How to Read a McCall's Pattern

So we discussed how to read a Simplicity pattern now we’ll talk about a McCall’s pattern. There is not that much of a difference between McCall’s and Simplicity, only how everything is set up.

But introductions now.

McCall's M6819

Here’s our MCcall’s Pattern again not something I would pick for a beginner but for example purposes it works.

First we will talk about what’s on the front of the envelope.

Brand and Pattern Number

Here is the brand and pattern number, they tell you what pattern you have and it is how you find the pattern in the store.

Next on the front

Size

This is where you find the pattern sizes. This is the range of sizes this pattern will make, you want to pay attention to these sizes because like Simplicity….

Spot the difference?

The patterns can come in two different size ranges. Like these two.

Also they come in one size

McCall's 6981

Like this one.

And instead of size ranges some McCall’s patterns come in Kids and Adult sizes

McCall's 5954

Like these two which means the size chart will feature both child’s sizes and women’s sizes.

Finally on the front is the views

This one has two, and I looked but I have yet to find a McCall’s pattern that only has one view.

Now the huge difference between Simplicity and McCall’s starts on the back, but before we go there I have to point out something McCall’s has on their envelope flap.

This is where the size chart is going to be.

And the ones for children and adults will look a little different.

Like the one on this one, it has the child sizes by number and the adult sizes by small, medium, and large.

The one size pattern doesn’t have a size chart.

Now moving on to the back.

Don’t freak out now, you don’t have to re learn how to read patterns. It has all the same things that a simplicity pattern has only in a different format.

Up top is a description of the items being made. It has a written description of the difference between the different views.

Since the size chart is on the envelope flap this goes straight into the fabric information. Like the simplicity you find the size you need and then follow the column down to find the amount of fabric you need for the view you want to make.

This little note right here is just telling you that there’s more yardage information of the inside. Also the list of notions will be inside on the instructions sheet.

Here is where the list of suggested fabrics is. At the top it tells you “designed for light to medium weight woven fabrics” and then gives you a short list of what kind of fabrics it’s talking about.

Next up

This is where the finished garment measurements are, it has few and then tells you that the rest  of the measurements are on the tissue paper.

And finally

The views this one gives you front and back for both views on this pattern.

Now to look at the back of a one size pattern

Not much different but each fabric needed only has one set measurement.

Now the one with both Kids and Adult sizes looks more like a simplicity pattern.

It has the yardage for both the Childrens and Misses sizes but it lacks the views that the others have.

Now that’s all that’s on a McCall’s envelope time to look inside.

Inside you’ve got your instructions, in the newspaper type print, and pattern pieces, on the tissue paper.

First on the instructions

Another look at views front and back

Next to that.

The general sewing instructions, they aren’t that much different than simplicity, the symbols are relatively the same and the instructions generally the same.

Under that

The list of pattern pieces, the numbers and their name, McCall’s likes to categorize their list by what each piece is for. Like top and bottom, or by each view.

Next

These are the necessary items that were not listed on the envelope. The interfacing lining and notions. They are like the yardage chart on the back with the sizes listed and follow the columns to find out how much you need.

And next up

The cutting layouts, not much different from simplicity just follow the pictures and cut out the pattern pieces accordingly and you will find you have plenty of fabric.

And finally on the newspaper paper

The sewing instructions. Once you cut your pattern pieces according to the cutting layout and put them together according to the instructions you will have a garment.

Now for a look at the pattern pieces.

Here’s an example of a pattern piece from McCall’s 6819

First up

Here’s the brand and pattern number to help you keep track of what pattern you are working on and what pattern this piece goes with.

And then

This is the pattern piece number to help you remember what piece you are working with.

Now to zoom in a bit.

Here’s the pattern piece name to help you understand what this piece is for.

And under that

This is what to cut, so when you do the cutting layout you are getting what you need to do the whole project. You don’t want to be in the middle of a project and realize you didn’t cut out the lining or interfacing you need.

Another thing on some of the pattern pieces is the finished garment measurements.

It has a different measurement for each size, this is the measurement around the arm for the sleeve.

Don’t panic it’s very similar to a simplicity pattern, it’s not like having to learn a new language, and things get easier once you start doing more pattern projects. Hopefully i’ve deciphered enough for you to get you through at least one easy project.

Happy Sewing