Whizzing up two useful tops in stretch jersey couldn't be easier. Both patterns are tried and tested ones for me so it was nice to just cut and sew for instant success.
This is the top from New Look 6217. I have made this many times in both stretch, crepe and rayon. My recommendation is to go down a size when making the stretch knit ones otherwise the neckline is too wide. They make great pyjama tops too to go with your favourite trouser bottom pattern.
It is an intermediate make because there is a neck binding but it is easy to do with this fabric because it is quite firm and doesn't roll away from the sewing foot. The sleeves are folded over once and then sewn with a patterned stitch.
This fabric colour works well with denim, grey and black. It doesn't crease so would be ideal for holiday clothes or lazy people who don't like to iron - needless to say I love it!
The second top I made from my two metres of fabric was the one hour top from Fancy Tiger crafts. It is a free pattern download from their website and apart from sticking the PDF pattern together it really does take an hour from cutting to wearing. I already had the pattern all pieced together.
I did not use a serger/overlocker for either of these makes, buying four spools of thread in yellow seemed an extravagance too far. Instead, I selected a decorative stitch from my machine which would look good on the right side, stretch and finish the inside edges all at the same time.
Here you can see the raw edge, right side finish and the inside all unpressed. I used a press cloth with this fabric to avoid any melt.
There is not a neck binding on this top so I would highly recommend it for beginners. You simply turn the neck edge over and sew as described. I did tack/baste the neck in place just to make sure I was concentrating on the sewing line and not on turning the hem over as I was sewing like I did on the straight cuffs and hemline.
Another winner, this one has seen me through Autumn. I have a mustard and grey checked wool skirt which will be the perfect partner for work wear.
This stretch knit is a nice weight making a good autumn or winter fabric. It appears to be sold out but the link is to a similar fabric. Thanks Minerva for letting me review this fabric.
Thanks for calling in as ever. Jo x
You are looking fab in your new tops Jo. Love the decorative stitch, I never thought of using one before and there are so many on my machine. I get Moon threads for £1.79 for 1000 metres for my overlocker, plenty for a few tops but not in huge amounts like those big cones. Have a lovely week. xx
ReplyDeleteI love both your tops, thanks for the hint about going a size smaller for stretch fabric. The colour is very on trend too.
ReplyDeleteI don't have/want an over-locker because of needing all the threads,also because they cut the fabric as you sew making unpicking or necessary fitting adjustments difficult, plus space issues with having another machine. I think your stitching here looks very good and seems an ideal finish. Most machines have something suitable including zig zag which is often suggested.
Both tops are lovely but I especially like the second, (you had me at 'no neck binding so easy for beginners'! ) I like the slightly longer sleeves and the slight batwing effect.
ReplyDeleteLovely I like a good quick make, that mustard is a good colour on you. You have a choice of tops for the season there, Autumn to Winter x
ReplyDeleteBoth beautiful tops. although I did favour the second one. Love the colour too, seems to be very popular this season.
ReplyDeleteAnother success, Jo, both are lovely. I love the mustardy color and both scarf and necklace work so well with it.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Looking Fab as always Jo. Great tops my friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us see both your pretty tops and learn from your process! xx
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