McCall's 8069

The easiest jumpsuit you can make!

Overview:

Sewing Time:

I made this pattern years ago, when it was M7755, and loved it. (See here and here) Unfortunately I can't fit either of those currently so it was a must that I make it again.

Check out my quick watch me sew video for this project here!

Pattern:

As I mentioned above I own the old pattern, but it's the XS-M size range and I now need a large. This pattern is so simple that I certainly could've graded it up a size and I intended to, but when I found this during a Mccall’s $1.99 sale I had to grab it. I’m lazy like that sometimes.

And it was right on time because I had volunteered to do a Black Sewing Network sewalong the following week. I really had a blast sewing this with Carmen, Terrance, Cree and Kcharles. If you've never tuned in for a sewalong check out the schedule and join in.

I fell in love with this pattern because it's a simple pattern that makes a bold impact. Also pockets!

This jumpsuit can be fun in busy print like this one, classic in a sold color or bold if colorblocked. Additionally it can be made in a knit or a woven which means your fabric selection is vast. And lastly there are a four leg options from flirty romper to wide legged jumpsuit.

M8069 is great for a beginner as it just 5 pieces; front, back, pocket, belt and drawstring and no closures to install. We whipped this up in about 2.5 hours during the live and this with all the chatting and laughing.

Fabric:

This floral print fabric is a rayon crepe from Melanated Fabrics. They still have some in stock, so grab some before it's gone. Again this pattern can be made with a woven or a knit. For wovens I would suggest fabric with nice drape like a crepe, challis, georgette or even a light weight gauze or linen. For knits I’d say ITYs, rayon or bamboo jersey, a matte jersey but not anything heavy like a ponte.

I grabbed this as a 3 yd remnant along with a few others (see my haul video) when I visited the store for Mimi's book signing. I'm usually not one for a busy floral print, but I was attracted to this. I think it's partly because of the more abstract flowers and the colorway. I love these shades or turquoise, purple and red.

*Can you see where I added the band to the front?*

Unfortunately I this pattern calls for 3 1/2 yds and I only had 3. Tim Gunn’s “make it work” line lives rent free in my head so I had no worries. I figured the pants would be too long for me to wear with flats so I could just chop 4” inches off the front and back. Well somewhere I messed up my calculations because after cutting the back I did not have enough for even the shorted length of the front.

My first thought was to simple create a cropped length or try the curved hem of view B, but I really wanted the full length pants. The only option was to add on another piece of fabric to the front leg. Thankfully I had enough fabric left over to create a band to the front to match the back. Also I am lucky that the print is so busy you can barely tell that it’s been pieced together.

*You can see here how low the armsyce is. I think this is for ease of getting in the jumpsuit, but it isn’t necessary.*

I have plans to make a couple more of these since I finally found the larger pattern. I really want black knit version that will be prefect for a dressed up look that is comfy. A colorblocked version would also be fun to make and wear.

Modifications:

I raised the front and back neckline

Lessons Learned:

Draft a higher armsyce

Summary:

Pattern: McCall's 8069 (previously M7755)

Pattern Description: Loose-fitting romper and jumpsuit have neckline with encased drawstring, front and back neck slits, pockets, and leg variations. A, D: Belt.

Sizing: XS-M, L-XL I sewed a large

Does it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow: I didn't follow them, but yes.

Would I recommend it to others? Yes, I'll be making more.

Floral Jumpsuit: Mccalls 8069