Join Nancy Zieman's Knit Dress Sew Along
Meet M7152, my latest knit dress design with The McCall Pattern Company. Stacey, Nancy’s Notions Digital Assets Manager, took a break from her daily Photoshop and graphics work to model my latest dress pattern.
A few notes about the dress: The dress pattern features two different style variations, with a yoke and without. The fabric recommended for the dress is a ponte knit. The A-Line fit is flattering on many figure types and the hem is modest. Though the spring dress is sleeveless, it pairs nicely with a cardigan or light jacket as pictured above.
You can pick up the pattern at Nancy’s Notions, The McCall Pattern Company, or wherever you shop for McCall’s Patterns.
Knit Dress Sew Along
To kick off the M7152 Knit Dress pattern launch, I thought it would be fun to host a sew along. If you’ve never participated in an online sew along before, you are in for a treat. Think of this as a sewing guild or group, where we all are working on the same project, sharing our ideas, pictures and input as we go. I’ll lead the sew along with step-by-step instructions and images. There will be time to work on each step of the project. The sew along will be spread out over May, and include a photo round-up day in June. Mark your calendars:
Knit Dress Sew Along Schedule
May 5 – Kick Off: Pattern overview, fabric considerations, yardage, and cutting directions
May 12 – Dress construction tips and steps
May 19 – Finishing techniques and dress reveal
June 2 – Announce Sew Along Winner
As you sew along, snap photos of your progress for the June photo round-up. We will be sharing photos, using an easy-to-use link-up tool. Throughout the sew along, post questions or comments below.
Sew for the Chance to Win!
When the sew along is complete and photos are uploaded to the link tool, one winner will be randomly chosen to receive a copy of my book, Sew Knits with Confidence, Klasse Needles Variety Pack, Clover 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge, plus one yard Pellon Easy Knit Interfacing. At the end of the sew along, a random winner will be announced in June.
Share your Nancy Zieman Knit Dress Sew Along
If you have a blog site, website, or online social sewing group, feel free to grab the code and share this button.
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/category/nancy-zieman-knit-dress-sew-along/" title="Nancy Zieman Knit Dress Sew Along" target="_blank"><img src="https://nancyzieman.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/KnitDress1.jpg" alt="Nancy Zieman Knit Dress Sew Along" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
If you are on social sites like Instagram, Twitter, Flickr or Facebook, let all your friends know you are working on the Knit Dress Sew Along by tagging your post with the hashtag: #NZKnitDressSAL
The hashtag is a searchable “word” associated with an event or activity, which, when searched on popular social websites, like Instagram, Twitter, Flickr and Facebook, will show every single post using that hashtag. Even if you don’t personally know that seamstress, you’ll see her/his progress and a photo. Hashtags are a fun way to network and connect with people who share similar interests.
The McCall Pattern Company is giving away one M7152 Knit Dress Pattern to one lucky winner from this blog post. If you’d like to win McCall’s M7152 Knit Dress Pattern and join the sew along, please leave a comment below. The random winner will be announced on Facebook on Friday and repeated in Saturday’s blog post.
Don’t forget to pin a picture from this blog post and tell all your sewing friends. The more people who sew along with this project, the more fun it will be. I look forward to sewing with you!
Watch Sew Knits with Confidence on Sewing With Nancy online.
To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.
The random winner of Quick Column Quilts from last weeks blog is Kay Bennett. She shared the colors she’d use to make a Heartbeat Table Runner. She said: First I want to make one in red, white and blue to celebrate this great place we call home!
Bye for now,
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Nancy Zieman—author, pattern designer, businesswoman, producer, and national sewing authority—is the host of the popular show Sewing With Nancy®, which appears exclusively on public television stations across the United States and Canada. Follow Nancy’s blog at NancyZieman.com/blog and sign up to receive Nancy’s E-News for the latest news in sewing, quilting, and creating.
tina jachetta
sounds like a fun sew a long
I love the pattern!
Marsha
What a cute, simple dress design. Great for summer.
Gina
I haven’t made a dress in years – but Nancy and her pattern is inspiring me to try this one!
Lillian Mansoor
Haven’t seen clothing in 40 years or so, going to try this though
Judy Morgenstern
I’ve never made a dress and this is very much my style!
Helen Burdette
I am in the mood for a new dress or two…and this style is what I had in mind. I’m too “mature” for a lot of the dresses in some of the stores…I like a bit longer hemline.
I’d absolutely LOVE to own this pattern, sure hope I could be the winner! Being in the sew along would be a lot of fun!
Donna Kay
Cute pattern! I would love to do this sew along and learn about sewing knits with my new serger.
Donna Kay
I would love to do a sew along with Nancy! I received a new serger for Christmas and this would be a perfect project!
Lucy
What a fun dress!
