A Tutorial on Adding a Button Back to Patricia
It’s August which means fall is just around the corner. I’ve started to sew transition pieces for my daughter’s closet that will allow us to ease into those cooler temps. Two of my favorite patterns right now are Patricia and Tammy. They pair perfectly for those warm days and cool nights. The dramatic high low Patricia top is light and breezy and the bell sleeves make the top a statement piece. Tammy shorts are REVERSIBLE which means more wear from one piece. And that little ruffle… be still my heart.
When I sewed up my first Patricia I cried when I went to slip the top over her head and it wouldn’t go. I mean no amount of pushing and pulling was going to get that top over her big ole head. But I didn’t give up because I was determined to get this gorgeous pattern on my girl. With a little modification you, too, can make Patricia into a button back top that will slide right over even the biggest of baby and toddler noggins.
First I cut out my back bodice pattern piece and taped it onto a new piece of plain paper. I traced 1 3/8” onto the straight edge of the back bodice pattern piece labeled with the fold line. This is to account for seam allowance and overlap. Cut around the lines you’ve made to create a new pattern piece.
When you cut out your fabric pieces you will cut around the entire pattern piece. Do not cut on the fold. Sew the shoulder seams together on your main and lining pieces and press the seams flat. Lay your lining pieces on top of your main pieces, right sides together, and pin up the back pieces and around the neckline.
Sew. Clip the corners and trim the neckline using pinking shears. Turn right sides out and iron flat.
At this point you will continue on with the Patricia pattern instructions until you get to attaching the skirt.
If you are going to add buttonholes, be sure to add those before attaching your skirt. I personally hate buttonholes and prefer snaps on anything I make my daughter. You can refer to my blog post here to learn how to do fussy cut fabric covered snaps. Once you have your buttonholes sewn on, or if you are doing snaps, overlap your back bodice pieces by 1 inch and baste in place along the bottom. Attach the skirt according to pattern instruction. I add my snaps as the final step.
And there you have a button (snap) back version of Patricia!
A special thank you to Riley Blake Designs for the fabrics shown from the Golden Days collection. The mustard, navy, and coral colors are a must have this fall season.
