Sew a Super Quick Summer Dress

McCall's M7353 Knit Dress and Top pattern by Nancy Zieman

Sew a Super Quick Summer Dress

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

McCall's M7353 Knit Dress and Top pattern by Nancy Zieman

Looking for a fresh new addition for your summer wardrobe? Sew an empire elastic-waist dress with a scoop neckline. Like other knit garments, this completed piece will be lightweight and will travel well. Nancy Zieman’s knit dress and top collection, M7353 from The McCall Pattern Company is in line features easy styling with streamline sewing tips.

McCall's M7353 Knit Dress and Top pattern by Nancy Zieman

 

Make this pattern as a top or dress. If you decide to cut your hem length somewhere in between top and dress, you’ll have a wonderful knit pull-over tunic to wear with leggings.

Sizes included with this collection range from pattern size 6–22.

McCall's M7353 Knit Dress and Top pattern by Nancy ZiemanDepending upon your fabric choice—print or solid fabric—this quick-to-sew fashion can be made for daywear, your next vacation, casual lunch dates, or even evening wear.

M7353 KnitDress NancyZieman 2Easy Sewing Features

From the illustrations, you can see that the sewing time will be minimal. In fact, the dolman-sleeve style eliminates setting in sleeves. How speedy it that! Plus, I know you’ll enjoy Nancy’s elastic casing technique; the elastic is sandwiched in the seam, eliminating the traditional topstitching step.

M7353 KnitDress NancyZieman 3M7353 KnitDress NancyZieman 4

For tips on sewing with knits, watch Sew Knits With Confidence (Part One and Part Two)on Sewing With Nancy online.

To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.
Sew Knits with Confidence Nancy Zieman Online TV show

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC

Content in this feed is © copyright 2017 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here. Join us on Facebook, plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!

Save

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

130 Comments

  • Janice Beitz
    July 29, 2017

    I love wearing dresses in the summer so I would make the dress without the cowl but use the shorter sleeve length.

  • Clovis
    July 29, 2017

    A summer dress.

  • Wendy
    July 29, 2017

    I see a lot of possibilities with this pattern. I probably would make a top to wear with jeans, although I would be tempted to try a dress too!

  • PLJ
    July 29, 2017

    Love the dress but I would make it longer. It looks so comfortable and appropriate for any occasion.

  • Karen
    July 29, 2017

    View A would be my choice.

  • Karen payton
    July 29, 2017

    I love this style dress. I would make my daughter & I a summer dress. In the winter the longer one with the cowl neck line would be perfect with a sweater over it.

  • Sylvie
    July 29, 2017

    I would love to make the tunic… I am a pants, Capri person.. not dress.

  • cbfanger
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the shorter one with a slightly smaller neck line.

  • Thel
    July 29, 2017

    I would start with view D but they are all cute! Anxious to try this one.

  • Mary
    July 29, 2017

    I would be too warm in this for our Texas summertime heat (ONLY 98 expected today) but it would be great for the rest of the year.

  • Diane C
    July 29, 2017

    I like A & B I need dresses and tops

  • Marjie
    July 29, 2017

    I would like very much to try this summer dress, I like the longer sleeves too. It would be perfect to wear to Mass on Sunday morning. Our little Mission Church is in the high country and it is cool/cold there at times. Thank you for the opportunity to win this pattern.

  • Laura Jones
    July 29, 2017

    Love this pattern! Would love to make it for my brothers wedding- semi formal

  • Barbara
    July 29, 2017

    I would probably make the top first and then the dress with
    the shorter sleeve.

  • Kristin
    July 29, 2017

    I think view c would be lovely for fall with leggings and boots.

  • Florence Dupuis
    July 29, 2017

    I really like the top. That would be my choice to make since I don’t wear dresses much as I am retired.

  • Margaret Scott
    July 29, 2017

    Would love to make the top with my two nieces.

  • Joyce W.
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the top first.

  • Pattie Swan
    July 29, 2017

    I am always looking for tops that are comfortable to wear and this fits the bill. Can’t wait to try it.

  • Elizabeth Bowden
    July 29, 2017

    Light and airy . Love to make it

  • Linda Pearce
    July 29, 2017

    I would definitely make the top first with the 3/4 sleeve but would then make the dress also. Great pattern design, flattering to the body.

  • Marcia Spencer
    July 29, 2017

    Looks quick and easy to sew.

  • Phyllis Brooks
    July 29, 2017

    I like A and B which would be an easier dress/blouse to put on. I am learning the art of machine quilting after my second bout with Cancer and a heart attack plus the implant of two pacemakers plus a debrillator. Yes, this would be an easy dress/blouse to make.

