Spring 2021 Butterick Patterns
While I’m on a roll with looking at patterns, let’s check out Butterick’s Spring 2021 offering.
Butterick tends to be pretty good with size inclusivity, but some of the designs can be… geared towards an older market. That said, I find a lot of them can be made really cute with a few simple alterations.
B6822 Women’s Jacket, Dress, & Top
I do like that Butterick thinks of a more mature market- a lot of store brands have veered to younger markets to try to cash in on the big money. making clothes for a certain age group harder to find.
I’m not a fan of the jacket for myself, but I quite like this dress. If I was still working in an office this would be a pattern I’d buy and make again and again. What I’m confused about is why they decided to not continue the princess seams into the top. It would give a much nicer, more streamlined look to the waist and stomach area.
B6820 Misses’ Jacket, Skirt, & Pants
At first, I wasn’t sure about this, but the more I looked at it the more it grew on me. I like the asymmetry in the jacket- pulling in and focusing on the waist always looks good, while still remaining professional. The pants also look nice, and the skirt, well, it’s cute, but I wouldn’t wear it with this jacket. I’d definitely want this as officewear.
B6821 Misses’ & Women’s Jackets
I’m not a fan of this one, but I know a lot of people who would really love this. I think it’s just a bit too mature for me.
I like that the skirt is basic- you could sew it up as is, but also use it as a skirt block to make any skirt you could dream up.
B6804 Misses’ Dress
I think this is an interesting dress for Butterick. The neck darts and puff sleeves feel very Vogue patterns, but I think Vogue would have gone for a ridiculous bottom as well. I like the simplicity. I’m not a fan of the long sleeve version- I’m not sure if it’s the fabric choice or if the sleeve appears to be a bit too baggy but there’s something a bit off-kilter about it. I’m not sure the neck darts give the most flattering silhouette, but it’s an interesting idea.
B6809 Misses’ Dress, Sash, & Belt
I love this dress. The one with the sleeves feels like the 30’s day dress of my dreams. The short-sleeved one would be a good everyday dress as well. I’d buy this pattern if it came in my size and sew it straight as is.
B6807 Misses’ Dress
I’m not sure about this one. I think it’s an intriguing idea, but the way it’s ruched off-centre worries me. Even if it was centred… unless you have a very specific body type this would definitely skew maternity very fast.
If you were actually looking to sew something maternity though, this would be a great call.
B6806 Misses’ & Women’s Dress
I love woven options with no zippers. It’s literally the most beginner friendly thing. These dresses are really cute. I like how they can change from season to season depending on the fabrics. I feel like this would be one of those patterns you make in every print and every colour and wear again and again.
I definitely wouldn’t bother with those patch pockets though, and would probably pop some pockets into the seam.
B6805 Misses’ Dress
I wasn’t sure I liked this dress when I saw the colour blocked version, but I think in the one colour it looks quite nice. If I were to make this I’d want it belted, but I’m not sure that the triangular setting on the busts would work with a belt. I’d be tempted to sneak some ties in the side seam to give a bit more of a waist because I do love that triangular gathered bust.
B6814 Misses’ & Women’s Top
You can’t go wrong with a basic top- I like the one that’s elasticated at the waist best; however, I feel like any of these would slot easily into a wardrobe. Especially tucked into high waisted skirts.
B6813 Misses’ Top
I like the idea of these tops but I wouldn’t wear them. I think they’d look better if the neckline was lowered. I get that they have the notched neckline but it feels strange seeing that juxtaposed with the off center ties. It feels a bit like the eye doesn’t know where to settle.
B6817 Misses’ Top
I’m not a fan of these asymmetric colour-blocky things, but there seems to be something of the ilk in every Butterick collection, so here’s this one.
I’m sure people are buying them because they keep making them, I’m just not sure who.
B6816 Misses’ Top
These are nice, basic tops. I like that they have a mandarin collar so they might be different than something you already have in your wardrobe and the sleeve variations are nice. A lot of people will get a lot of use out of this pattern.
B6812 Misses’ Top Tunic, & Sash
These are a bit unremarkable and not really my style, but for the right person they’d make a great basic. Someone is going to get a lot of use out of these.
B6818 Misses’ Skirt
I was a bit surprised when I found out these weren’t a knit. I like the ruffled one (view A) a bit better than the striped one- I think it’s a case of poor fabric choice, but the way the band goes in the back isn’t the way I’d want my butt to look if you know what I mean. It’s an interesting skirt, not sure if it’s my favourite.
So, what have we learned?
Butterick is up to it’s Butterick stuff. It’s definitely aiming a bit at the mature workwear market and that seems to be working for them.
One thing I noticed was that the more “trend” styles had a much smaller size range. I think a lot of companies misinterpret plus size women buying dowdier things as an actual want of them as opposed to buying things simply because they’re in a size that fits. It’s definitely not the case and it’s disappointing to see it happen throughout the McCall’s brands.
They’ve also really gone all-in with that notched neckline so let’s hope people like that.
