Pattern Review: Mama Catherine by Made for Mermaids

I have sewn the Mama Catherine ten times in the past six months. Ten. That's how good this pattern is.

It has genuinely become one of my all-time favorite sewing patterns. The gathers below the yoke give it a dressy, feminine look, while the relaxed fit is incredibly flattering if you want a little extra ease around the middle. It looks polished, it sews up quickly, and it works for almost any occasion.

Most recently, I made three matching Mama Catherine tops for myself, my mom, and my sister to wear over Christmas. We do matching outfits as a holiday tradition, and this pattern was perfect for it.

👉 Get the Mama Catherine pattern from Made for Mermaids

Pattern Details at a Glance

Description: Women's top, tunic, and dress with gathers below the yoke. Options include short, 3/4, or long sleeves; scoop or square neckline; a curved hemline; and flounce sleeves. Difficulty: Beginner Time to Sew: About 2 hours Format: PDF (standard 8.5"x11") instant download, plus an AO print shop copy option

What You'll Need

• 2 yards of knit fabric (more if you're making the dress version or long sleeves)

• Matching thread

My Honest Review

The Mama Catherine is genuinely beginner-friendly. The construction is straightforward, the instructions are clear, and the finished result looks like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did.

The trickiest part of this pattern is the neckline. Knit fabric can stretch out and turn wavy during sewing if you're not careful, and a bubbled neckline is the most common issue I've seen with this pattern. My two biggest tips for avoiding it:

1. Sew the lined bodice version. The lining adds stability to the neckline and gives it a much cleaner finish. I've done it both ways, and the lined version wins every time.

2. Use knit stay tape around the neckline. This is a simple step that prevents the edge from stretching as you sew. If you're worried about the neckline, don't skip this.

A Modification Worth Trying

After sewing my first Mama Catherine, I made one small change that I've kept for every version since: I trim 4 inches off the back bodice piece along the fold. The original pattern has a lot of gather fullness in both the front and back, and I personally prefer a little less volume in the back. The front gathers stay full and beautiful — I just find a more fitted back more flattering on me.

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If you want a less flowy silhouette overall, this is an easy tweak to try.

Sizing Tips

If your measurements fall between two sizes, size down. The Mama Catherine has generous ease — especially around the waist — and going too large is the quickest way to end up with a neckline that bubbles or a silhouette that feels shapeless. When in doubt, go smaller and let the ease do its job.

The Mama Catherine has earned its permanent spot in my pattern rotation, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. If you've been looking for a quick, flattering knit top that looks more elevated than a basic tee, this is the one.