  • Melani
    July 29, 2017

    Big fan of Sewing With Nancy. I’d choose view A. Except short sleeves. I live in a warm climate. Thank you.

  • Karen B.
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the top first, as I always need them. Then I would make the dress with the cowl since it is closer to fall. I might even try the dress without the elastic. Like the pattern, and if it’s from Nancy, I know it will be a good one.
    Thanks.

  • April Buchanan
    July 29, 2017

    I’d like to make B but with short sleeves
    thanks,
    April

  • goseigirl
    July 29, 2017

    View A to wear with skinny jeans. Would narrow the skirt as I am petite and slim.

  • Susan Spiers
    July 29, 2017

    View B-a pretty quick & easy dress! The top is another! Thank you, Susan

  • April Buchanan
    July 29, 2017

    I like the dress without the cowl neck, but with short sleeves
    thanks,
    April

  • Becky PB
    July 29, 2017

    I live In North Carolina and over the past 15 years our summer comes earlier and earlier and stays longer and longer with each year. We have so much humidity in addition to the high temps that short sleeves have become the norm usually until around the end of November. My favorite garment in the summer is a dress as often as possible! I would make the View B but with the sleeves in View A.

  • SANDRA
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the dress! I find that wearing a dress in summer is much cooler than pants and a top. I also like the patterned knit, it looks so cute.

  • Deb McLean
    July 29, 2017

    Absolutely top first then dress. Removable cowl for them

  • Helen O
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the top. Love the sleeve length.

  • Glenda Waring
    July 29, 2017

    This is a good style for all body types. Love it as a tunic length too.

  • Delores
    July 29, 2017

    Since moving to AZ, I have been searching for a pattern to use w/knits for an easy, short dress or tunic. I more variety of cooler clothing that is flattering and quick to make. This is it! Thanks.

  • Delores
    July 29, 2017

    This looks like a good pattern for me to try in the AZ summers! Might shorten the sleeve and forego elastic in the top version. Scoop neck dress is nice for fall. With long sleeves, I can probably get away with a sweater most of the winter days if I use the right knit.

  • Cassy L.
    July 29, 2017

    I would start with the top first and then and then the dress with the cowl neckline.

  • Michele W
    July 29, 2017

    Tough decision because I like the dress and the top but the dress with the plain neckline and 3/4 length sleeve in a plain color would be great if I needed something a bit dressier for travel. I could dress it up or down with accessories. Best of all it looks really comfortable.

  • Pat
    July 29, 2017

    I would like to make view A to wear with pants and/or leggings.

  • Candace Timpanelli
    July 29, 2017

    I would start with the top, then make view C from a slightly heavier knit.

  • Susan Foley
    July 29, 2017

    I already have a lot of tops in wardrobe so I think I would make View B, dress with scoop neckline. I have lots of great knits in my stash that would work well with the design.

  • LoAnn Trowbridge
    July 29, 2017

    I would make View B dress first, then try my hand at View A, only make the top a little longer! Thank you for a chance to wind. Love your show.

  • Sharon Kirry
    July 29, 2017

    I have purchased a dress like this to wear with leggings. Now I can make my own! Thank you.

  • Vicki Quayle@
    July 29, 2017

    Comfy top!

  • Sheila Tindall
    July 29, 2017

    I have the perfect fabric in my stash. I would make the dress with the plain scoop neck and 3/4 sleeves. It looks like the perfect dress when you need to be a little dresser that my usual pants and t shirt.

  • Becky Osborne
    July 29, 2017

    This pattern looks very versatile. I would make the cowl neck for myself and the scoop neck for my daughter-in-law!

  • Roberta A.
    July 29, 2017

    This would be a great pattern to win as I would make a top to go with slacks or shorts. Also, would make a dress without the cowl. Would like to win this pattern.

  • HMoe
    July 29, 2017

    I would choose view C. I love cowls. They also distract the eye from my ample bosom.

  • Cy
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the A top 1st then the B dress, with shorter sleeve.

  • Teresa C
    July 29, 2017

    I would make A then B. Thanks for the chance to win!!

  • Susan Dalen
    July 29, 2017

    I really like all three versions. I’d make them all in different fabrics.

  • Bonnye
    July 29, 2017

    I would make view B with short sleeves for my daughter in laws birthday. She has a dress similar to B that she loves. Frankly, she has stopped wearing it so much because she can’t find a dress similar to it and she wants to keep it looking nice.

  • Anne Z
    July 29, 2017

    I would love to make view A. I am always on the look out for a cute top to wear with leggings. As always, thanks for all the inspiration.

