Would you believe I first made Butterick 5525 in 2011? It’s now 2022 and I have decided to use this on this delicate lace and extend it to dress length.

This lace is very delicate and can get caught easily so I’ve lined this version of the dress.

I experimented with this fabric on a gorgeous bra and knicker set before I attempted sewing this Butterick 5525 top into a dress. I have the curves baby.

I’ve interlined this lace so it is reinforced with a more sturdy fabric that has similar stretch properties to the lace. The honey-coloured lining fabric allowed the lace colour to be the focal point of this lace dress and not compete with it.

Lining this knit meant I was able to enjoy the construction process more. I had to make sure the lace stretch matched the knit lining stretch. The stretch on this lace runs along the selvedge and has a very slight stretch across the fabric. Check the stretch on all your fabrics before you cut into them. It makes a world of difference.

I used this pattern of a few tops for SewOver50’s colour blocking July challenge so I knew I had to used size 12 at the waist and add more seam allowances over my hips.

Because the sleeve shape I chose is raglan, I was able to ensure that shoulder fit was comfortable but didn’t slip off my shoulders. I really like this pattern and I’m pleased to have this mint green dress for special day occasions too.

The dress length works well with flat shoes and I’m sure wearing heels would add the wow factor to this dress.

When I tried on the dress it was a smidge too tight so I took about as much width from the seams as I could to feel more comfortable in this form fitted dress.

Having lined the lace meant it was very simple to unpick each seam easily.

All the seams are overlocked using 3 threads not 4 threads. This way the seams are stable but not overly heavy.

I’ve not finished the hem as yet. I’m still contemplating if the hem needs to be finished.

Butterick 5525 is described as a close-fitting pullover top. Now I’ve created a close-fitting pullover dress that travels well.

One tip I know many of you know about is to use twill tape or stay tape when you sew shoulder seams on knit fabrics. I’ve been using twill tape for many years. The tops I made in 2011 from Butterick 5525 still have great fit at the shoulders and neckline. If you’re a new sewists, having stay tape of some type in your notion stash will make the shape of your knit garments last the test of time. Prym have a few products that make knit garment keep their shape for longer. This is a go-to notion I make sure I have in my stash. Failing that, light weight organza strips can be made from your scrap bin if you want to reuse what you have from previous projects.