Sewing Pattern
Brigitte Casual Top
This simple design from Amanda Walker is sure to become your new comfy wardrobe staple. To create our top, with its delicate gathered sleeve and hem detail, you’ll need to master sewing with jersey using a stretch stitch, working with elastic, as well as finishing with bias binding.
Essentials
- Knit fabric 1.6m (147cm)
- Bias binding
- Elastic, 5mm
Sizes
- 8-24
Cutting Guide
- Front: cut one on the fold
- Back: cut one on the fold
- Sleeve: cut one pair
- 1.5cm seam allowance used throughout, unless otherwise stated.
1 Download and print the pattern, then follow the cutting guide. Neaten the edge of the front top. Fold and press along the line indicated on the pattern, then pin and hand-stitch this part in place with loose stitches which are invisible on the right side of the neckline. Stitch bias binding to the back neck edge.
2 Match the back and front shoulders. The neck edge of the back should be positioned to the dot indicated on the front folded edge. Pin and stitch the seams together. Neaten the seam allowances, then press towards the back of the top. Secure by handstitching the bound ends of the back neckline to keep the seam edge in place.
3 Position the sleeves into the open armholes of the top. Match the notch in the centre of the sleeves to the end of the shoulder seam lines. Stitch in place, then neaten the seam allowances. Match the side seams and sleeve edges together, right sides facing, pin and stitch the underarm sleeve seam and the side seams in one continuous line, then press open.
4 Position 10cm of elastic, 4cm up from the base of the side seam. Secure the end of the elastic to this point, then stretch and stitch in place; the elastic will gather the base of the seam. Repeat the process on the remaining side seam and the ends of the sleeves, using 4cm pieces of elastic.
5 Neaten around the base of the top and the sleeve cuffs. Use hemming web to secure the 2cm hem on the base of the top and cuffs. Adjust the sewing machine to a stretch stitch and sew around the hems, making the line of stitching sit just over the neatened edge of the hem.