Pattern Review: Mama Catherine from Made for Mermaids

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The Mama Catherine has turned out to be one of my all-time, favorite patterns. I have (literally) sewn 10 of them in the past 6 months! It is a flattering style if you’re trying to hide a belly, but the gathers at the yoke give it a dressy look.

I made three matching tops with the Mama Catherine for me, my mom, and my sister to match for Christmas. It’s a fun tradition that I like to carry out…

Mama Catherine Review

CLICK HERE to get the Mama Catherine pattern from Made for Mermaids.

Pattern Description: Women’s top, tunic, and dress pattern with gathers below the yoke. There are options for short, 3/4, or long sleeves and a scoop neck or square neck. There are also options for a curved hemline and flounce sleeves.

Time to Sew: 2 hours

Difficulty: Beginner

Format: PDF (Regular 8.5×11) Instant Download, and AO Print Shop Copy

Here are the notions you’ll need to buy to sew the Mama Catherine:

2 yards of knit fabric (more if you want to sew the dress)
Matching thread
Jersey/ballpoint needle
Knit stay tape for the neckline

The Mama Catherine was not difficult to sew. The hardest part was the neckline because knit fabric tends to get stretched out and look wavy if you’re not careful. I opted to make the lined bodice version so that the neckline would look better. If you’re worried, use some knit stay tape around the neckline to minimize stretching.

Also Read: How to Sew Stretchy Fabrics Without Losing Your Mind

I did make a slight modification to the pattern after sewing my first Mama Catherine. I took four inches off the back bodice piece along the fold because I thought it made the blouse too flowy for me. The extra gathers in the front are nice, but I just prefer less in the back. Gathering is required along the front and back, just below the yoke.

If your measurements fall in between sizes, size down because the Mama Catherine has a lot of extra fabric, especially around the waist. If you make a size that’s too large, the neckline is more likely to bubble.

Overall, I am very pleased with the Mama Catherine pattern. Have you ever made it? What do you think? Leave a comment below.

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