Review: McCall's 6702 | Open-back Linen Shirt

12:00 AM

I love a fun top!  And McCall's 6702 is just that!
I cut view A.  I thought there was something adorable, with the Peter Pan collar, yet edgy at the same time with the open back.  That's why I was drawn to this.  And I felt that the asymmetrical high-low hemline is right on point with this season's trends.
Even though linen wrinkles like crazy (as you can see), it's still one of my favorite fabrics to sew.  I love how easily it handles.  This medium weight black one is one I've had stashed for a few years.  
I took flat pattern measurements and decided that I should cut the size 14.  I added an inch to the length.  I've sewn enough shirts to know all of the steps to eliminate the handsewing that the pattern instructions always suggest (i.e. sewing the yoke at the shoulder seam; the collar and front bands).  
The only problem I found with this pattern is that it runs a little big.  I don't mind the fullness and oversized style of the tunics, but I felt this top should've been cut a little closer to the body.  I ended up having to take in the sides a tad.  And also, the armholes were pretty large too.  But my side seam alterations solved that problem.  Just something to be aware of if you sew the sleeveless version.
The directions for the back opening suggested using seam binding as a finish.  I decided to serge and give it a 5/8" hem.  I also did the same thing for the armhole finish and the hem.
Even if you're not a fan of the open back style, this is such a great pattern with other shirt and tunic variations.  I'm thinking of perhaps turning one of the tunics into a dress!  It would be great worn with a pair of tights and riding boots!

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49 comments

  1. Great top and linen was the perfect fabric for it.

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  2. Very cute top. I've passed on this pattern and have now been seeing all sorts of great iterations of it! Well luckily for me McCalls is 70 cents this week at JoAnn! :)

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    1. That price is worth experimenting! Thanks Mrs. Smith!

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  3. Yep, I like it a lot. Someone told me "linen's supposed to wrinkle", so that's what I always tell myself. Thanks for showing the top. The pattern is in my stash so it is a one day project.

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    1. That's what I tell myself too! Thanks Faye!

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  4. Love this top! Thanks for mentioning some great tips, one of which was the fact that you measure the pattern first to help with sizing. I'm trying to learn to fit now instead of just going by th envelope sizing.

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  5. Gorgeous top! If you don't mind me asking, did you wear a low back bra with this?

    I love your shoes; something about the shape of the heel seems PERFECT with the cutout on the back of your shirt.

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    1. I wore just a regular bra. Thanks Flying Purple Hippos!

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  6. Ooo I like that Erica. Love the surprise back. https://www.facebook.com/SassySewingBees

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  7. Anonymous9:50 AM

    Hi Erica, another great item. Thank you for the tip about taking the flat pattern measurements to get a better fit!

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  8. This is a cute top! Love what you did with it!

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  9. Really cute top! You of course wear it well!

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  10. Anonymous12:43 PM

    cute! as usual! I have added it to my ever growing pattern wish list

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  11. really nice top - I just had the same issues with extra large sizing on a Simplicity pattern.

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    1. Yes, the "wearing ease" can be absurd sometimes. Thanks Pdiddly!

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  12. If you were my mom, you'd get so tired of me bugging you to sew for me. Loveeeee your eye for unique style.

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    1. I get tired of my daughters a plenty! LOL Thanks!

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  13. Anonymous3:44 PM

    Lovely top! The cut out in the back is very cute.

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  14. That cut out gives it a pretty cool edge. I think I'd end up with funny tan lines :) btw, I think linen is supposed to crease, otherwise no-one would know it it was linen!

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    1. I know, but sometimes it looks like you slept in it!

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  15. Another great creation by you. I just saw you in Redbook with you classy self. I am glad I follow you on bloglovin to see your latest creations.

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  16. Cute top! Love how you styled it.

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  17. very cool!

    --Gaiana (http://trapkeybygaia.blogspot.com/)

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  18. I love this shirt too! I having trouble with the front neckline, I have the direction in front on me but not understanding them! This is my second front shirt I had to re-cut because I messed the front up! I improvise on my other shirts but I want to do this one right! Help!

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    1. Tanielle, sorry you're having trouble. But you should really think of taking this class -- http://www.craftsy.com/class/the-classic-tailored-shirt/132. I think it would be beneficial if you want to make shirts. Thanks!

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  19. Ooh very pretty and very timely since McCalls patterns are on sale for .70 cent. Worth making another trip to Joann's.

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  20. Very cute! Love the shoes too! Who made them, if I may ask?

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    1. Thanks AshburnMom! They are from Zara.com. They're from last year, but they always have something similar.

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  21. Nice shirt. Classy with a little twist.

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  22. I really like this style - so cool for summer.

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  23. You always totally transform the pattern from what the line image looks like!!! You made it chic and super stylish in a way I would not have thought possible based on the pattern cover!

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