weather is still in the 30c here in Sydney. Im also looking forward to making something that will actually fit.
Regina
I am excited to see easy, casual, everyday items featured in a sewing tutorial! I am rebuilding my wardrobe after working in a corporate world for years and the will help me do it. Thanks! ????
Sandy
Waiting for my pattern to arrive can’t wait to get started.
Celeste
I’m super excited to start. Have both the pattern and fabric. So impatient!!
Patty
Looking forward to the next video! I would like my clothes to fit better than just following the patterns. Love your series.
kmartin1349
got the pattern on sale for $1.99 at Joann’s let the sew along begin
Dana
I’m super excited to do this sew along !… I’m so intimidated by garment making and so excited to learn from the best teacher Crafty Gemini aka Vanessa ????
Sharon
I’ve got my pattern and will hopefully be sewing along in the UK. Thanks for doing this sew along.
Cathy
Very excited found the pattern at my Joann’s today! They only had one in each size left. Cannot wait to start it has been such a long time for sewing something for myself. ????
Patti
I took my body measurements and looked at the butterick pattern I am a definite newbie when it comes to making garments but I’m having my doubts there’s no way that I am an a large to an extra-large I saw the picture of the Vanessa’s two blouses I think I might just wait and watch the video first before I get the smaller pattern.
Is there anyone out there that feels the same way about the measurements and what the pattern says ?
Darryl -Kelly Yardley
Like your approach to sewing
Patricia Eder
I have my pattern also and hope to find a store that carries nice fabric. Thank you Vanessa. I look forward to startig
Lorraine Coooper
Have my pattern ready so when does the next video start ?
Liz
Looking forward to this series. Thank you
Lorraine Cooper
Hi got my pattern When is the next tutorial??
Sue LeMay
I have the pattern and material for this project so am excited to follow along as you teach how to sew this top.
Juliana Taper
Ready to go — got the pattern and fabric.
Linda
Thanks Vanessa! Eager to watch!
Joan
I have my pattern and fabric. Can’t wait.
Linda
I’ve been garment sewing since age 7. Really enjoy your videos. I tend to sew for others prom dressesetc, but always found too much fuss to self sew. Looking forward to catching few tricks that will help me alter my own clothes to fit my body size as I lower my weight and tone muscles. Getting healthier! Thank you.
gant
Anxious to get started! Thanks, Charlotte
Arlene
I had this pattern which I made up, but I made a lot of the mistakes that you spoke of. So looking forward to following your instructions to make this pattern correctly. Eager to start.
Arlene
Have you posted the follow on video #3 for Butterick 6214
Debra
Have my pattern, waiting on fabric to arrive. Vanessa, your videos make it so easy to sew things! Can’t wait to try my hand at making this top!
Beverly
Great tutorials.
Ellie
Looking forward to following along!