Ten Apparel Patterns that you can make with 1.5 yards of fabric

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I don’t know about you but lately you can just call me the remnants queen. I have been looking for sales, deals and just overall projects (mostly apparel) that I can make with 1 to 1.5 yards of fabric, for you Imperial measuring friends that is 1.37 meters). Joann’s has some great remnants bin but it’s like going to the thrift store… it’s a hit or a miss. Another great place for remnants which I have to say they are a LOT more generous but they have some great things is Style Maker Fabrics. So I check their “Selvage Yard Tab” all the time. I do find some pretty fabrics there. Another great place is Gather Here

But today’s video is about ten apparel patterns that you can make with 1.5 yards of fabric. I’m going to stick with size 20 and 60” wide piece of fabric. So if you are size 20 or below… you are in luck.

New Look 6703 - Great skirt pattern you can make with bottom weight fabric such as denim, stretch twill or even canvas. You can make view A or you can make view B. I love view A because fall is coming and you can make this in a heavier fall fabric with a pair of boots and a big sweater.

Lander Shorts or Dani Shorts from True Bias - I lived in my Dani Shorts (both views) and my Lander Shorts this past summer. They were in heavy rotation. I cut a size 16 but when you look at the amount of ease it’s really a size 20 in my world. I have made both pairs of shorts with 1 yard of fabric but we are going to stick with what the pattern says. You can make either of these with 1.5 yards of fabric. I recommend stretch twill, gabardine or even linen.

Kaia Camisole from Sew Love Patterns - It is technically called the Kaia Dress and Camisole. I JUST tested this pattern and if you follow me on Instagram this pattern was just released and it is free. BUT it’s not free forever. It was released last week and you have about two and half more weeks (September 4th, 2023 GMT Time) to go get it free as it was just released. You might need to sign up for their newsletter but with that being said I highly recommend it. I made their largest size in their range and it took 1- 3/8 of yard to make it. It is drafted for a B cup, it does have a bust dart and it fits a little bit closer to the body. It has a few different views as a dress and one you can add elastic for a fitted look. You can play with the grainline… I highly recommend it. Again, Free pattern but not forever! I wrote a review on the pattern here.

Butterick B6175 - I thought this was a great top. It is a semi fitted pullover top with a keyhole closure. It is cropped to your waist but it feels as if I would we are that length with a skirt or a pair of slacks. I love view E with the scalloped edge hem. For view E with the sleeve and scalloped edged you will need 1-1/4’ yards. This would look great in a linen or a crepe de chine.

Vogue V1912 - I’m working on this pattern right now trying to fit it. It is a pair of shorts from Rachel Comey handy shorts which is view B. If you have this pattern this came out on Fall 2022 and I think the top is rather oversized (which means just pick a smaller size) you can also hack it by adding a zipper straight down the middle (eliminate the back zipper) and you will most likely need a facing but its an easy thing to do.

Butterick B6686 - I did a sew along for a Palmer Pletsch shirt a few weeks back. This is a great pattern if you are looking to do a short sleeve shirt but you don’t want to bother with setting in sleeves or dealing with funky facings or what not. View A is a nice simple view with a collar and a front placket. Per the pattern you will need just 1- 3/4 yards of fabric. This would look great in a cotton lawn fabric… got any leftover Liberty fabric? This would look great.

Butterick B6662 - I have made this top, I actually love this top and I should perhaps wear it some more. View A and View B can be made with 1 -3/8 and 1- 1/2 yards respectively. I made mine in a Lyocell gauze fabric but again you can make this in a rayon, crepe or even a cotton blend.

Butterick B6663 - I can’t believe I didn’t know about this pattern or I have passed it. This is a semi fitted top with an invisible zipper. It is cut on the bias (this is perfect because I have some stripped fabric around here that is 3 years old and every day it’s a quandary as to what the heck can I make with it!) this pattern might be the ticket. You can make view A, B and C with 1-3/8 yards of fabric to 1-1/2 yards of fabric, and thats for it to be cut on the bias. If you are a beginner I would say perhaps stay away from this pattern as cutting on the bias is not the easiest but a great one if you are looking to level up your skills.

M7931 - Talking about patterns on the bias… you can also use this pattern for a classic skirt cut on the bias. If you have never worked with cutting your fabric on the bias Mimi G did a sew along for this. But let’s talk about it for our purposes… you can make View A and View B same skirt, two different lengths.

M7386 - Here is a pattern for a dress, yes a knit dress and to the knee which I’m all about these days. View B is a sleeveless knit dress, I get it you may not like showing your arms… wear a cardigan or a jacket! View B you will need 1-3/8” of knit fabric. You will have to cut this on the fold.

I know I said ten… But let’s do one (or two) more because why not! Plus a bonus pattern never hurts.

Vogue V8815 - I was actually looking at this pattern because it is close to a vintage pattern that I’m eyeballing on Etsy (which goes for way too much) but check out view B. It is a fitted top with a raised waist and peplum. You can make both view A and view B. Use something nice for this one like a silk or even a crepe fabric. Maximum yardage you will need 1- 1/4 yards of fabric.

Aster Top from True Bias - Its brand spankin’ new. I think it was released two weeks ago or something like that. But that top is a total scrap buster. Although I’m making size 18 in this pattern you only need 1. 2 yards for the top. So great to essentially test out the pattern and if it goes well then hey you can make the dress! If you are looking for something similar to this pattern check out New Look 6572. I don’t have much luck finding New Look patterns by me but it is on the website. It is labeled as a jumper (goes up to size 20.. and that’s it) but somewhat similar to the True Bias pattern. If you are looking for size inclusive then True Bias pattern is it!