New Look K6575 Sewing Pattern

Last week I spoke about a sewing fail I had with the Nina Lee Mayfair Dress. So what do you do when you fail? Get back up on the horse, that’s what! I’m not actually sure if that is a good analogy, but I am using it. So there. I decided I needed to restore my sewing mojo, and so I went back to a pattern that I’d intended to make again for a while to get back my faith in my abilities. And so I made the New Look K6575 sewing pattern – A Floaty Kaftan Tunic.

New Look K6575 Sewing Pattern – A Floaty Kaftan Tunic.

I do so love a floaty tunic, especially as the spring is on the way and the weather is warming up a little. They suit my body shape, and I love layering them over little vest tops or t-shirts. 

And I think that this may be where I went a little wrong with the Mayfair dress. I chose it based on how it looked on other sewing bloggers, and didn’t really wonder if it would suit me. It is important to sew things that you know you will wear, which is why I try to incorporate pockets into my makes, and why the most worn me-made items are the makes that are closest to shop bought items that I would chose. 

The New Look K6575 sewing pattern resembles several shop bought tunic tops in my wardrobe, and The Heather Tunic from Sew Over It remains my go to jersey tunic pattern for this reason too!

Why Did I Want To Make This Pattern?

I had already made this pattern a little while ago, in a very cheap viscose fabric from The Textile Centre (not an affiliate link, but I think they are great for cheap fabrics online). It draped really well, but the fabric was fiddly to sew and I had a little trouble with the pattern last time…

However I LOVED the finished garment. It really suits my body shape and is really flattering. The only thing missing was pockets. I really need pockets… So I decided to give the pattern another try and add pockets this time.

See here why I usually make a wearable toile, all patterns are different, and I’m not going to cut my best fabric until I know that the fit is spot on! 

About The  Pattern

The New Look K6575 sewing pattern is a pull over the head style, with no zips. You can make a batwing elbow length, straight elbow length  or sleeveless option, and the pattern comes in just one length, though you do have the option of a straight or uneven hemline.

Like with all the big 4 patterns, there is no indication as to whether this pattern is for beginners, improvers or intermediate sewers. As there is no sign on the pattern that it is ‘easy’ I would definitely put this in the improvers category. If it was easy then the big pattern makers tend to make that really clear!

It comes in a size 6 to 24 – bust size 30.5 – 46 inches. And it has an elasticated or corded waist tie. 

Recommended fabrics for making this dress? 

It is designed for soft lightweight fabrics, such as chambray, challis, cotton lawn, georgette or gauze.

This time, I decided to make it in this pretty cotton voile from Seasalt. Yes, they sell fabric as well as clothes! I took my measurements, and found that according to the pattern I needed to make the largest size XL for my 46 inch bust. 

Check out some lovely viscose challis fabric here – perfect for this dress.

Sewing Up The Pattern

The Seasalt fabric was very easy to sew together. It cut out and sewed up like a dream. It is a lovely fabric to work with.

I added pockets to the skirt part of the pattern by cutting out 4 pocket bags (using a pocket template from another pattern) and I overlocked seams as I went along to add strength to the finished make. The only seam I found difficult to overlock was where the finished pockets had been added.

Problems With The Pattern

Big 4 patterns are not renowned for being the easiest to follow. If you like easy clear instructions, I would definitely say that indie patterns are much better. Which is why I do love Tilly And The Buttons, Sew Over It and Simple Sew patterns. 

One of the main problems with this pattern for me is the lack of clarity how the neckband is constructed. The first time that I made it I was totally confused!

You have to cut 2 pieces of the back neckband template and 4 pieces of the front neckband template. You construct 2 complete neckbands using these pieces. And only one of these complete neckbands is interfaced with iron on interfacing. You need to sew the interfaced completed neckband onto the front of the garment. That piece becomes the visible neckband of the garment.

The other completed neckband is sewn to the interfaced one. And then you fold this one back  to become the neckline facing.

It can be quite tricky to do this. Much pressing, pinning and swearing ensued for me. Which was a little easier with the cotton over the viscose, but not by much. 

The rest of construction is quite simple in comparison to this step. You join the bodice to the skirt part, add an elastic/drawstring casing and you are done.

Here Is My Finished Garment!

I love that it has a deep v neck. As I say, I layer this over a little vest top, camisole or t-shirt. Though you could slip stitch a little up the front seam to make the neckline less deep and revealing if you prefer.

The elastic can be drawn in to tighten this up if and when I do lose weight again. And it would also make a great cover up over a swim suit for holidays. 

If I am honest, the cotton doesn’t drape quite as nicely as the viscose. It does have more rigidity to it, but it is still a lovely everyday top. 

I am actually thinking of hacking the pattern and making a longer length version in an animal print viscose. And I have already cut a third one out of some stunning Rifle Paper Company viscose that I have had for yonks!

How Would I Tackle The Issues I Had If I Make It Again?

A couple of quick cheats I would do in future…

I must admit to cheating a little and using my own handmade bias binding  for the elastic casing instead of cutting a (very) long strip of bias from the fabric. It saves so much fabric wastage!

And when cutting the pattern out, I actually prefer to interface my material before cutting out the templates. So I interfaced enough of my material before cutting one of the back neckband and two of the front neckband pieces this time.

As the rest of the garment is made from drapey material, it is important not to use too stiff an interfacing! Too stiff an interfacing and you run the risk of the neckband being really rigid. Not a good look.

I am looking forward to wearing this top lots as the weather here improves.

Want to see some of my other makes?

• The Simple Sew Anneka Dress pattern is one of my staple summer dresses.
• Tilly And The Buttons Indigo Dress  is also a great top that suits my shape
• The Sew Over It Silk Cami would be a great option for layering under this 

Fancy buying this pattern? Buy it here

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