Did you know that pattern numbers get recycled? Once a pattern goes out of print for a period of time, the pattern number itself is re-issued with a new style. Which is why, when I first searched for my newest Lisette pattern which has just be released, Lisette for Butterick B6526, I came up with this.
But no, I’m not designing choir robes. Although I’m sure there is a need for them! (Or was, at least, since now it’s out of print….)
Here is the real pattern I want to introduce to you. It’s part of Butterick’s Winter 2017 collection, and I was definitely thinking cozy chic for this design.
First, the top. This one is an easy-to-wear and incredibly easy-to-sew knit pullover. I like the crossover styling, which is cozy and casual. This is a fitted style, but I plan to sew it a bit oversized because I think it will also be a great layering piece. (I think it could be cute worn over the Liesl + Co. Classic Shirt, for example, more like a cardigan worn over a shirt. I’ll show you what I mean soon.)
The trousers have a front zipper (if you want to add a fly shield you can always refer to our zipper fly tutorial), and side panel instead of a side seam. I think the side panel gives you a sleeker look and allows for fun color blocking, too. These are cut slim but not skinny and include on-seam front and back pockets, a back yoke (because a yoke seam almost always makes your butt look better, in my opinion, and it eliminates the need for darts). The design also includes a waistband with belt loops so that the trousers can be worn with all sorts of tops, including the kind you tuck in. In my opinion clothing is always better when it can be worn many different ways.
Here’s the back view. I think it’s nice to have a little more back coverage sometimes, don’t you? If you prefer this style a little shorter, the Butterick patterns always include a lengthen and shorten line, so never fear.
Styling Ideas
OK, so how will you wear these pieces? I love to collect inspirational images because the way I wear my clothes and the way they look on the envelope are always very different. Here’s what’s got me excited to sew them for myself. Like I said, I’ll probably sew the top a size or two larger for more of an oversized feeling. The sweater knit will also give it more of a casual, relaxed look. I also love the idea of bunching it up a little bit and belting it around my waist, like the photo at the bottom, right.
For the trousers, I can’t wait to try a wild print! Initially I thought I’d sew them in faux leather, but I already own faux leather leggings (which I wear a lot, by the way) and don’t really see the need for another pair in my life right now. So I’m channeling Jenna Lyons in these photos, since she’s the queen of the printed trouser. I particularly love the trousers at top, left. That bold black and ivory print is amazing.
Fun, right? You can find more inspiration and ideas for this pattern over in my Lisette B6526 Pinterest board. As soon as I’m over this nasty cold, I’m marching myself over to the fabric store to see what I can find.
Fabric Suggestions
One of the challenging things about designing for, and sewing with, knits is that there is such a wide variety of knit fabric out there, and each one will have a different hand, weight, and amount of stretch. Your fabric choices are going to heavily influence the look you get when you sew this top pattern, for sure.
I was thinking about sweater knits when I designed this top, and they will give the pattern more of a relaxed look. But you could also use jersey, French terry, sweatshirt fleece, and maybe even polar fleece if you’re so inclined. Watch the hand of the fabric. A stiffer knit will look more like the photos with the model, while a soft knit will look more casual.
The trousers will be easiest to sew and to fit if you choose a woven fabric with some stretch, but you know that won’t stop me when it comes to trying other fabrics like jacquards, printed satin and sateen, and maybe a tartan plaid. More obvious fabrics would be stretch twill or denim, which will also help with getting a good fit more easily. But what about faux leather? You could even use the seams to narrow the legs a bit if you prefer more of a cigarette pant. Most faux leather has a decent amount of stretch, so don’t rule it out! For the holidays, if you hurry, you could also sew them in a pretty silk satin for something both dressy and understated.
Show us Yours!
I can’t wait to see how you sew these two pieces. You can pick up the pattern itself right here, and once you’ve sewn it be sure to tag us #sewlisette and #B6526 on Instagram and add your photo to the Lisette Flickr group so we can see what you’ve made!
Thanks for this post! I have to admit I wasn’t initially drawn to this pattern because of the styling choices and conservative colors shown on the envelope . However,I am loving your inspirational ideas, which really bring the style lines to life, like using a drapey knit instead of the stiffer one shown,and color blocking the pants seams. I’m looking forward to sewing this pattern!
I’m glad they help, Justine! It’s tricky to design from a distance where I can’t be part of the photo shoots and styling.
I realize that this may be blasphemy to suggest, but could the lengthen line in the pattern be used to extend these to full length pants? I like the overall look of the trousers, but I just don’t like the ankle length look on myself.
Also, I’m not quite sure of the distinction between the pants having a front zipper but not a fly shield. Does that mean the zipper is visible if the pattern is sewn as-is?
Of course, Enbee! That’s the beauty of sewing–lengthen and shorten as you like! I’d be more inclined to lengthen from the hem edge, however, so you can taper as you like. And yes, the distinction between the “mock fly” and actual fly is vague. I think Butterick is calling it a mock fly because it doesn’t have a fly shield, which is really easy to add. In my opinion, it’s worth the extra few steps to sew it!
The fly shield goes behind the zipper, though, so I think the regular fly still hides the zipper in the front, it’s just not as comfortable to wear, correct? Mind you’ve, I’ve made exactly two zip flies in my life, so I’m no expert!
I love this one! Liesl, the link to your pinterest inspiration board isn’t working for me. Is it set to private?
Thanks for calling that out, Inder. I meant to change it at the last minute and then, of course, forgot. It’s set to public now.
I love this pattern and can’t wait to get it. I’ve been seeing ready to wear tops with similar lines, and now I can make my own. I hope there will be a sew along.
When I first opened this post and saw the choir gown pattern, it took me right back twenty years or so. I used this older Butterick pattern to make my sister-in-law’s doctoral gown for her PhD from Arizona State. Their gown color was burgundy with black velvet, which is used in a wide collar band and three stripes across each sleeve. I jumped in without any qualms, then floundered through the voluminous bodice smocking and appliqued velvet, worrying at every step. The resulting gown was gorgeous and my sister-in-law had worn it to attend many graduations since.
On the topic of your newest designs, I LOVE that you give us a taste of various real-world ways to style them. I’m partial to the idea of the belted top with faux-leather leggings, as described. Great idea!
Karen, that’s an ambitious project! When Todd got his PhD we couldn’t afford his robe, but it never occurred to me to sew it. Now I wish I had! Thanks for the lovely comment.
You know, Liesl, it’s never too late….
Would sizing up, and using a drapier knit, cause the wrap to sit below the bust as it does in all the inspiration pictures, or would you need to make adjustments to the pattern to get that look?
I have the same question as Nina and would love to know the answer! How would you recommend picking a size if we’re going for a look similar to your inspiration pictures? I usually make a size two sizes smaller than my body measurements indicate for big 4 patterns, but I’ve never made any from your line.