Amber Top

Take your stretch knit skills that one step further with this gorgeous top pattern. The interesting focal point is created with a unique front cut-out that is gently twisted before being sewn together to create a twisted front – it’s a flattering option for all bust sizes. Designers Posner and Posner have accentuated the effect further by using a vibrant stripy fabric in a rich mustard shade. Why not join in the fun and do the same?

Essentials

Fabric, 1.8m (150cm)
Fusible interfacing, 25cm

Suggested fabrics

Light to medium-weight knit fabric with at least 10% stretch, such as jersey or stretch velvet.

Size

8-24

Cutting guide

Front: cut one on the fold
Front facing: cut two from fabric and two from fusible interfacing
Back: cut one on the fold
Back facing: cut one on the fold from fabric and one on the fold from fusible interfacing
Sleeve: cut two

1.5cm seam allowance used throughout, unless otherwise stated.

Download the pattern from sewmag.co.uk, then follow the cutting guide. Apply the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the front facing pieces. With right sides together, stitch the shortest seam at the centre of the V-shaped neckline, then trim and press the seam open. Neaten the outside edge.
With right sides together, pin and sew the entire front facing to the neck edge of the front, using a narrow 6mm seam. Understitch the facing along the neck edge seam. Turn the facing over to the wrong side of the front along the folded line, matching the notches, and tack to the shoulder edge to secure.
To make the centre twist, take the front, right sides facing, and flip the righthand side over twice. Pin the right sides together along the centrefront seam and stitch from the hem edge up, keeping as close as possible to the twist. Hand-sew the remaining gap, if necessary. Neaten the edges of the seam and press open.
Apply fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the back neck facing. With right sides together, pin the facing to the back neck edge and stitch. Trim the seam and neaten the edge of the facing.
Open out the front and back facings. With right sides together, pin the shoulder seam of the top and the shoulder seam of the facing in one continuous line, then stitch. Trim the seam and press open. Understitch along the back neck facing between the two shoulder seams.
Fold the facings to the wrong side of the top, making sure that the fronts taper down the V-shaped neckline, with inside measurements of 7.5cm at the shoulder and 2cm at the twist. Tack the facings and the top together at the shoulder seam to hold while you attach the sleeves. Matching the notches, right sides together, pin and stitch the sleeves to the top to secure the facings. Trim the seams, neaten the edges and press.
With right sides together, pin along one sleeve seam and side seam, then stitch in one continuous line. Neaten the edges and press. Repeat on the other side. Neaten the hem edges of the sleeves and the top, turn under to the required length and stitch in place.