THE HOUSE DRESS | MCCALL'S 5893
While rebuilding my wardrobe, it’s imperative that I add casual, comfortable pieces for lounging around the house. After spending a lot of time working on a two piece set that I had been dreaming of, it didn’t work out. But, it wasn’t the construction. It was the fabric! Unknowingly, I chose a poor quality fabric that felt horrible against my skin. Whenever I spend a lot of time on a project that doesn’t work out, I usually turn to a quick and easy sew to get over the disappointment. The house dress was a great idea. Let’s get into the details.
Pattern Information
MCCALL’S 5893 is a pullover, empire waist dress with a scoop neckline, side seam pockets, and elastic waist. Views A, C, and D are sleeveless. A contrast bodice and hem band allow for color blocking on View A. Finally, View B has gathered sleeves with a band for those who don’t wear sleeveless garments.
The pattern is available in PRINT only with a size range of 8 – 24W.
The pattern is rated as EASY and I agree. The instructions are well written and simple enough for a beginner with basic sewing skills. Also, I have created a Sew Along for this dress. If you’re a member of my Private Email Community, you should have already received an email with the details, links to the pattern, fabric options, and an additional tool I’ll be using in the tutorial.
Fabric Information
The pattern is designed for stretch knits only, such as Jersey, Cotton Knits, and Poly Blend Knits. Border Print Knits are recommended for View D. Choose a knit fabric that has at least 20% stretch crosswise. If you’re sewing with a border print fabric, make sure there is 20% stretch lengthwise because you will be cutting perpendicular to the selvages. You can use the “Pick-a-Knit Ruler” on back of the envelope to measure the stretch. Not sure how that works? Don’t worry. I will demonstrate in our upcoming Sew Along for this pattern.
I’ve sewn this dress four times, and already have fabric chosen for my fifth version. It’s that good! I used a LIGHTWEIGHT JERSEY with a multi-colored chevron print for the first dress. I decided to use fabrics from my stash that are no longer my favorites. These are fabrics I’ve had for many years, all of which I believe were purchased from the Michael Levine Loft in Downtown Los Angeles. The Loft was closed many years ago, but Michael Levine has reopened under new owners. After making the first one, I knew I had to have more. The second and third dresses were sewn with ITY (Interlock Twist Yarn) fabrics. This is a very stretchy, lightweight fabric with a beautiful drape.
Finally, I decided that I wanted one with animal print. So, I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased this LEOPARD PRINT KNIT. This is the one I will be using in the Sew Along. We’re making View D (without the border print) and adding the sleeves from View B (without the sleeve band).
You will notice that I used a different fabric for the pockets. That’s because I ran out of leopard fabric after making a wrong cut, so I used a MINI WAFFLE KNIT from Hobby Lobby in the color Camel.
While at Hobby Lobby, I also picked up this JACQUARD SWISS DOT KNIT for my next house dress.
Inside the Garment
I used my Baby Lock Chorus sewing machine and Baby Lock Vibrant Serger to sew all the dresses. Here are some closeup photos of the inside of the leopard dress. They’re all the same inside, except I omitted pockets in the first three versions.
Notions Information
The only notion required for this dress is 1/4″ elastic. The amount needed depends on the size you are cutting. I used my new DRAWSTRING THREADING TOOL that I’m loving so much. It’s easy to use and threads elastic through casings so quickly. You’re gonna want to grab one for yourself if you thread elastics and drawstrings. I’ll be demonstrating how amazing it is in our Sew Along.
Alterations Information
After sewing the first dress, I realized that the front neckline was too low for my comfort. Also, because it’s a wide neckline, my bra strap shows on the sides. Therefore, I made adjustments to the front and back pattern pieces to provide more coverage. I also lengthened the dress to almost floor length on the ITY dresses. I’m demonstrating these changes in the Sew Along.
Styling Options
Well, the first dress is the only one that doesn’t get much outdoors wear. The others, while still house dresses, have been several places already. Hahaha! They’re so comfortable. I’ve worn all of them with flip flops. But they can also be dressed up a bit with heels. Here’s a look at the leopard print dress.
Just in case you want to take it outdoors for grocery shopping, errands, lunch and dinner dates, visiting with friends, or even church, here are some shoe and purse options I’ve chosen from my closet.
Here is the first dress I made that stays in the house, but I have taken her out to the grocery store and running errands a couple of times. She only gets flip flops because she’s not meant to be dressed up at all. I love wearing this dress while I’m sewing because it’s quick to pull off and on for fittings. In fact, all of the house dresses are great to wear while sewing.
