Red Hot Wrap: New Look 6581
It's no secret that I love a wrap dress, heck I did a whole comparison series (here). Unlike those, New Look 6581 is a true wrap dress! A feature that, for me, makes it even better.
I ordered this red hacci knit from Fabric Mart because it was on sale and I love red. LOL I feel like I should have a more convincing argument. I also grabbed 3 yards of a gray ribbed sweater knit (I really need to unsubscribe from their mailing list). Although I admit I had no plans for either when I checked out I'm glad I broke my fabric fast rules for it. This sweater knit is sew soft and comfy! It was a tad thin, so I double layered the back (thank goodness I had enough fabric). I just basted both back pieces (right sides out) at the shotlders and sides and then treated it as one piece. I didn't worry about doubling the front pieces because the wrap creates a double front (where it counts).
I have to thank Mimi G for the inspiration as she posted a gray version this pattern to IG and I new that's what this fabric was destined to become. She also recorded a free sewalong, here. Shout out to my sew sister Constance for tracking it down for me because I couldn't find it at first.
This dress is super simple to sew though there are a few places the instructions could be more clear. For starters because the right side has a small opening for the tie to pull through you need to finish the edges of that side before joining them. This really only applies to those of us who sew, then serge our seams. Secondly, it was implied (at best), but not explicitly stated or illustrated to sew the ties to each front side edges between the dots before attaching the facings.
One last note, I hate knit facings because the so often pop or curl out. However here it's fine because you topstitch the entire piece in place. I shared a tip in my Instagram stories so I'll share it here. For any type of neck and front facings or hem bands:
- Cut it a little longer at the hem ends because attaching the interfacing usually shrinks the piece a bit (if it's too long you can cut it down later)
- After pinning all the way around, start at the center back and sew towards a hem. Then repeat from the center in the other directions. This prevents the band/facing from stretching and being too long on one end.
One last thing, the length is off to me. I used a 2" hem and it still hits below the knee. I don't recall what depth the hem called for but a 1" hem would have hit me below the knee. I'm 5'5" for the record. I prefer right at the knee (or above the knee), so the wide hem, so it worked well for me. However if you are under 5'5" or just prefer an above the knee skirt/dress you'll need to shorten it.Pattern: New Look 6581Pattern Description: Easy-to-sew knit sportswear includes a wrap dress, tunic, and pants. Perfect to wear together or as separate pieces.Sizing: 8-20 I sewed an 18Difficulty: 2/easyFabric Used: Crimson Red Polyester/Lycra Hacci Sweater Knit from Fabric MartDoes it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? YesWere the instructions easy to follow? MostlyLikes: True wrap dress!Dislikes: None, it's a tad long thoughPattern alterations or any design changes made: None I did sew a 2" hem to achieve the length I prefer.Would I sew it again? Yes, I several of these in my future. I need to work out a sleeveless version.Would I recommend it to others? Definitely, great beginners project.Conclusion: Easy to sew knit true wrap dress