The Alek Ribbed Top By Just Patterns

The Alek Ribbed Top By Just Patterns

A couple of weeks ago Delphine of Just Patterns messaged me and asked if I’d like to try out her latest soon-to-be-released pattern. As I’d already seen some of her prototype versions on IG and liked the look of them, of course, I said yes! (note, #AD, I was gifted the pattern to show my readers and followers on the day of release). So let me introduce the Alek ribbed top by Just patterns. It has a wide sweetheart neckline, raglan-style armhole at the back and a close fit with long sleeves.

As is always the case with Delphine’s patterns the attention to detail within the pattern and instructions is second to none (remember my Tatjana trousers?). I’m impressed with the drafting…things like the dart at the top of the shoulder for a better fit because you know how picky I am about shoulder fit ๐Ÿ™‚ I will say that the neckline is quite wide as drafted. Your best bet would be a strapless bra or you could do as I did and bring in the neckline a bit on each side (more on that later) and wear a bra with wide-set straps.

It’s recommended that you used a ribbed knit with this design. Delphine suggests one with a good amount of lycra (at least 5%) so that it has good recovery and one that’s not too thin either. As for my fabric…well, you might recognise it ๐Ÿ™‚ It started out life as this skirt which I ended up not wearing so I thought why not refashion it? I had a chunk of fabric leftover from when I actually made the skirt which became the sleeves for this top and for the body I had to insert some pieces of cross-grain rib in order to get enough width.

Sizing And Pattern Adjustments For The Alek Ribbed Top

The generous size range spans from 34 to 60. A table of finished garment measurements is included in the instructions so you can pick your size depending on how snug you want your top. I chose a size 42 (Euro sizing) and this turned out to be good for my size and the stretch of my fabric.

The main fit alteration that I did was to increase the length of the upper back area which included the raglan sleeve seam. Then I moved the shoulder dart forwards a bit for my forward rolling shoulder.

As I mentioned earlier I made my neckline a smidge narrower. My bra has reasonably wide-set straps anyway so I only moved it in by about a centimetre. I’ve put a red line on this image of the sleeve pattern to show how I did it.

The Alek Ribbed Top By Just Patterns

Once I’d done these couple of alterations, I didn’t need to alter the sleeve or body length or width and just went ahead and cut out…however…I said that I needed to be sure I had enough fabric to cut the front and back so I added the cross-grain inserts before I cut them out. I ended up with a perfect width and just enough fabric scraps left to cut out the neck bindings.

The Alek Ribbed Top By Just Patterns
The Alek Ribbed Top By Just Patterns

I stitched nearly all of my top on the overlocker and if it hadn’t been for having to sew in those inserts it would have been a nice fast make.

I’m really pleased with how this design worked out. It’s definitely the sort of knit top that I wear a lot and it just goes so well with all of my trousers and jeans. I couldn’t resist pairing it with my wide-leg jeans today because the topstitching matches the fabric perfectly!

The Alek Ribbed Top By Just Patterns
The Alek Ribbed Top By Just Patterns

Thanks to Delphine for gifting me this pattern and for drafting another winner. I might make another of these tops in a bamboo rib knit that I’ve got my eye on. I think it’ll prove a useful wardrobe addition because you can never have too many tops eh?

Are you tempted to try this design? Let me know in the comments and in the meantime, thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you soon x

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4 Comments

  1. Joan
    March 21, 2022 / 1:01 am

    Lovely sweater, Diane! The X-wise inserts look intentional and really add to your top! It fits you beautifully.

    I have a very square face and short torso, so this style isnโ€™t
    For me.

    BTW, I LOVED the skirt you upcycled to make this! ๐Ÿ™

    • Diane
      Author
      March 21, 2022 / 9:01 am

      Oops, sorry, Joan…I know you did. Though I know I’ll wear this top more often. And thank you for the kind words about it.

    • Diane
      Author
      March 21, 2022 / 8:59 am

      Thank you, Hana! It really is a flattering neckline, I think.

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