Sue
Can’t wait to begin. Recently bought similar style dresses and would love to be able to make one or more on my own!
Judy
Oh gosh just starting to work on a “college wardrobe” for my 18 year old. This is a perfect style for her!
Christine
This is such a cute pattern. I can see all kinds of possibilities for a great dress.
Sue Anderson
Very nice dress. I can’t wait to make this one!
Hollins Wender
The pattern looks as if it would like nice on lots of body types and it also looks as if it might be fairly simple to sew. I like it!
Aimee in AZ
Looks like a fun dress to make!
Karen J
I have wanted to join a sewalong and this seems like the perfect project for me. I have just started to use knits and find them a little bit overwhelming. I would hope that this sewalong would answer many of my questions.
Lorraine
This dress looks so comfortable. It can be dressed up for a special occasion or worn as a casual everyday dress. Would like this in my wardrobe.
Cynthia
I love the pattern and the blue and black colors really caught my eye. I am envisioning this in many color combinations. I hope I can find time to make this soon!
Kathy Nielson
THIS is the pattern I have been looking for!
Diane C
This dress looks like it would be great even for my body type. And it looks like it would be simple and quick!
Bessie Curran
Looks like the dresses that I wore in the 70’s made from a woven fabric. They were very comfortable then. Would like to make this dress now to see if it is even more comfortable in a knit
MaryEllen
This sounds like a great way to dip my toe I. Sewing with knits !
Thanks
Cindy
I’ve always wanted to try doing knits-very reluctant. This looks like a fun pattern.
craftygramma
Pinned! It might be nice to make something for myself… we’ll see. I’m in.
Margaret Seiser
What a great dress for work and SOOO many different ways to make one. None would actually look the same.
Patty Sack
This is a great dress! I am in the mood to start something new and this dres. Looks perfect! Can’t wait to start.
Jean
I would love to join this sew-a-long. I have a real cute bolero short sleeve light weight sweater that would go perfect with this dress. Thank you so much.
Pam R
Great idea!
Marvel Donovan
Love the pattern, especially the buttons at the shoulder. Great summer dress that could be dressed up or down.
Gran
Perhaps I should rethink all the knit fabrics I have priced and piled up for a garage sale later in May.
Laura Altes
very nice pattern. Basic but very pretty. And I assume we can find the knit fabric we like at your website (because you sure can’t find it locally!)
Anne Schafroth
Love this pattern — so simple and so elegant!
Deborah B.
Totally love the dress-it’s so classic. I would LOVE to win a pattern!!!
Susan F
Love the pattern as it reminds me of what I once wore decades ago. Would love to make it again.
Monica
The newbie can definitely do this!!
Tara K
I LOVE this dress!!!
Mary Tague
I plan to join the sew along!!
Sue
I would love to try this new pattern!
Marion Miller
Definitely need this sew along. I’m a newbie.
Cassy L.
I have just started sewing with knits and would enjoy making this dress!
MARY ELLEN CHEVALIER
Wow would love to win this pattern i have never sewn any clothing ,but sure would give it a good go if i had the pattern.
Toni Powell
How Fun!!! I love color block patterns, what a great pattern to start with, can’t go wrong with a McCall’s pattern and Nancy Zieman.
Lucia
perfect pattern. I have the perfect crochet cardigan I made a few seasons ago.
Joyce
I wonder about making this as a top (shorter). I’d like to try it.
Julie
I’m going looking for this pattern!
Joyce Parkison
I am very anxious to learn tips on sewing with knits!
Sharon Kirry
I’m so glad you’re offering this as I bought some knit fabric and have been procrastinating!
Ellen R.
LOVE this pattern, and the sew along should be ALOT of fun!!
Cindi Edwards
Like the dress.
the sew a long will be fun
and will help me with my dieting for the summer.
Have a pattern for a jacket to match.
Julie
Can’t wait to make this dress
Carol
I haven’t sewed with knit since 1965. It’s time to break that long stretch and learn all over again. I would love to try this pattern.
Christy
Can’t wait to start!
Leigh
So excited to join this sew along! Perfect dress for my upcoming beach vacation!
zoraida
thanks for the reply.
zoraida
thank you Nancy I’m confident use knit now more also knit can be use has scarf please let me know, thanks again.
Linda
I have been looking for a pattern like this…..Love it…..Thanks for the chance to win….
Kathe Mayer
This dress would be perfect for a family event in the Boston area. I was wondering what to wear, this would solve the problem.
MaryLee Norris
Looks like it’s true what’s old is new again.
Sandy
I don’t wear dresses but I’m thinking this could be shorten and worn as a cool tank top. Have some knit fabric that hopefully will work. Looking forward to the sew along.
Margaret Schenk
Love the classic style. Can’t wait to make it
Donna
It’s fun to see the styles that were popular when I graduated from high school back in style. It’s true that styles come back. I should have saved those dresses, if they would fit now. LOL Would love to make a few more.
