Anyone who has been sewing clothing for anytime has likely sewn or heard of the TNT (tried-and-true) McCalls 6886.
So why is M6886 a TNT pattern? Well it’s so simple!
- Can be made with as little as two pattern pieces (View D & F)
- Can be sewn is 1-2 hours
- Can be easily graded for those who are a different size on the “top” and “bottom”
- Can be sewn with any knit
- Can be styled casual or dressy
- Requires no closures
Straight out of the envelope M6886 is a great dress. Just check out some of my makes below.
Being easy to sew is great, but the Main reason M6886 is a TNT pattern is because it can be so easily altered! The pattern itself includes several options four dress lengths, three sleeve lengths and three necklines. But the options you can add are endless; add a hood, add a bust pocket, add a peplum hem, vary the sleeves, add side splits, slash and split to make a tee shirt dress and more… Just take a look as some of the versions I have made.
WOW! I really love black and white huh? I should probably make some in a few colors or colorful prints. A great alternative to this pattern is the relatively new M7531 which is very similar but has an added center back seam. The newer pattern is great for those who may need to make a few more adjustments for fit, such as a sway back. But guess what? You could always just trace your back pattern piece of M6886 add 5/8″ SA and custom fit to back piece to your measurements!
I can’t believe I still haven’t made this dress! The red one is my favorite…I might have to copycat that one!!!
LikeLike
You’ve got to make it! Thanks!
LikeLike
This looks like a good easy pattern for me to start with. I want to move towards the clothing world soon! I LOVE this hoodie dress! with and without sleeves. It looks so comfy! I might have to try that one day! thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think this is a great beginner pattern, just be sure to stay with a stable knit like a ponte/ponte de roma
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your hoodie versions of the dress! I’ve made the dress 3 times so far (2 for my mom & 1 for myself). I plan to make more for myself. I want to do one in black with the cold shoulder sleeves. I also want to try one with split sleeves & maybe bell sleeves also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All great ideas!
LikeLike
Wow! Great dresses. Any intentions of letting us know how you did the one with the cape. It looks stunning and so modern.
LikeLike
Thank you! If I can remember how I did it I’ll do a tutorial!
LikeLike
Hello! I love this pattern, but I have a lot of bunching in the lower back. Any tip on how to correct this? Thanks!
LikeLike
Thanks!
You need a swayback adjustment to eliminate the pooling of fabric above your derriere. I’m always on the verge of needing one, but I’m too lazy to do it. Emily Hallman has a post showing this adjustment on this very pattern that should help you. Emilyhallman.com/2017/11/29/one-dress-three-ways-mccalls-6886
LikeLike