Handkerchief Dress – McCall’s 7402

I made one of the most comfortable dresses thus far. I used McCall’s 7402 and some of the softest Ankara fabric every to create this beautiful piece. They describe the pattern as a pullover dress and pullover jumpsuit, which has draped sides and narrow hems. I have always thought of this style as a handkerchief dress because of the hem.

When I picked up the pattern, I was interested in making the dress view B and the jumpsuit D. With the hot weather here in New Orleans, this dress is perfect for lounging around, shopping, and basically whatever you want. It is just that comfortable.

I used this gorgeous fabric from Ankara and Lace. The fabric was from one of my monthly subscriptions. I am in love with the vibrant colors in the fabric. After washing it, I could not believe how soft the fabric became. Anyone who has worked with Ankara wax fabric knows that although the fabric is 100% cotton, it tends to be very stiff with very little drape. This fabric is just the opposite, which made it the perfect match for such a flowy dress.

The dress was super easy to make. I completed the dress in roughly an hour. Only four pattern pieces and a little interfacing made this a breeze to sew. The only change I made to the pattern was cutting the dress on the shorter portion of view C. After seeing how long it was, I knew it would completely drag the floor if I used the recommended length of the pattern. The finished length is still to the floor for me, but I am only 5’1″. If you are taller, then the full length will most likely work better for you.

I found it extremely difficult to pattern match the design, but did the very best that I could. The end results, I just love this dress. I want to make a few more in some breezy, flowy fabrics. Although it is mid-August, and most stores are bringing in fall fabrics, I still have plenty of summery fabrics in my stash. Here in New Orleans, we have hot weather sometimes well into November. I will try to make at least one more make like this in a fun print, and one in a nice solid.