Karen
My daughter is new to sewing and this sew along will be perfect for her!
Diane Q
I had a pattern similar to this many years ago and the fit was very flattering and comfortable. I see this as another “go to” pattern again. I’ve added this to my “wish list”.
Melanie Hill
I just finished a few projects that were knit fabrics and I had a terrible time. I would love to try this pattern out-I think that ponte knit is maybe a little more forgiving than the ones I used before. I would love all of the tips and tricks possible to help me master knit sewing!
Tricia
Sewing with knits gives me a headache!! LOL
I should get this pattern and follow along.
Thanks!
Adrena Johnson
i am so excited I have never knit anything before and this is going to be my first project. I can wait
Adrena Johnson
i am so excited I have never knit anything before and this is going to be my first project. I can’t wait
gwen
I enjoy taking classes, not because I need the guidance to do a project, but because it is dedicated time to finish the project. I am in need of some new dresses and this one look like so comfortable and flattering. This looks like an enjoyable project.
Beth K
I was hoping to get all of the supplies at Nancy’s Notions, but the pattern itself is not showing up on the website.???
Lori M.
Thank you for the giveaway…I would love to win this pattern and sew along…
Allie
Count me in! I just finished some ponte de roma skirts and I love them…time for a ponte dress.
Sue S
Nice pattern, and I like the yoke detail! I’ll need to make some for all the girls in the family this summer.
Gerianne
Now that I’ve lost some weight, this would be a great dress to sew and wear out and about!
Peggy Denning
Love the finished dress! I would love to make one in the sew along. Nice pattern.
Rob Mac
I only recently purchased a serger and am excited to learn how to use it to sew knits.. Just bought my first McCall Top Patterns (for knits) last weekend. Would love to try to make a dress. With Nancy’s help I am willing to give it a try.
Pat
Count me in. I love the design and fabric. The style I so great too.
Barbara Beavers
I tried sewing a dress with the knits that Nancy sells but it was very hard and I hope this tutorial will help if I decide to make another dress. Trying to cut it straight for the hem was just about impossible and I am not sure I might have just wasted alot of money trying to make that dress I have been afraid to try it on as it might be too short. Maybe I will get some kind of a idea so that I can still wear it.
Joan
I love the design of this dress. I don’t sew with knits very often but this could be one I might try. I don’t wear dresses but my daughter does, and I’m thinking I could also crop the dress to make it a top. That would be a nice alternative to add to your sew a long for those of us that don’t wear dresses.
Robin Morelli
This dress looks easy to make. It will be fun sewing with Nancy and others.
Ann
I’m not sure how the dress would translate to a plus size, but I’m willing to give it a try. And a sew along with Nancy sounds like a blast!! Nancy was my inspiration to begin sewing 20 years ago, and I know she will be a great help to all of us in sewing with knits.
Becky M
I love the idea of a sew-a-long. This looks like a good chance to dust off my machine and start stitching!
Avis Cooper
Love the simple lines of the dress – Just in time for summer! One question: Many times this type of “contest” is for US citizens only. I’m a Canadian; do other nationalities get included in this?
Julie
Love this pattern!
Ruth Haydon
Looks like fun. Is there any cost besides purchasing the pattern?
Bonnie
What a perfect dress for the summer! Looking forward to the sew along.
Becky
My daughter would like this.
Judy Gondal
This pattern looks like it would be a lot of fun to make. Can’t wait to try a sew a long.
Karla
I’ve never participated in a sew along before. This is going to be fun! 🙂
Ellen
Great looking easy dress. Will surely make it.
Kim R.
I’d love to make this dress. Sounds like a fun sew-along!
Diane I
Would make such a cute summer dress which is just around the corner.
Jane Kindred
I’ve never done a sew along before-sounds interesting.
Dianne Pf
Would love to win this!
PamM
I love, love, love this. Cute + Comfortable = Winning Combination. Thanks!
Mary Jo Pigott Groom
Can’t wait to start! I love the dress.
Doreen Linehan
I’d love to win this pattern.
Vicky B
Would love to have this pattern.
Karen
Sounds like a great idea. Good dress for running around this summer.
Berenice
The girls want one now! Off to the fabric store!!
Darlene Hopkins
I started to watch sewing with Nancy when she first started her program on TLC. I have learned alot from her. She is an excellent teacher and this is a good pattern to use on knits.
Mary Wippold
If I’m not quilting, I’m sewing with knits. I’d love to win this pattern. It’s something I would use.
Marty
Nice to see the neckline isn’t the deep-scoop so many patterns show recently: thanks for designing a perfect silhouette for office wear!
Carla Vorbeck
Very nice dress! Great for all ocassions.
Diana S.
That dress is adorable. I’d love to have the pattern and I hope it comes in 22 or 24.