  • Betty Jo Tatum
    July 29, 2017

    I love this pattern. I would make view C at a tunic length, since I seldom wear dresses anymore.

  • Donna Watkins
    July 29, 2017

    I’d go with a solid and make the top, make any adjustments so it fits just right, and then go for the dress. With the scarf, it would be warm enough for fall here in California.

  • Berenice
    July 29, 2017

    I would do A but about 3″ longer to help cover a few too many cookies that have sadly turned into lumps around my bottom!
    I would also shorten sleeves a bit, too hot here in SoCal.

  • Gayle S
    July 29, 2017

    I would make View A in a tunic length. I would probably have to lower the waist a little.

  • Judy Hart
    July 29, 2017

    I really need a pattern like this as I have lost 27 pounds and have another 20 to go. This dress is perfect for my situation. Thank you, Nancy, for this neat design.

  • Laura A.
    July 29, 2017

    I would make all 3. I love this style and how versital it is.

  • Patti King
    July 29, 2017

    I love this pattern. It looks so comfortable, yet can be dressed up or down. I would make View C. I think cowls are so flattering and draw the eye to the face, rather than the figure!

  • Lori M.
    July 29, 2017

    I have started wearing dresses all year long. I would love to sew View B, looks like a great daytime dress but with some lovely fabric…would make a great evening, date night dress…Thank you for the giveaway.

  • BevM
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the dress in view B. It is very difficult to find ready made dresses with sleeves!

  • Jeanette
    July 29, 2017

    I like view A; I am interested how this would work for me; if there are instructions for buxom chests. I usually stay away from baby doll or umpire tops bec the elastic does not allow for full chested women; does this include design alterations to address this for those with fuller busts?

  • Jennifer Farris
    July 29, 2017

    I love the look and simplicity of this dress. Ithis pattern inspires me to get sewing clothes again!

  • Peg Sullivan
    July 29, 2017

    I have just returned to serious clothing sewing. But with simple style I love the look of this dress and would happily add to my collection

  • Barbara Humphrey
    July 29, 2017

    I would make view c I love the drape of the cowl neck, I would make it with short sleeves or no sleeves. I would make the top to were the elastic is a little lower and not so close to my busy. Thank you for the giveaway.

  • Margaret Chambers
    July 29, 2017

    This pattern is a nice basic style that looks like it would work well year-round in different weight fabrics that would drape well. It is a pattern that I would very much like to make as a nice”go to” basic dress.

  • judy
    July 29, 2017

    This is a good simple pattern with many possibilities. View A would be the best way to be dressier than my normal t-shirts. The top and dresses would both be good for my daughters and granddaughters. We all love knits. Being so simple they would go together quickly and each of us could add accessories as pleased. Thanks again for inspiration.

  • Pastor Carrie Smith
    July 29, 2017

    I would like to make some really nice church clothes. Especially dresses with long jackets.

  • Connie
    July 29, 2017

    Always looking for a simple and casual dress pattern and I love the idea of the elastic being sandwiched into the seam, going to try that out on practice material…thanks for the tip

  • Linda Mason
    July 29, 2017

    This is a great pattern for young or older women. I would make the view A for my forty-something daughter, and view B for myself. A nice light, flowing knit for church functions.

  • Sunni
    July 29, 2017

    I’d start with view A. Can I make the scoop neck less deep without throwing the lines of the top off?

  • Judy
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the View A top first.

  • Marti Morgan
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the dress but with short sleeves and / or with long sleeves, not a 3/4 sleeve fan

  • Andrea Robinson
    July 29, 2017

    I can see myself making all three views, because this is a style that I’m comfortable with and love cowl necks Can it be adapted to sleeveless? I think I will try view A to start with

  • Ginger Barlow
    July 29, 2017

    There is nothing more fun and easy to sew and comfortable and easy to look pretty in than a drapey knit dress. I’d make view B and maybe try to use a border print across the neck and shoulders and along the bottom of the skirt.

  • Maria Gesink
    July 29, 2017

    I love the cowl look so I would do version C but either lengthen it a bit, or shorten it to a tunic length. I expect this would work perfectly with my soon to be expanding waistline, and then work equally well with our little one out in the world!

  • Suzie Burger
    July 29, 2017

    I would like to make style b.

  • Ethel
    July 29, 2017

    I haven’t sewn clothing for the past 50+ years and would love to get back to it some day. I’d probably go with style a or c.

  • Tina
    July 29, 2017

    I would try them all. Thanks for sharing the info.

