Every month we ask a Love Sewing reader to take one of our free patterns for a spin, so that you can be inspired by a sewist like you. Issue 111 of Love Sewing features McCalls 8256 and we asked Amy Scarr to put it to the test.

This pattern is included in your print edition, which you can find in shops all over the UK or order online from our friends at CraftStash.

I love an easy top that works for these slightly cooler summer evenings but can be layered with a cardigan as Autumn approaches. McCall’s 8256 is a Learn -To - Sew level 1 pattern making it beginner friendly and a total breeze for experienced sewists.

There are nice details to try, like the neckline binding and gathering. The raglan sleeves are great for beginners as they’re an easy sleeve to construct with plenty of room to work. From the options for a puff sleeve and a long sleeve with elastic casing, I chose a hybrid! I used the view D sleeve piece but shortened it to elbow length. The View D sleeve pattern piece is a slightly different shape to the View B piece, which is fuller to create the volume.

I chose a hybrid!

I like to gather fabric with two rows of stitches on a 5.0 stitch length with long tail ends. Then I pull the ends evenly to gather the fabric to the correct length. I found it helped to mark the circles and notches for the neckline and binding on both the right sides and wrong sides of the fabric in water-erasable marker; this helped me ensure the seams and centre back positions were correct.

My measurements suggested making a size M, but as this is designed as a very loose top, I decided to size down to the S. This is much better for me as I have narrow shoulders and wide hips – the S fits better on my shoulders while the finished hip measurement still offers plenty of room.

About Amy

Amy Scarr is the UK Brand Ambassador for Simplicity Ltd, which produced all your favourite brands - Vogue, McCall's, Butterick, New Look and Simplicity. She shares tips and tutorials, fresh ideas and the best of the sewing community at simplicitymccallsuk on instagram.

Love Sewing readers will recognise Amy as a former editor of your favourite dressmaking magazine so you know you can always trust her opinion!

You can also follow her personal sewing adventures at almondrock_sews on Instagram.

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