Burda 9750 – Pattern Review

I have made TEN versions of this dress since June 2010, so it is high time I wrote a review of the pattern.  I will incorporate photographs of all the versions I’ve made for you to see – expect for a grey needlecord version which unfortunately I don’t have a photo of, and it’s now packed away in the loft!

My first version of the dress, made with ready-prepared patchwork fabric from John Lewis

Pattern Description: 

The pattern doesn’t really have a description other than that it is ‘fitted’.  It’s a basic dress with bias bound armholes and neckline and button fastening at the back.  It has options for patch pockets and trim.

Red Polka Dot cotton with patch packets and broderie anglaise trim on bodice and hem

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? 

Yes, all the dresses looked as pictured on the envelope.

I've made two, almost identical versions of this dress (one for my daughter and one for someone else)

Were the instructions easy to follow? 

The instructions are very easy to follow.  This is a very simple dress to make.

I used ready-made bias binding for this version and black velvet ribbon trim on the bodice

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I just love how quick and easy this pattern is to make up.  For a 6 month dress I found you only need 55cm of fabric (even though it says 65cm on the envelope) so it’s perfect for using up leftovers, or fabric taken from pre-existing clothing (my Hawaiian print version used to be a skirt, and the black and white version pictured below used to be a dress).  As a Mum I have found it practical and hard-wearing, and most importantly easy to put on and take off.

I used a contrast fabric for the bodice for this version

Fabric Used: 

I’ve used mainly cottons for this dress, but I think it would work well in just about any fabric.  The fabric recommendations on the pattern are cotton fabrics, lightweight denims and linen.

This version is made with a light cotton voile

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

When I’ve had limited fabric I’ve used ready-made bias binding for the armholes and neck, and contrasting fabric for the bodice pieces.  For my cherry print version (pictured last) I used bias binding to create piping along the bottom of the bodice and used it to finish the raw edges too.  I also used the bodice pieces of this pattern as a guide to help me draft a fully gathered, longer skirt version.

Similar bodice but with a fully gathered, ankle length skirt

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I sew this pattern regularly for my daughter and to give as gifts to new babies.  I wouldn’t be without it.

Piped on bodice seam and raw edges bias bound

Conclusion:

I love this pattern.  It’s quick, easy, cheap, versatile and practical.  What more could I ask for?!  I have other patterns for baby dresses which are untouched because I find this one so easy to make again and again.

The back view - simple button fastening