Gluesticks Blog

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • DIY
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • DIY
    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Sewing Projects

    Altered Casual Lady Knit Top

    March 17, 2014 By Brandy 13 Comments

    two knit shirts

    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.

    black and white striped knit shirt

     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.

    woman wearing knit shirt

    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!

    stack of knit fabrics

    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.

    Share
    Pin

    More Sewing Tutorials

    • 30 felt tutorials
      30 Felt Craft Tutorials (Toys, Gifts and More!)
    • collage of cheap and easy halloween crafts
      16 Cheap and Easy Halloween Crafts to Make
    • Kids Lacing Craft {Printable Template}
    • Teddy Bear Rice Pack Tutorial (Free Template)

    About Brandy

    Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

    Comments

    1. Alyson Ray says

      June 11, 2014 at 4:01 am

      Love 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!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        June 12, 2014 at 9:35 pm

        Hi 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!

        Reply
    2. barbara corbitt says

      March 23, 2014 at 12:11 pm

      joined [email protected]

      Reply
    3. Pam S says

      March 23, 2014 at 9:23 am

      I love the top your made! Thanks for the giveaway!

      Reply
    4. linynpNancy W says

      March 18, 2014 at 3:29 am

      Oh 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!!!

      Reply
    5. lyndle says

      March 17, 2014 at 12:39 pm

      That's a really cute top! And a lovely giveaway too.

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        March 17, 2014 at 9:23 pm

        Thank you! Good luck on the giveaway too!

        Reply
    6. Brittney McOmber says

      March 17, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      I don't know how you do it! Downeast has nothin' on you!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        March 17, 2014 at 9:23 pm

        Awww, thanks Brittney 🙂

        Reply
      • Marlene Keeley says

        March 17, 2014 at 9:29 pm

        This 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 🙂

        Reply
    7. Rosie says

      March 17, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      Joined! Really nice work on the tops - and so cute!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        March 17, 2014 at 9:24 pm

        Thanks Rosie! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Jody Mastro says

      March 17, 2014 at 10:46 am

      I would make matching peasant tops for my daughter and into stay cool in the summer with the feather fabric.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Welcome!

    I'm Brandy! I love to create and share my ideas through easy-to-follow recipes and tutorials.

    More about me

    As an Amazon Associate, I make a small commission on qualifying purchases.

    sew with me kids sewing book
    My Book

    Latest Posts

    • tray of baked cookies on parchment paper
      Martha-Stewart-Fired-Me Cookies
    • frosted and unfrosted sugar cookies
      Old Fashioned Buttermilk Sugar Cookies
    • jar of ranch dressing
      Homemade Ranch Dressing (Better Than Store-Bought!)
    • platter of onion rings
      Crispy Buttermilk Onion Rings

    Seasonal

    • M&M Cookies piled on top of each other
      Soft M&M Cookies (Soft and Thick) + Video
    • red, white and blue shortbread cookies
      Patriotic Shortbread Cookies (Video)
    • star shaped cookie with frosting and fruit
      Red White & Blue Mini Fruit Pizzas (Video)
    • Simple and Inexpensive Patriotic Wreath Tutorial

    Footer

    ↑ Back to Top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Gluesticks Blog