Knit Top w/ Sleeve Variation
Because every sewists needs a top that can be dressed up or dressed down!
And ... the best part is you can be an advanced beginner & get this look!
I made this top, with the intention to modify it by combining it with a skirt to make a dress or with pants to make a jumpsuit but I ran out of time & decided to make it a crop top & wear it with a skirt!
It gave me everything I wanted & more… and the best part is, it did not have me stressed out crying at the sewing machine trying to figure out how to do it!
This pattern has three options, which are referred to as views. I combined the gathered sleeve from view A with the off the shoulder feature from view C, giving me the best of both views! View B is sleeveless. All three options have the asymmetrical cut out on the shoulder.
Sew, how easy is it?
View A: Has a cut out on the shoulder with long gathered sleeves and a band at the end of each sleeve. There are a total of 4 pattern pieces: sleeve (cut 2), band (cut 2), lower front/back (cut 2), upper front/back (cut 2), Difficulty is a 4/10. Most difficult skill: Gathering. Estimated time to complete (after cutting pattern pieces & fabric) is 45-60 minutes.
View B (not pictured): Is sleeveless with a cut out on the shoulder. There are a total of 2 pattern pieces: lower front/back (cut 2) and upper front/back (cut 2), Difficulty is a 2/10. Most difficult skill: Topstitching along shoulder cutouts. Estimated time to complete (after cutting pattern pieces & fabric) is 30 minutes.
View C (sleeve only pictured): Has an asymmetrical cut out on the shoulder w/ off the shoulder on the opposite side with long straight sleeves. There are a total of 4 pattern pieces: sleeve A (cut 1), sleeve B (cut 1), lower front/back (cut 2), upper front/back (cut 2), Difficulty is a 4/10. Most difficult skill: Topstitching along shoulder cutouts. Estimated time to complete (after cutting pattern pieces & fabric) is 45-60 minutes.
Also pictured: Modified skirt from Simplicity 8982, another beginner friendly make!
The Process
There were 7 pattern pieces: Front (Cut 1), Upper Front View C (Cut 1) Back (Cut 1), Upper Back View C (Cut 1) Right Sleeve View A [Top of Sleeve modified to allow attachment at off shoulder cut out & retain gathering at shoulder & cuff] (Cut 1), Left Sleeve View A (Cut 1) & Sleeve Band View A (Cut 2). I used my sewing machine (Bernina B790) to stitch the entire top.
Stitch the front to the upper front (right sides together)
Stitch the back to the upper back (right sides together)
Stitch the left shoulder seams off the top. (Note: there are two left shoulder seams due to the cut out.)
Stitch a narrow hem around the cut out opening on the left side.
Stitch the right shoulder.
Stitch a narrow hem around the cut out on the right side.
Stitch pleats or gather at center top of both sleeves.
Stitch side seam of each sleeve together (right sides together).
Stitch sleeve bands at short end, then fold in half putting wrong sides together (forming a cuff). Next baste stitch raw edges together (to hold cuff in place).
Stitch two rows of gathering stitches into each sleeve (or use a gathering foot to add gathering at end of each sleeve.
Right sides together place sleeve band (cuff) over sleeve end, lining up raw edges, adjust gathered rows if gathering stitch is used, then stitch cuff to sleeve.
Right Sleeve: With RIGHT sleeve right side out & top wrong slide out, place sleeve in arm hold so right side of sleeve & right side of top are facing. With raw edges lined up stitch around arm hole.
Left Sleeve: With LEFT sleeve right side out & top wrong slide out, place sleeve in arm hold so right side of sleeve & right side of top are facing. With partial raw edge of sleeve lined up with the raw edge of under arm hole of top stitch around arm hole.
Stitch a narrow hem around neck & upper edge of right sleeve.
Stitch narrow hem the bottom of the top.
Pattern Highlights
Difficulty:
Moderately Easy (without modification)
4/10 (10 = most difficult)
Prep
Cut pattern = 30 min
Cut fabric = 30 min
Sizing/Fit
Size down for Sweater Knit, Jersey, Interlock, Velvet Knits
My Measurements: Bust 38/ Waist 36
Pattern Size Cut: 12 ( Could have cut size 10)
Note: Difficulty with modification is Intermediate (6/10) due to having to merge two right arm pattern pieces. It also adds about 15-20 minutes to prep time.
Wrap Up
I really enjoyed making this top. The cut outs & asymmetry added an extra twist but it was not difficult to put all the pieces together. An advanced beginner sewist can accomplish this top with minimal effort with an understanding of how to do gathering & attaching sleeves or with moderate effort and an opportunity to explore the skills of (1) gathering (2) top stitching around cut outs (3) attaching sleeves using traditional or open arm method. I will definitely make it again!
Interested in sewing along or watching a live sew-along? Follow me on TikTok @SewSophisticatedDesigns. I do live sew alongs several Fridays a month from 7pm - 10pm EST.
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