Butterick 6446 - Black and White Bandana Dress

It’s summer, and I wanted a dress with linen.


Butterick 6446 has three options, and I made view B. View B has a close- fitting bodice, a pleated skirt and a sash. I thought it was a wrap dress until I cut the pattern pieces. I made the sash but it can be worn without it. This big bow is so cute.

This pattern has only lining for the bodice parts, but I added the linings to the other parts. I cut the skirt parts from view A as a lining. I used bandana patterned linen and thin polyester for the lining. I love this fabric looks like connecting big bandanas.

I cut a size 10, and it's perfect fit! I didn't want to show the lining at the neckline, so I cut the lining pieces smaller than the original a little. Also, I stitched the inside of the neck edge. I shortened the length of the skirt by 3 1/2 inches and raised the waist line by 3/4 inches. I increased the sash by a few inches because I used a bulky linen to tie a bow. The pattern envelope calls for 2 5/8 yd, but I only used 2 3/8 yd.

I am glad that I created the puffed skirt since I was using a bulky linen. Next time, I would love to make View C with a soft jersey. I can't wait to make it☺ This pattern makes everyone look lovely I think.


Let's talk about a kimono project. I just finished this navy kimono. I've been learning how to make kimonos from my mother in law. When making kimonos, you need to follow a unique set of rules. I thought the most difficult part was the pattern layout! When making clothes, you have to match certain patterns like plaid, stripe and check, etc. However, patterns on kimonos have to be located asymmetrically on both the right and left sides. The most striking pattern has to be located on the left side of the chest, thigh and behind the right shoulder. For example, the shrimp (in the right photo) has to be arranged at these areas. This is the reason why kimono is shown beautifully from every angle. If you accidentally make a mistake when cutting kimono fabric, NEVER purchase additional fabric. There is a reason kimono fabrics are sold in single rolls (one roll = one kimono). I am planning to make a kimono jacket using a lace.

Thank you for reading😺


Fabrics: 60" 2 3/8yd
Total Time Spent: 12 hours

57 comments

  1. Such a cool dress!

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    1. It’s been a while, Tee! Thank you for commenting:)

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  2. As I said on IG: I love it! 😍

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    1. Also I love your shoes 😊

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    2. Thank you very much, Maria! I am very pleased:)

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  4. what a great summer dress and perfect fit. Lovely!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Beth!

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  5. Love the dress Eli and thank so much for the information about kimonos- that is SO interesting!

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    1. Thank you for reading, Sarah! Making kimono is very fun😊

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  6. What a lovely fabric, strong geometrical pattern rally catches the eye. I also thought it was a wrap dress! I guess this way it's easier to wear, there's no danger of skirt flying in the wind and showing too much... ^^*~~ It suits you so well and it's a cute outfit with a sash, great job!
    I don't know anything about making kimono, it would be interesting to read the details like you gave today, about the placement of the decorative elements, very interesting!

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    1. Thank you, Joanna! I agree with you! I love a wrap dress but am worry about blowing it up in the wind😓 I thought the sash is too feminine but I really like it now. If you have a chance, I recommend that you visit second- hand kimono store in Japan😺

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  7. This turned out beautiful! I love your choice of fabric and the bit of structure it gives to the skirt shape. I agree, the bow is cute! Can I just say what great shoes those are too.
    Thanks for telling us about the kimonos. I never knew how complicated they could be. Fascinating.

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    1. Thank you very much, Diane! I am very pleased. Oh, I can't wait to see what other sewers have been making. I will join it too😺

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  8. This is such a beautiful dress and you have the perfect shoes to go with it! I love reading and learning about your kimono sewing.

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    1. Thank you for reading, Shirley! I am planning make next kimono project but I will wear a kimono after October...because it's very hot to wear it now😱

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    2. I like to start making things for Fall while it is still summer! I think I wait till I'm so tired of being hot that I start putting my focus on clothing for cooler weather.

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    3. You are clever, Shirley! I would love to make a light jacket for Autumn😊

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  9. Love love love your fabric. Beautiful dress

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    1. Thank you very much, Josephine! I am looking forward to seeing your new project😊

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  10. You look absolutely adorable in this dress! I love it!

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    1. Thanks a lot, Alli! Please say hello to your pretty daughter😊

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  11. You look so lovely in this dress!

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    1. Thank you for praising me, Georgia!

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  12. You choose the most amazing fabrics. Love your bandanna dress.