  • Erin M
    July 29, 2017

    I love all three views and think this is a timeless style. I would start with View A (top) because I could wear with different pants, but then I would make the dress style. Lovely!

  • Dorothy Herberg
    July 29, 2017

    I want to make version A – the top. Looks cute and easy! I would probably make several of them, as I have several fabrics in my stash already that would be perfect!

  • Edna Marks
    July 29, 2017

    This dress looks so comfortable and cute, I would make view B.

  • Jade
    July 29, 2017

    I don’t wear dresses much but would love to make the shirt length, but WAIT, that’s the perfect dress pattern for my daughter, and with my serger, I’d have it nice gift for her in no time!

  • Linda S
    July 29, 2017

    This looks like a fantastic teacher dress. And, yes, I am a teacher. 😀

  • Debbie DeLisle
    July 29, 2017

    I like the cowl neck version as it flatters my shape more.

  • Katie
    July 29, 2017

    I truly like the dress and I know with Nancy’s pattern I would love to make.

  • sal massimino
    July 29, 2017

    It looks like a comfortable dress. I’d like to make the shirt and also the dress. Actually all the views look neat.

  • PamB
    July 29, 2017

    Cute pattern. I’d make view B with shorter sleeves for summer.

  • Mary Buchanan
    July 29, 2017

    I love the dress with the cowl neck as well as the top. I know I would be able to do the sewing. I just received a Baby Lock serger, as a gift. Too much!

  • Mossie Maurer
    July 29, 2017

    I would make A but tunic length.

  • Sandy Roberts
    July 29, 2017

    It’s long been a pet peeve of mine that there are virtually no ready-made summer dresses of any length with sleeves. The older I get, the less comfortable I feel with my flabby arms hanging out for all the world to see. Yet I love long, comfortable casual dresses no matter what the season. This pattern would be quick, versatile, and comfortable for any season, depending on the fabric. I would like view B or C, but would lengthen to ankle length. I would vary sleeve length to long in colder months, but would be delighted for a sleeve that comes close to elbow length in warmer months. Awesome pattern!

  • JudyKirkpatrick
    July 29, 2017

    I am a foster grandmother. My job is to spend time with elementary school, children, talking and hugging. I like to dress well for them, and the views in this pattern would be helpful to make me look spiffy.

  • Marvel
    July 29, 2017

    Since I no longer have a hour glass figure I think this would be a great summer time dress for me. As I have only 2 dresses in my closet.

  • Ann Scott
    July 29, 2017

    I would like to make view c. The neckline is pretty and I wouldn’t need to wear jewelry with it!

  • Bonnie
    July 29, 2017

    What a versatile pattern! I would make the top View A for a casual summer look. I would also make the cowl neck dress View C for the fall. Thanks for the great giveaway.

  • Anita P.
    July 29, 2017

    I love both the dress and top! I have a summer top similar in style that I get lots of compliments on and I have been looking for a pattern like it. Very forgiving of the body’s imperfections.

  • Colleen Brady
    July 29, 2017

    I would probs make all 3 eventually but I’d make C for the fall!

  • Leslie Marling
    July 29, 2017

    I have some fabric that might be perfect for the top. I might also find some great summer or fall fabric and make a dress with the elbow length sleeves and the dress little longer. I don’t sew much with knits, but it’s time to learn something new.

  • Ann Hedington
    July 29, 2017

    I would love to make the top, both with & without the cowl neck.

  • MonicaAD
    July 29, 2017

    View A looks for comfortable … FIESTA 😉

  • Mary Beth Boher
    July 29, 2017

    This is the perfect dress for my body shape and I have always loved the empire style. Due to “Hernando” (my ventral hernia) pooching out below my sternum, I find it difficult to wear form fitting clothes. The style looks comfortable especially in a knit and it doesn’t need to be enlarged to fit over the tummy area. Thanks for always creating patterns that fit all figure types!

  • paulette
    July 29, 2017

    Looks like a great, quick to sew dress. I’d love to give the pattern a try in a scoop neck with a 3/4 length sleeve.

  • beth
    July 29, 2017

    I would make the dress that has a quarter length sleeve and a round neck. It looks so comfortable. I would wear a lot.

  • Tammie Kielpinski
    July 29, 2017

    I would love to make version A . It’s nice that this pattern can be made into a dress. The versatility of this pattern, makes me want to acquire it even more.

  • sue
    July 29, 2017

    I would like to make several dresses for all 4 seasons here in Indiana. I especially like view B with the cowl neck.