Judy Jones
I just treated myself to a new serger so am ready to sew some knit garments…..love the color blocking option in this pattern and would love to win it……..jj
Kris
Very cute dress. It looks wonderfully comfortable and fashionable!!!!
Kar
Can’t wait to Sew Along with Nancy. A cute dress for summer and great dress to make on my server. Would love to win this pattern
Amy
This would be the perfect dress for my daughter. Sew cute!!
Gaye C. Dodge
I’m not a comfortable seamstress, but seeing M7152 makes me want to sew!
Mary Grace Ronan
I would love to try this dress
Sue
I will be watching; I’m already pumped!
LuAnne
I’d love to make that dress
Judy Hodges
Cute dress.
Rebecca Monnin
With this pattern and Nancy’s guidance, I’d be confident to sew with knits. . .finally!
Janine
This is really cute. I think I’d like to make it for my granddaughter (and maybe myself).
Cheryl M
Perfect way to get started sewing knits! And the dress is cute to boot!
Gloria
I could use a new summer dress and that is a style that will flatter me. I enjoy sewing and don’t do enough of it for myself. I would love to receive the pattern so I can join the sew-along. Let’s see –what fabric would I like to use?
Cynthia Moore
This looks like a quick easy addition to the summer wardrobe.
Ann Pirtle
I have been wanting to make a new dress for myself. Would love to get this pattern and sew along with Nancy.
Sheila Wilton
Hoping this can be adapted for plus size ladies!
Valerie
I’m buying this pattern this Saturday! I love you, Nancy. You’re truly inspiring.
Pat
Going out get the pattern and ready for the sew a long, very exciting
Pat
wanda
My kind of Party!
Donna Madden
Thank you Nancy for once again taken the scary out of sewing something!
Penny
Oh I love that dress it is beautiful and when my SS check comes this month I will have to see if I have enough for pattern and fabric, it looks like I might be able to wear it if there is a size large enough for me, I am dying and have to live of steroids to keep my lungs clear so I keep gaining, no fun, but oh the power of prayers so good, my last check showed lung improvement so no I think I want to really learn to sew. thank you for doing this, I am not even going to look until I have the pattern and fabric in from of me.
JEB O'Barr
I started watching Sewing with Nancy on PBS over 27 years ago when my husband bought me a used sewing machine. I recommend her videos to all my beginner sewing students. I would love to win this pattern.
Francine
I call myself Knervous with Knits…I have some knit fabric that I have been afraid to work with, but I think I’ll try this dress pattern or one with easy raglan sleeves.
Adecia
this sounds like fun and very helpful! Cute pattern!
Rebecca
I’m in! I took time out from a quilting retreat this weekend to find fabric. I just hope it’s not too lightweight.
Sam
Would love to participate, but don’t wear sleeveless dresses.
Could you include how to add sleeves to this dress as part of the class?
Nancy Zieman
I’m sorry, Sam, we won’t be covering a sleeve addition for this sew along. The dress does look great with a cardigan, as our model Stacey is wearing.
Amelia McNairy
I would love to try a Sew Along with Nancy, knits are fun and the chance to win this McCall’s pattern is right up my alley.
Janet Annand
How do you join this? Do you just like on Facebook?
Nancy Zieman
To join, you simply sew along at home, at your own pace. Feel free to add photos of your progress along the way. Let me share the Day One link with you: http://www.nancyzieman.com/blog/sewing-2/nancy-zieman-knit-dress-sew-along-part-one/
Sue
Would love to win the pattern and plan to sew along. Hopefully my dress will look good. Haven’t sewn with knits in quite awhile.
Carol Campbell
I’m already confused. The part 1 sew along instructions for the dress interfacing says to place the pattern print side face up and the adhesive face down. The pattern instructions say pattern print side down and the adhesive face down. Since the neckline is asymmetrical, I don’t want to screw this up! Which is the right side of fusible interfacing??? Help!
T. Hurst
I taught myself to sew and I am okay but not as good as I want to be. I have never been good at measurements. For this pattern. I have a 38″ breast and 45″ hip, how do I alter this pattern to fit correctly. I have never been able to make anything that fits properly. Do I just select the size for the breast and add inches for the hip to fit?
Nancy Zieman
Yes, fit the top, increase for the hips! Divide the needed increase by the four side seams.
Tina
I’m getting to the party a bit late but I just finished my dress and I love it. What a great pattern for a beginner like me. I learned alot and appreciated the great tips included.
Linda
I intend to purchase the pattern if I don’t win it. This dress reminds me of the very first dress I ever made (back many years ago). I’m going to try the sew along but it’ll probably be slow for me as I work full time as well. I am not able to find the knit fabric that you made the dress with and like it very much. Can you tell me where to purchase the knit print fabric?
Am so excited about this!!! Can’t wait to start!