New Look 6892 was on my mom’s wish list since last spring. Like the terribly distracted daughter I am, I couldn’t make it for her until this past Mother’s Day.
It only took 13 months, and she looks beautiful in it! It’s a surprisingly quick and easy pattern too (especially if you don’t make your own bias binding), so it might be on my to-do list for our Puerto Rico trip later this summer.
She chose view E, which is the sleeveless option with a neck ruffle. I’ll do a quick review and then show you how to hack the neckline so it’s a bit more modest.
Pattern Description
The Simplicity patterns site is notorious for its lack of pattern descriptions.
Whereas indie pattern makers take their time to describe and really sell a pattern, the Big 4 gives you the least amount of detail possible.
To wit, this is how New Look 6892 is described:
Misses’ easy tops with neckline and sleeve variations. 2 hour sewing time.
Yup. One line.
So let me take a stab at it:
New Look 6892 View E is a semi-loose fit sleeveless top accented with an elasticated ruffled neck. The neck and arms are finished in bias binding. This version is perfect for lightweight woven fabrics and is a great addition to the summer wardrobe.
At least, that’s how I feel about it! Note that it is listed as an “easy 2-hour” project, which is true…with caveats (below).
Size Chart
I find that New Look patterns have a lot less ease than other Big 4 patterns. As such, I don’t need to size down 4-5 sizes to make the shoulders fit! This pattern’s range is really limited to the lower end though. It only comes in US sizes 6-16, which encompasses bust measurements 30.5″—38″ (77.5—96.52 cm).
Luckily my mom fit size 16 without a full bust adjustment.
Fabric
The recommended fabrics are all lightweight wovens along with the inclusion of jersey. I used a floral cotton gauze left from when I tested the Wearable Studio Franki.
Pattern Instructions & Tips
The pattern is a whopping 3 whole pieces plus bias binding, so it’s very easy to put together (I also left off the lace trim). If you have any familiarity and confidence sewing with the Big 4 commercial patterns then this should be pretty simple to follow.
There is one step that recommends trimming off a 1/4″ from the armhole edges. I opted to wait to see how this would fit before doing that, and determined it was not necessary.
Do make sure the neck ruffle has the dots marked clearly as these are the only indications of where to match it up to the bodice.
Pattern Notions
1/2″ single fold bias tape and 1/4″ elastic are both needed. I made my own bias tape out of the same fabric.
Pattern Adjustments
The only adjustment for this pattern to fit my mom was to shorten it 3″ (7.62 cm)! After she tried on the muslin, she asked me to raise the neckline about 1″ (2.5 cm). Here’s a quick tutorial for hacking the neckline.
Hacking the Neckline
New Look 6892 Front Bodice
1. Draw a line straight up from center front measuring 1″ or 2.5 cm
2. Blend the neckline to this new point
3. Here is your new neckline
Voila, done!
Overall Rating
Overall I give this pattern a 2/5 in difficulty.
True to its name it is an “easy 2-hour” sew…if you are familiar with the Big 4 (or 5?) instructions and sometimes dodgy illustrations. I wouldn’t call this a straight beginner project but it’s definitely easy for an advanced or confident beginner.
Final Thoughts
I gave this to my mom at a party where she was already wearing another shirt I made her. She immediately changed into this one and decided that was her new party shirt. So that should give you an idea of how much she loves it!
It looks pretty damn good on her.
She then asked for another. It’s on its way after dad’s pants!
What are you making this summer? Let me know in the comments!