The black, white, and gray ITY fabric looks great with this dress also. While it can be dressed up, I prefer to keep it casual with a pair of flip flops, flat sandals, or my black Mary Jane’s. If I’m wearing her out, I can carry my black crossbody bag or slouchy underarm bag. Or, she would be great with a big floppy hat for the farmer’s market.
Next, I’ve styled the green border print ITY fabric with a pair of flip flops, big floppy hat and silver jewelry. I wore this to my next door neighbor’s house for his 80th birthday celebration. It was a barbecue and pool party. It was a hot day, so I wanted to make sure I would be shielded from the sun. Fortunately, I had a seat under the patio where there was plenty of shade. We had an amazing time. My neighbor made the swimsuit coverup she’s wearing and a matching swimsuit. Here are a few photos from the celebration and her me-made swimwear. I LOVE my neighbors! 
What do you think?
I would love to hear your feedback. Scroll to the very bottom of this page to leave a comment.
Thank you for stopping by today! 💕
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- Sewing Project Checklist
- Learn to SEW Course
- Baby Lock Soprano
- Baby Lock Vibrant
- Baby Lock Euphoria
- Baby Lock Chorus
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This Post Has 24 Comments
This is a beautiful dress you made. Thank you so much. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.
The weather will be changing soon. I must have several to finish the summer and to transition to the next season. Anita, this is a great idea! My pattern is on its way; I have fabric and notions; the sew along is posted so I’ll be ready to spring into action! Gold stars to you!
Oh Anita I love this dress so I bought 2 copies of the pattern here in the UK and my sewing friend in my village and I will have a go at making it.
Together, we run a group we call “ Sewshial “ it’s a 2 hr session each fortnight in our lovely village recreation centre . It’s very informal and around 6-8 of us usually but it’s for anyone in the village who fancies a sit and sew and cup of tea , biscuits and much laughter ! Sometimes we actually make a small project together or support one another in various endeavours .
Sadly we don’t have a swimming pool! I enjoyed your pool party pics what a wonderful group of neighbours .
Oh Sally, your sewing group sounds AMAZING! I could envision you ladies having the best time together with your tea and biscuits while sewing. Have fun sewing your new dress. It will be so much fun having your friend sew one too. 🤗💕🤗
Thank you Anita , I will try and send you a photo , I have 2 fabrics at the ready to cut out and make up – when my current sciatca pain eases off ! It’s one those problems from getting older ! You just gotta keep moving 🥰🥰
I can’t wait to learn how to raise a neck line!
Yay! Have fun making your dress.🤗
Super cute dresses. I would wear all of them outdoors and even to worship service! Can’t wait for the sew along.
Thank you Diana! Have fun sewing your dress if you decide to make one. 🤗
All darling dresses! I hate the Joanns is closed. I have only been to Hobby Lobby a time or two because the closest one is over an our away. Maybe I’ll have to make the trek soon to check out the fabric selection. I love the leopard print and also the swiss dot. What a great pattern!
Melissa, I’m right there with you. JoAnns was so convenient, only 15 minutes from me. They are missed terribly. I love this pattern so much. 💕
Stunning, Anita…..Absolutely STUNNING. Kim Oliver
Thank you so much, Kimberley! 🤗
No matter how long Ive been sewing,the learning proscess is never ending,Im looking forward to learning how to brong the shoulders in & the neckline up !
I agree, Helen. We are forever learning as long as we’re breathing. 🤗
Anita,
You always add another skill to my repertoire! I would have never thought of using a waffle weave fabric for the pockets. I am thinking about making this, but moving the scoop neck up some. It is a nice, cool-looking dress. I love the diagonal pattern. This would have been a perfect dress for the summer vacation I had in Florida. I could also seeing making the dress mid-calf. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Laura, this pattern has become one of my favorites. So many options for fabrics and details. Yes, raising the neckline is so easy. The waffle pocket addition was a happy solution to my lack of enough fabric. Have fun making your dress.
Beautiful dress. Cute swimsuit!
Thank you, Hilve! Yes, I love her swimsuit.
I love how you style your different looks.
Thank you, Janice.
I like all of your choices in material. The Hobby Lobby near me seems to be very limited in knit fabrics. They have mostly solid colors. I would love to make this dress in a print like you have. Does Hobby Lobby have prints on line?
Thank you Sue
Hi Sue! Yes, they have prints online. I added a link in the blog post to the leopard print that I used. That link will take you directly to the fabric.
Love the floral robe you have on in the picture. Will you have instructions for that pattern?