My Amy Butler Mini Dress pattern review

I've sewn the Amy Butler Mini Dress, Tunic & Top pattern in both the dress length as well as the short top versions. Jennifer, my daughter -in-law is wearing the Short Top sewn out of Midwest Modern 2 Honeycomb- fuchsia.

It isn't surprising the Amy Butler Mini dress, top and tunic pattern has been popular.
First off, if you are like me, you like designs which only consist of a few pattern pieces! Let's face the facts: We are B U S Y, but we still enjoy our sewing projects! Simple designs means we have a better chance of actually finishing the project!

This dress has 4 pattern pieces and an optional pocket piece. FOUR. Count em. Only Four pieces!

Select your size by the fullest part of the bust measurement and you should be fine with this easy fitting design.
I made the dress exactly to the pattern for my size. It fit a little low under the arms but looks nice with a little T-shirt. When I sewed the Short Top version, I shortened the length of the shoulder straps about 1/2 inch which pulled the bodice up.

Probably there is a more professional technique for altering the fit under the arms, but trimming a little from the shoulder seam area was quick and painless.

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The pattern calls for cute little pleats in the shoulder straps. Wanting more coverage on the shoulders, I skipped the step which called for making the pleats. This resulted in the straps being a tiny bit wider which is noted in the photos.
On top of that, I saved a couple of minutes in construction time, which results with more time to blog!

If you scroll back to the top of the page, you notice the inverted box pleat in Jennifer's top. Compare it to the picture on the pattern cover.

The pattern calls for the box pleat to be stitched with a temporary basting stitch. Once the bodice is attached to the dress front panel, the basting stitches are to be removed.

Because I wanted to close a few inches of the box pleat , I stitched instead of temporarily basting.
The result can best been seen in the photo below. The box pleat could be stitched closed for several more inches if desired. It would change the look of the dress, but is something to consider for added variation.






The Amy Butler Mini Dress pattern calls for a invisible back zipper. If you've never put in an invisible zipper, you'll be pleasantly surprised as to how simple it is! This is an easy garment to "give zipper installing a whirl". Follow Amy's instructions.

Typical to this Designer, this pattern has detailed instructions which are well written. Most likely you will do a great job! If it is a 1st zipper application for you, be sure to stop back by and let me know. I'll give you a Hi Five and shout out "Way ta go Sista"

BUT..... if you want to be wild and crazy, don't use a zipper in this top.

Here is how I did it:


Complete all of the steps up to the point of putting in the zipper. Sew the back bodice to the bodice lining right sides together and insert a button loop between the bodice exterior and lining and the top edge.


The center back seam below the bodice is sewn and pressed open the same as if you had put in a zipper. Read the pattern instructions and complete the back seam in the normal manner.

Do you like my Dorset Button? I found a great tutorial for making them at Craft Stylish!
These little babies are wonderful to make while watching TV!

The embroidery floss on this button..... is.............Vintage. It took 45 minutes to find my floss which had been stored in the bottom of a rubber maid container for many many years! Goes to show........never throw stuff away!

Will I make this pattern again? YES
Would I recommend it for a beginner? YES

Personal ideas: Make the tunic length to wear over a T Shirt later on in the season or turn the dress length into a jumper. Any questions? send me an email! Let's talk sewing! :-)

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