For years I was intimidated by sewing with knit, but that was just because I didn’t know the tips and tricks with working with knits and I didn’t have a good pattern to follow. That isn’t the case anymore! Everyone needs a basic knit top. What’s even better than the perfect knit top is the perfect knit top PATTERN. I can make whatever color or pattern I want! I purchased the Casual Lady Pattern last year and have made a few for myself and some for friends.
Last week I altered the pattern to create a tunic length top. To do this I added 6″ to the length. 3″ on the bottom and 3″ in the torso area. I also added a tie to the striped one for a bit more shape. To make the tie, I cut a strip of scrap fabric long enough to tie around my torso and tie in a bow. Then I sewed up the side to make a tube. I turned it right side out, folded in the ends and top stitched the entire tie.
I love how it turned out! It could easily be used for a maternity top with a few adjustments to the width. This pattern works well with medium weight knits like the ponte de roma collection from Girl Charlee. My favorites are the striped knits that they sell. And for an average price of $6/yard, I can make a top for myself in under an hour and for less than I could have purchased it for! My 8 year old was my little photographer here and neither one of us noticed that the lens was foggy on my camera until I was editing the pictures. Oops!
I purchased this stack of fabrics from Girl Charlee in the fall and have one yard left. The black and white print on the very bottom that is going to be a pencil skirt in the near future.
You can see some of the other fun projects I’ve made using their knits here. From baby blankets to skirts and tops, there are so many fun uses for knit. It has quickly become one of my favorite fabrics to work with.
Jody Mastro says
March 17, 2014 at 10:46 amI would make matching peasant tops for my daughter and into stay cool in the summer with the feather fabric.
Rosie says
March 17, 2014 at 12:28 pmJoined! Really nice work on the tops – and so cute!
Brandy says
March 17, 2014 at 9:24 pmThanks Rosie! 🙂
Brittney McOmber says
March 17, 2014 at 12:29 pmI don’t know how you do it! Downeast has nothin’ on you!
Brandy says
March 17, 2014 at 9:23 pmAwww, thanks Brittney 🙂
Marlene Keeley says
March 17, 2014 at 9:29 pmThis brings back the most awesome memories–I used to make shirts like this for my little girls–I called them “12 minute shirts”, because for me, they were! I stopped sewing a few years ago– but now I have 6 cute little granddaughters, and I wanna do it again! thanks for the reminder 🙂
lyndle says
March 17, 2014 at 12:39 pmThat’s a really cute top! And a lovely giveaway too.
Brandy says
March 17, 2014 at 9:23 pmThank you! Good luck on the giveaway too!
linynpNancy W says
March 18, 2014 at 3:29 amOh love the alterations to the pattern- nice job. Oh I’d make the pattern anthropology series for women that’s going around plus lady skater!!!
Pam S says
March 23, 2014 at 9:23 amI love the top your made! Thanks for the giveaway!
barbara corbitt says
March 23, 2014 at 12:11 pmjoined [email protected]
Alyson Ray says
June 11, 2014 at 4:01 amLove this pattern. I have made it once and plan on more! Do you always make using facing piece? Or do sometimes just turn under neck and armhole and hem? Thanks!
Brandy says
June 12, 2014 at 9:35 pmHi Alyson! I always make the facing piece. I’m afraid it won’t lay flat if I just roll it under and hem it since I still feel like I’m a novice at working with knits!