Butterick 5456 Sew Along

No buttons or zippers — perfect for advanced beginners

This Butterick Pattern is a cute loose fitting dress with a lined bodice. The style lines are clean and flattering and the construction requires only a few pieces. In this Butterick 5456 Sew Along we will cover:

• Constructing a keyhole opening
• Beautiful lined bodice
• Elastic Casing
• Hem Band
• Making Ties

Note: This pattern is drafted for a knit garment. I used a woven. Use the finished garment measurements on the tissue if you choose to use a woven instead of the knit.

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Butterick 5456 Sew Along Video

Below are the step by step video instructions to walk you through the dress construction.

The Pattern And Fabric

Butterick 5456 offers a cute color block options and a maxi dress option. I love both for summer.

It is difficult to find fabrics that are made to go together. This linen is the perfect option, it gives your garment a true designer look.

The Minerva Oleans 100% Linen Fabric in Lemongrass comes in a stripe and solid. It comes in Ink, Orchid, Lemongrass, Parchment, and Sterling colorways in both the solid and strip. So gorgeous!

Lining fabric options include using the fashion fabric while matching the bodice fabric. Alternatively, add a classic lining fabric like this Core Range Anti Static Lining from Minerva for a beautiful finish.

Lined Bodice

The beauty of a completely lined bodice is there are no facings to pop out. Also, if your fabric is a little sheer, you can mitigate that with a lining.

A completely lined bodice does require a little bit of hand sewing, but it is worth the time and effort. You end up with a beautifully finished neckline. And, in this case, the armhole openings, the keyhole, and back ties are finished too.

Keyhole Opening And Ties

The keyhole opening in the back is what makes this dress perfect for advanced beginners — No Zipper! If you are struggling with zipper insertion, this is the answer to your challenges. The keyhole opening seam allowances are finished when you completely line the bodice.

The back ties are constructed and added before you add the lining. That way they are perfectly hidden inside the seam and frame out the back opening.

Using a pressing ham is the best way to get beautiful curves pressed into your top.

Gathered Skirt

Gathering fabric is a simple and easy way to add volume and style to a pattern, and the casual style of a gathered skirt and elastic casing gives the garment easy wearability.

You can find my gathering primer here.

The Contrasting Hem Band

I chose a contrasting hem band for this dress because it highlights the stripes and gives the dress a balanced look.

This applied hem is a single lay band with a baby hem finish. If you have never made a baby hem, it’s easy. I go over it in the dress video above and in my Sewing With Slippery Fabrics video.

Loose Fitting Pullover Dress

I love the contrast bodice, ties, and hem band on this cute little pullover dress. It’s perfect for a summer outing, particularly in this fruity lime solid and stripe. I hope you add this Butterick 5456 Sew Along to your sewing list. It’s a good one.

Happy Sewing,

Sandi

PS:

Make your garments better with my 21 Tips To Take Your DIY Garment From Homemade To High End

Do you love Sew Alongs and Sewing Tips and Tricks? My Youtube channel, Barrett’s Custom Design, is filled with great sewing techniques served up with a few laughs. 

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