Hello. I’m Sara, and today’s sew-along video is for McCall’s m7977. I was inspired to make some tops and dresses out of this pattern after seeing so many gorgeous varieties on social media. Depending on the fabric and modifications, this pattern has the versatility of looking prairie chic to vintage romantic. My first experiment was to highlight the romantic aspect of the pattern so I made a top out of flowy viscose rayon, and it turned out so very lovely.
Since it’s fall here, I decided to make my next m7977 out of a warm, soft, and cozy brushed cotton and modify it into a dress that can be worn on everyday outings and a dinner out with my friends. I was going for a cozy fall dress with a vintage look and it came out better than I planned. For your m7977, I recommend that you choose a fabric that will bring out the aesthetic that you’re going for.
I have to note that the neckbands on the pattern do not make sense, as they don’t match the length of the neckline, and I ended up sewing bias binding on the neckline. For this sew-along video, I’ll be making view B.
Let’s get started.
Materials
McCall’s M7977 Pattern
https://somethingdelightful.com/m7977
Brushed Cotton
FAQ Material List
The sewing machine I have:
Bernette B37 Swiss Design Computerized Sewing Machine
https://amzn.to/3etYaFE (USA)
LDH Scissors and thread snip
Tailor’s Chalk Pencil
Poly Sewing Thread
https://twooninefabric.ca/collections
Lightweight Fusible Interfacing
http://bit.ly/fusible_interfacing
Wash-away Wonder Tape
Canada https://amzn.to/35DUwUj
Craft Clips
Canada https://amzn.to/32vmK2u
Flat Head Pins
Canada https://amzn.to/2IaKoKm
Point Turner
Canada https://amzn.to/39rgfQA
*****Disclosure******
Some of the links above are affiliate links. Clicking and purchasing through affiliate links gives me a small commission. BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, I wanted to help you find the materials easier. So you can focus more on your project. Thank you.
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Seam Allowance
Use 5/8″ seam allowance unless otherwise stated
Cut
1 Front (On Fold), 1 Front Yoke (On Fold), 1 Back (On Fold), 2 Sleeve (Mirrored), 2 Ruffle (Mirrored), 1 Bias Tape (will replace the Neck Band), Small piece for Button Loop, 2 Elastic
1. Staystitch
Staystitch the necklines and armscyes
2. Ruffle
Pin and sew the Ruffle at the angled side ending at the notch RST (Right Side Together) Trim the seam
Open the seam and press
Doublefold the hem and press
Trimming corner will make a neat corner
Edgestitch/topstitch
Optional: You can shorten the ruffle by trimming it
Doublefold the short edges, press and sew WST (Wrong Side Together)
Gatherstitch the upper edge of the Ruffle
Distribute gathers
3. Front Bodice
Pin Ruffle on the right side of Front Bodice
Leave 5/8″ of Front Bodice and match
Distribute gathers evenly and match
Mark the notch and snip close to the notch
Mark the not on Yoke
Pin Bodice and Yoke on one side from shoulder to notch, and sew RST
Snip the corner of the Yoke to make sewing easier
Pin and sew the other side RST
Serge
4. Back Bodice
Sew a bias binding around the Back opening
*I always start bias binding from the wrong side
Press bias binding toward the seam (Optional: Understitch)
Doublefold the bias binding and cover the main stitch slightly
Pin, press and edgestitch
5. Shoulder Seam
Pin and sew Front and Back at the shoulder RST
And serge
6. Neckline
Make a small ribbon using the double fold bias method
Fold in half to make a button loop
Baste Mark the center of the short edge
Baste the Button Loop to the Neck Bias Binding RST
Pin Neck Bias Binding onto the neckline past 5/8″ from the edge
Sew
Press the Neck Bias Binding toward the seam
Fold Bias Binding in half down towards the right side
and then in half up towards the wrong side
Sew
Trim the seam and turn the right side out
Repeat for the other side
Doublefold the Neck Bias Binding and pin
Topstitch/edgestitch
*For a neater look, I handstitched the thicker part
7. Side Seam
Pin and sew Front and Back at side seams RST
And serge
8. Sleeve
Gatherstitch between the notches on Sleeve Pin and sew the underarm RST
And serge
Doublefold the sleeve hem and press
Edgestitch/topstitch, leaving an opening
Insert the elastic and join the ends
Slip the Sleeve into the Bodice
Match the side seam, the notches and pin
Sew the armhole, leaving the gathering area
Distribute the gathers and pin
Sew and serge
9. Hem
Serge the bottom hem
Fold and edgestitch/topstitch
I hope you enjoyed watching and reading this sew-along post about the m7977 and I can’t wait to see your finished tops and dresses. Tag me so I can follow along with your sewing journey! I will see you in my next post!