When I saw the McCalls 7956 pattern, I knew that it could be a really cool top with a great way to showcase some of the loud buttons I’ve been collecting. I love that this pattern takes a unique spin on the classic button up. I thought it would be a great way to add more work appropriate (but not boring) tops to my wardrobe.
McCalls 7956 pattern and sizing
I have a general aversion to big 4 patterns. Partly because I learned to sew on indie patterns and am just not used to big 4 and partly because I don’t always trust their “easy” classification. I read through the directions of every pattern I sew before I start, but I find this especially important for big 4. Thankfully, this pattern didn’t have any major surprises. The techniques that you should be comfortable with are: sewing facings, casings, and buttonholes. If you’re not comfortable with those techniques, this could be a good pattern to learn them!
Sizing is another area where I find big 4 patterns to be a bit confusing. I don’t always wear the same size when I’m sewing with McCalls, so I find it important to read both the body measurements and the finished garment measurements. For this pattern, I chose a size 10 and my measurements are 32/26/35. The size guide recommended a 12 for me, but I knew I wanted a more fitted look so I used the finished garment measurements to help decide between the two sizes.
Sewing with double gauze fabric
Double gauze is typically one of my favorite fabrics to wear and to sew with. I love how drapey and soft it is to wear and it typically comes in a beautiful range of colors and prints. I’ve typically found it very simple to sew with, but I kept seeing people in Instagram say that they hated it. After sewing this top, I finally understand why people hate it. Double gauze is great for unstructured, drapey garments that don’t have a lot of fine details. For a pattern like M7956, it’s not ideal. The buttonholes and casings were really difficult due to the fabric not staying in place easily. I also kept accidentally poking big holes in it when I was sewing the buttons and button holes. In my opinion, it’s just too delicate for a project with fine details. I will be making this top again in a cotton poplin or lawn instead.
Final thoughts on the M7956
Even though I don’t love the fabric I chose for this McCalls 7956, I still really like how this top turned out. And I’m definitely not giving up on double gauze, just saving it for simpler projects. My favorite detail of this top is the ties around the wrists. It’s such a cute feminine detail. You could easily hack this to be elastic instead of ties if that’s more your style. Overall, if you’re a beginner sewer looking to learn some new skills or an intermediate sewer looking for a quick, unique button up I would recommend this pattern.
