A couple of weeks or so back I mentioned a few sewing plans and in that post I showed you a new knit top that I had in mind. The inspiration was from this image that I found on Pinterest which I believe links to a trendy Korean clothing website and I really liked the look of tie front and easy style. I liked the length of it and how it can be worn with various bottoms with different silhouettes.
I got the fabric for my top from the rag market in Birmingham back in April. I met up with a friend for a spot of fabric shopping and she told me of this stall that’s only there on a Tuesday and they have lots of random pieces of knit fabrics. You literally have to just dive in and rummage…I tell you what…I’m a Ninja when it comes to grabbing a fabric length that catches my eye. It was fun! I found a large chunk of this slubby ivory knit (it feels lovely quality, possibly viscose and poly blend with lycra) and I also found a charcoal rib that feels like a wool blend. I only paid £4 for what is approximately 4-5 metres in total for the two fabrics! My ivory knit pre-washed like a dream and I have more than enough for another garment…or two. Gotta love a bargain!
Using the Pinterest image for my start point, I sketched out my design and decided to just use the same Burda top (08/2017 112 A) that I used in my cropped sweater post, as my basic pattern to adapt. Basically, any fairly relaxed fit tee shirt pattern with loose sleeves would be suitable
I didn’t have much in the way of extra drafting to do. I just lowered the neckline a bit and then created the pattern piece for triangular side sections that extend to the ties. See the next photo for the shape that I did. I kept the grainline from the fronts and transferred it to the pattern piece for my ties so consequently part of them runs diagonally across it because they extend at an angle. I also took in some general width at the bottom from the original Burda pattern that I used.
I decided to make quite a deep hem at the back so that it could withstand a stretch when I pulled the ties tight as I tied them up. I also made both of the ties in double thickness fabric.
Tie Front Ivory Knit Top … Order of sewing:
So this is the order in which I made up the top (it’s a fairly easy make)
- Hem the centre gap between the ties on the front body piece.
- Sandwich the angled sides of the front top between the two tie layers and stitch all along the angled seam and around each tie, leaving the side seam of the tie open.
- Turn the tie through to the right side then repeat on the other side with the second tie.
- Make a deep hem along the back top piece.
- Stitch one shoulder seam.
- Bind the neckline.
- Stitch the second shoulder seam right through the neck binding.
- Sew in both sleeves.
- Stitch the side seams and underarm seams in one pass.
- Hem the sleeves
I used a fine jersey needle to sew with and used a slight zig-zag with my walking foot attachment. Then I overlocked each seam after stitching.
For reference: My neck to waist measurement is 16.5″ and my top measures 20.75 in length at the centre back (it dips down a bit at the back hem) and from the shoulder to side hem the measurement is 18.5″.
And that’s it…quite a straightforward make really and would work well in most light to medium weight knits.
Here are a couple of more detailed pictures for you. As you can see, I added two tucks at the front. This is because I just felt like the gap between the ties was a little wide once I had finished and tried it on for a while. It was almost as though the front folded like that anyway, so I stitched them down and I like how it looks.
I still want to play around with styling this top, but with the shorter length, I think it will work well with full-length wide trousers and also flared skirts…jeans too. I have a pleated coral skirt that should make a nice pairing and I reckon my striped tube skirt will look good as well. It’s a nice alternative to a basic tee shirt.
Thanks for reading…see you soon!
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This looks so classy and versatile! Well done!! The “I’m a Ninja” comment made me smile! I’m the opposite when I see a pile of fabrics like that. My brain just goes “how well I ever find the hidden gems amongst all that stuff” and I give up and head to more orderly stall. I definitely need to get better and taking fabric searching risks, I’m sure there are many gems I’m missing!!
Author
Thanks, Beck! Hehe, I’m not normally so Ninja-like but I surprised myself that day…I was very focused!
Great top, I’m going to be copying it! Also love the trousers that colour is gorgeous, Fabric godmother had some similar coloured denim I was thinking of.
Author
Ooh, Mags, I can see you in this style of top. I’ll keep a look out on your blog to see if it pops up 🙂 Thanks for the trouser love too. The FG fabric sounds lovely!
I think you look stunning and beautiful in the picture from the StitshRoom Sewcial! Plus the relaxed chic feel of the knotted front is just perfect.
PS I nominated you for The Mystery Blogger Award – https://saturdaynightstitch.com/2018/07/13/the-mystery-bloogger-award/comment-page-1/#comment-9108
Author
Aww, bless you Hila. I love your positivity xxx I saw you had nominated me for the Mystery Blogger Award when I read your fun post earlier. Thank you! Watch this space 😉
That is lovely! What a great alteration to this pattern. It looks super classy and high end 🙂 And you look lovely as well!
Author
You’re very kind, thanks Mel! I’m so pleased you like my top.
You are such an inspiration for every one! Love your top! ♥ I have nominated you to The Mystery Blogger award, http://www.ellensewing.com/2018/07/the-mystery-blogger-award_14.html
Author
Oh, bless you. Thanks so much Ellen! And now I have two nominations…I will post today and combine both just for fun. Thank you xxx
Love your top. I will also make one. Thanks for the inspiration
Author
Thank you, Liselotte! I hope you like yours as much as I like mine
Lovely photos Diane, especially the one on the stool. This top is really lovely. You make the changes look so simple, so I might give it a go when summer comes. I need to get to Birmingham when the rag market is open. It was closed when I was there last year.
Author
Thanks Sue. I think this style of top would really suit you. Ooh, it would be lovely if you visited the UK again Sue. I would love to fabric shop with you x
I love your pretty new top! It’s sensational!
Author
Thank you so much Carolyn!
This top looks so nice and versatile, love it!
And by the way, I nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award given you’re one of those bloggers I follow constantly 🙂 http://mhayek.blogspot.com/2018/07/mystery-blogger-award.html (I know you’ve done it already, so no pressure, just wanted to say I really like your blog 🙂 )
Author
Thanks so much Maria! And bless you for nominating me. I’m going to edit my Mystery Blogger post and link to your blog. Thanks so much for the support xx
Love your top! It’s so hard to find the perfect ivory, in the perfect blend, in the perfect drape to make a tie top like this…. and your Ninja Superpowers paid off well!! Perfect!! 🙂
Author
Hehe, Ninja Superpowers for the win! Thanks so much Lisa xx