Butterick 6018

How I started

I have been used to making dresses in a pattern size 12 (B 87, W 67, H 92 cm) – according to my bust measurement + garment ease. The finished garment measurements for this dress in size 12 are (B 94, W 72 cm). I made this dress as view A without the sleeves. The Fabric is “Contrast” cotton fabric by Kokka.

What I’ve now learned

It turns out I’ve misunderstood the sizing. I should have been going by my chest measurement, which would put me at the pattern size 8, and then making an Full Bust Adjustment FBA by 1.3cm.

Other alterations for this pattern

Move bust apex towards the centre by 1.3cm.
Back – waist length shortening, which I did along the lengthen and shorten lines on the skirt pieces.
Converting the armhole and sleeve to a drop shoulder. I have recently had the realisation that I hate sleeves – wearing them and sewing them. So I will now be doing this alteration to all my future dress patterns.

I hope now that I’ve figured out chest sizes, I might find fitting an easier process.