  • Linda G.
    July 30, 2017

    I’d like to try all the views and I have a great stash of knits to work into them. I shy away from the empire waist patterns, usually, because I have a larger than “B” cup bust. The length to the “waist” is usually too short and requires a lot of adjustment and trial muslin fitting for it to hang correctly and not have the waistline hit across my bust instead. But, I like the dolman sleeves, which should help ease some of the fitting problems, and the options for elbow and 3/4 length sleeves. I’d like the elbow sleeves for summer wear and add a cowl neck dress or top for the cooler weather to come.

  • Kathleen Waite
    July 30, 2017

    I’d like to make all three views. It’s been years since I wore dresses and this pattern looks like it would be very comfortable and easy to sew.

  • Barbara Lussier
    July 30, 2017

    I would like to make the top in different fabric weights and vary the sleeves according to the season.

  • Cindy Kamsler
    July 30, 2017

    I would like to make the tunic version to wear with leggings. This is a great transitional piece to move out of summer into fall in any of the views.

  • Martha Hood
    July 30, 2017

    Like all three versions – they all would look great on my daughters and grand daughters. Think would start with the top for grand daughter and then go from there. Thanks for all the ideas and great deals.

  • Marty
    July 30, 2017

    I’d really like to make it with the neckline not as low cut and with short sleeves to wear to work (and also under a blazer when jacket is needed at meetings.)

  • Grace Pace
    July 30, 2017

    I used to be a sewing instructor for knit fabrics. Quit when knits became hard to find. Since retiring, I have concentrated on quilt making, but after seeing your “Sewing Knits with Confidence”, and this pattern, I think I would like to get back to making some of my tops (nothing fits me like I would like). This pattern is just the type of garment I would like to wear.

  • Becky stewart
    July 30, 2017

    This dress looks so simple, I can think of many variations to make from the one pattern. Would be lots of fun.

  • Linda Rupe
    July 30, 2017

    As always, I would make it in variations for my daughters and granddaughter, PLUS my son’s girlfriend. They range in height from 5’2″ to 6′, with tastes from comic con to traditional florals, but this pattern would work for each of them in just the right fabric!

  • Kathy Mitchell Upton
    July 30, 2017

    I would LOVE to make view B right away….it would be a great summer dress…but I have a lovely heavier knit fabric that would make a gorgeous wintery dress with View C’s cowl neck. And just for fun I’d make a few view A tops….It’s a real treat to have a versatile pattern with several versions I would make to wear. Thank you for a chance to win.

  • Rose D.
    July 30, 2017

    This looks like a perfect pattern for a new basic black dress, View B. I can’t remember the last time I sewed a knit! This looks like a great way to dust off those skills. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. 🙂

  • Anjelica Cordero
    July 30, 2017

    I’d make View A in a knit for both skirts and pants. Looks like it would be comfortable.

  • Cynthia
    July 30, 2017

    I would like to try making the blouse.
    Thank you!

  • scarter
    July 31, 2017

    I have difficulty sewing on knits, but this looks like a pretty easy dress/tunic pattern that I would try.

  • Phyllis Youngberg
    July 31, 2017

    I love to wear scarves….with View C I wouldn’t need one to get the same effect …..great for our hot Texas weather!
    Phyllis

  • Cei Kratz
    July 31, 2017

    I like all the looks. I’m big on skirts and dresses in the summer and view B in a lightweight knit would be perfect for the hot summer days.

  • Kathy Renz
    July 31, 2017

    I would make view C. I always liked cowl necks. They add interest while being pretty effortless.

  • Glenda
    August 1, 2017

    I would make view A with the 3/4ths sleeve. This sleeve length is what I always look for when I go shopping–and I love the tunic view; not easy to find that particular classic styling on the rack. Love this! In fact I recently was at the fabric store but didn’t have the pattern number with me :-/

  • Christine
    August 1, 2017

    This is a perfect top! I like the tunic idea and it would be sew easy to adjust 🙂 Sew with all my heart, from Indiana.

  • Debbie Jones
    August 3, 2017

    I love all 3 views! But I would make view A because I wear pants and slacks all the time. I also love the neckline and sleeve length, and it would be easy to shorten the sleeves in the summer if needed.

  • Sue Camino
    August 3, 2017

    This would be the perfect dress for traveling this fall on vacation. Looks comfortable and I find that the fit of McCalls patterns is spot on. I would make this in a nice Fall print using a cotton knit.

  • L Watson
    August 11, 2017

    I like view C.

  • Kitty
    August 14, 2017

    Love View C. Would love to make it for a European Cruise this fall.

  • E. Watson
    August 22, 2017

    I would like to make view C.

Post a Comment