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment, Faye! I love the fabric too:)

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  13. Lovely, lovely dress! It is completely charming! Thank you for the bodice lining tip and find the making of a kimono quite interesting. What a meaningful project it must be to learn from your mother-in-law the ways of making a kimono. :)

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    1. Thank you for your sweet compliments, Lisa! Making kimonos are difficult, but I really enjoy it with her. She is a great teacher😁 I love this dress, so I will wear it a lot😊

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  14. Beautiful, beautiful dress! I love bandanna patterns for summer!!!! The

    I'd love to know how you feel about linen and its wrinkles. I just made two linen shirts that I love when they're first put on, but as the day wears on the wrinkles appear more and more, and I can't quite get used to it. I absolutely love how linen looks though. I thought I would try a linen blend next time. How do you feel about linen and the wrinkles that come with it?

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    1. Thank you for kind comment, Janie! Very pleased.

      I don't care about the wrinkles on the dress, because its fabric is hard and very busy pattern, so it doesn't draw much attention. I agree with you, a thin linen often comes out on deep wrinkles. I usually choose a busy patterned fabric or loose design when making linen clothes. I haven't seen your shirts and don't know about them... If I were you, I would wear the linen shirt as a shirt jacket with a bright coloured tank. I don't like too deep wrinkles but love natural ones. I think linen shirt is pretty good for summer! Good luck😺

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    2. Oh heavens I don't see any wrinkles on your dress! I just wanted to see how you would feel about these deep wrinkles that show up immediately after ironing my linen shirts. Unfortunately, my shirts are out of solid colors and they do show wrinkles badly. I've tried to tell myself that the wrinkles are part of the beauty of linen but it's not working! Thanks for your reply.

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    3. Deep wrinkles...no😖 I recommend that you try to clap each shirts with your hands a lot after washing. I wish they are getting better😺

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    4. I will try that! I hope it helps too!!!

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    5. Brilliant tip! This made a noticeable difference. The fabric is softer with just subtle wrinkles. I like the looks of this and I don't think I'll iron it before I wear it. It looks like the lovely natural linen pictures I've seen. I've read tons of "linen care" articles and have never come across clapping the fabric. Thank you for sharing this tip!!!!

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    6. I am so glad you said that😁😁😁 Someday, I would love to see your work. Congratulations, Janie🎶

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  15. Beautiful dress, inside and outside. Love the big bow tie and your fabric is perfect. Thank you for sharing the detail of making kimono, now I know why the kimono is always looking so pretty 😻😻

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    1. Thank you very much, Hana! I am happy hear from you😊 I would love to wear the kimono, but it's so hot in Japan (Macau too😁). I am going to wear it in autumn.

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  16. Beautiful dress and the bow is stunning. Thank you for the details you share, they are very inspiring.
    Marie

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    1. Thank you so much, Marie! I love this bow, and it's so cute😊 If you have a chance, please try this pattern!

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  17. Lovely dress!
    I watched a programme on tv recently about traditional kimono (the series was Handmade in Japan) and was fascinated. It didn't get deeply into sewing them but I will be trying to find out more. Cherish that MIL! I would love to listen in on her instruction 😃

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    1. Thank you so much, Material Lady! I would love to watch the TV program. MIL and her mom were professional kimono tailors. However, my husband isn't interested in kimono, haha. I'm sure she'll be glad to hear that from you🎶

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  18. Your dress is so beautiful and looks great on you. It's so interesting to read about the sewing process for kimonos. It really looks like making them is complicated.

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    1. Thank you for reading, Olivia! The kimono took me a lot of time, but it was fun to make. I really love this dress and will wear it a lot😊

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  19. It's gorgeous! This style really suits you. A wonderful choice of fabric too.

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    1. Thanks a lot, Let's Get Sewing! I am pleased hear from you! Happy sewing😺😊

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  20. Oh I love this dress on you and the bandana print is so fabulous! I look forward to seeing your next version. I know it will be just as beautiful.

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    1. Thank you for your compliment, Tomasa! I want to make this pattern for summer and autumn😊

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  21. Lovely dress! The fabric is very attractive.

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    1. Thank you, Linda! I am very pleased😊

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  22. This is really lovely on you Eli! Your work is so inspiring!

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    1. Thank you for commenting, Justine! I am really pleased.

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  23. What a beautiful linen and this dress is the perfect pattern to show it off! That's so interesting about kimonos. With the popularity of westernized kimonos right now, I'm really curious to see what a more authentic kimono in traditional textiles looks like!

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth for your lovely comment! I am glad that you said that. I love this fabric and am happy with the result:)

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  24. I love this dress.. Your dress inspire me to make ones for my blog

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    1. Thank you for commenting Nina! If my project helps your blog, I am very pleased.

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  25. This is a great dress!!! How did you go about raising the waistline (or shortening the bodice) given the pleats on the bodice right pattern piece

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. I made the dress one year ago and don't remmenber how to shorten the bodice; I usually shorten along the waistline in the bodice pattern:)

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