Sew The About Town Popover in 6 Easy Sessions
Ever start a sewing project full of excitement, only to have it sit unfinished for weeks? We’ve all been there. To help you stay motivated and make real progress, I’ve broken the About Town Popover Shirt & Dress into six easy sewing sessions — manageable chunks you can tackle one at a time.
In this post, you’ll find a free PDF download that guides you through each stage, from prep to finishing touches. Whether you sew a little each day or dedicate a weekend, this plan will keep you moving forward — and before you know it, you’ll have your gorgeous Popover ready to wear.
Before you dive into cutting and sewing, take a moment to slow down. Pop the kettle on, find a comfy spot, and read through the info pages and sewing instructions. It might feel like a small step, but it’s the secret to a smooth, stress-free sew.
That’s why we’ve made this your Session 1 — a little time to get organised, understand the steps ahead, and set yourself up for success.
Once you’ve done that, it’s time to print, tape, and cut your pieces… and you’re on your way!
Let's get started. Download printable copy.
DAY 1 | Prep Work
- Read through info pages.
- Read through sewing steps.
- Measure yourself & choose your size.
- Printing/taping pattern
DAY 2 | Cut out all pieces, mark notches, prepare interfacing.
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Select & cut out all your fabric pieces.
- Mark all notches.
- Cut out & prepare interfacing pieces for collar, short & long sleeves & patch pocket(s).
- Cut out & prepare interfacing pieces for Style 2 facing (see page 50).
DAY 3 | Complete Front Opening
- Style 1 - Steps 1-10 of main tutorial.
- Style 2 - Steps 1-17 (page 49-55)
- Sew darts (if doing FBA option).
DAY 4 | Pockets, Shoulders & Collar (Part 1)
- Prepare & add pockets (optional, page 25 for options).
- Join front & back at shoulders (Step 15-17).
- Prepare collar (Steps 18-26)
DAY 5 | Collar (Part 2)
- Add collar to neckline (Steps 27-35).
- Join side seams & sew hem (Steps 36-42).
DAY 6 | Add Sleeves
- Prepare & add sleeves (Step 43, page 35).
- Add epaulette (optional - page 56).
- Iron your garment
You did it!
Whether you sewed your About Town Popover one session at a time or powered through in a weekend, you’ve created something to be proud of - your very own stylish shirt or dress.
If you’re on Facebook, come show it off in the Pattern Emporium Sewing Circle. We’d love to see your fabric choice, sleeve length, hemline, or how you’ve styled it. You never know who you’ll inspire to start their own! On Instagram, share it with #peabouttownpopover.
Now pour yourself a cuppa, slip on your new Popover, and enjoy that satisfying “I made this” moment.
