Tips Making New Look Pattern 6581 Easier to Sew

2 Shares

New Look pattern 6581 really is the perfect knit set to wear as a work-from-home outfit. You can even get away with it in the office if you pick the right fabric. I saw a version that Mimi G made a few years ago in gray and put it on my wish list. The list is so ridiculously long that I never thought I would get to it, but I have. This year I have been pushing myself to finish garments by setting deadlines. I haven’t made all of them because I am trying to balance studying web design, getting a part-time job, taking care of the house, and trying to consolidate my office for when we move. We got back and forth on that last one. It’s been a lot, but I’m at least proud of myself for what I have accomplished this year so far. How about you? What are some things that you have been able to check off your to-do list?

I hope you have rocked your goals this year. 2022 will not be another 2021 or 2020 in my opinion. We can’t let this pandemic get the best of us. One thing I am trying to do more of is getting dressed in real clothes and let me tell you it feels great. I wore this look out while running errands with Mr. H and I got so many compliments. Not that I was fishing for them, but it’s great to get a “Hey, girl you look great!” or “I love your outfit!” I find it especially rewarding when no one can tell that I made my look. This is something that you can get away with too if you press seams often as you sew. Make sure to save that tip because it will take your sewing to the next level.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you. You can read my disclosure for more information.

Pattern Review of New Look Pattern 6581

Description: Misses’ Miss Petite Shirt Dress in Three Lengths with Sleeve Variations

Size: 14

View: A & C

Fabric Choice: Jersey

Color: Purple

Sewing Tools Needed That Aren’t Mentioned:

Sewing Machine Needle 75/11
Polyester Thread
Walking Foot
Handle needle to tack down the shoulders
Tailors chalk just don’t press too hard or leave it on the fabric and forget the project.
Scissors
Pins or wonder clips
Fusi-knit interfacing

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you finished sewing it?

Oh yes it did. It appeared to be more low cut, so I included pictures of the look with a cami for my modest readers.

Are the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, they were. This is my second wrap dress from New Look and the instructions were very similar. Here’s the other faux wrap dress I made.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the Pattern?

Liked

I love the length of the sleeves. They are great to transition to Spring, which is finally here if I may add. The length of the dress wasn’t bad either. I thought I was going to have to hack off 3 inches like I usually do for misses patterns, but I didn’t.

Disliked

There were no pockets for the pants. When I spend a day altering pants, I may go back and add some in.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did a full seat adjustment and widen the pant legs a little bit because I LOVE the wide-leg look if you haven’t noticed by now, haha.

I only had 1 1/4 inch elastic so I used that for the waistband of the pants. By pressing up the waistband 1 3/4 inches and stitching 1/4 inches from the raw edge. This was so that the elastic didn’t roll.

Would you sew it again? Yes, I plan to make one out of sweater knit for next winter.

How long did it take? You all will be proud of me. I actually kept track of how long everything took. Here’s a rundown of the time frame so you can plan ahead.

30 minutes to cut the pattern
8 minutes to iron (yes I timed it because you have to get sewing in when you can fit it in)
1 hour & 52 minutes to cut the fabric for the pants and dress as well as make the alterations to the pants pattern.
38 minutes to pin and stitch the sides of the dress
2 hours to seam rip them because I stitched the wrong sides together
1.5 hours to sew, hem and press seams
30 minutes to turn, stitch and press ties

Tips to Avoid New Look Pattern 6581 from Taking as Long

Mark the right and wrong side of the fabric so you don’t end up stitching the wrong pieces together. It happens to seasoned sewist too, especially when we get lazy. Don’t be like me and do the step.
Always press your fabric after you prewash it. This will make sure you get the right measurements for your pattern pieces when you cut them out.
Use a pressing cloth to avoid ruining your fabric.
If you are a bigger then make a muslin first of similar fabric. This way to can test out if you even like the pattern for your body type and make any alterations you need before the final version is made.