We are excited to bring you a sew along for our latest release, the Wren Blouse & Dress. Throughout this sew along we will be sewing the Mini Wren for the Blouse (View A) and the Adult Wren for the Dress (View B).

There will be photos for each step and videos where we think it would be helpful. We hope you will find all the support you need even if the Wren is your first garment. Of course, we also have community lead sewing support in our Facebook group or you can email directly for additional support.

Let’s get started! In this post, we are gathering supplies, fusing fabric and cutting our pattern pieces.

Gathering Supplies

Before getting started, here’s what you’ll need for your Wren:

  • The Wren or Mini Wren pattern printed in the correct size. If you prefer copy shop patterns and you are located in the US, we recommend printing at pdfplotting.
  • Washed and pressed fabric: we have a fabric resource post here
  • Tricot fusible interfacing: we recommend this tricot fusible interfacing from Wawak
  • Preferred cutting tools: scissors/pins, or rotary cutter/weights
  • Thread snips
  • 1/2″ (1.25 cm) buttons for the center front (4-6 for Mini Wren or 6-7 for Wren)
  • If sewing long sleeve adult Wren pattern, you’ll also need 2-4, 1/2″ (1.25 cm) buttons for the cuffs.
  • If sewing the Mini Wren or short puff sleeve Wren, you’ll need 1/2 to 1 yd of 3/8″ (1 cm) elastic: we recommend this elastic from Wawak
  • Optional: a tailor’s ham, point turner, ruler or seam gauge, tailor’s chalk, or washable fabric marker

Tips for Cutting

Make sure you have all the pattern pieces you need for the view you are sewing. The sleeves are interchangeable for the blouse and dress options.

  • Your fabric should be pre-washed the same way you plan to launder your garment.
  • Read the information on each pattern piece.
  • Grainlines are indicated on the pattern pieces. Place pattern pieces on the grainline, parallel to the selvage or fold. 
  • If the pattern says “Cut 2,” the pieces are mirror images of each other.
  • If the pattern says “Cut on FOLD,” place the pattern edge exactly along the fold of the fabric.
  • Clip all notches at 1/4” (0.6 cm) or less.
  • Transfer all pattern markings to your fabric with a washable marker or chalk.

View A Cut List

We are using the Mini Wren when sewing the Blouse with Short Sleeves (View A).

View B Cut List

We are using Adult Wren when sewing the Dress with Long Sleeves (View B).

Attaching Fusible

Press and fuse the interfacing pieces to the wrong side. The center front interfacing (for the center from placket), the front and back neck facings, and, if sewing the long sleeves, the cuffs.

Alternatively, for the facings and cuffs, you can block fuse a piece of fabric and cut out a fused piece of fabric as shown below.

Once that’s done, we’re ready to begin sewing. We’ll start by stay stitching and sewing darts.

Wren Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Staystitching, Sewing Darts & Shoulder Seams | Sew the Facing | Sew the Short Puff Sleeve | Sew the Long Sleeve & Cuff | Hem Blouse, Sew Buttonhole & Attach Buttons | Sew Dress Skirt & Hem