Stitch a stylish tunic

1 Download and print the pattern (above). Using the cutting guide as a reference, cut out the indicated pieces. Match the shoulder seams of the front bodice and back tunic pieces together, pin, then stitch together with right sides facing.

2 Sew the two ends of the neckband together with right sides facing to make a circle, then turn the band to the right side, fold in half lengthways and press flat. Stitch the neckband to the front and back neckline, starting by matching the join in the neckband to the centre back neckline. As the neckband is slightly smaller than the neckline, it will need stretching slightly to fit.

3 Fold, pin and stitch across the pleats at the top of the front skirt, as indicated on the pattern pieces. With right sides facing, match and pin the top pleated edge of the skirt to the base of the front bodice and stitch together.

4 Lay the back and front pieces together with right sides facing, match and pin the side seams together, then stitch in place. Sew a row of gathering stitch around the head of the sleeve, starting from the front notch and finishing at the back notches. Match, pin and stitch the underarm sleeve seams together with right sides facing, then turn the sleeves to the right side. Pull the gathering threads up slightly, then place the sleeve into the armhole of the top.

5 Match the side seams and the underarm of the sleeves together, aligning the notch in the centre of the sleeve to the end of the shoulder seam, adjusting the gathers to fit the armhole of the top. Pin and stitch in place, then pull out the gathering stitches.

6 Overlock around the base of the tunic and ends of the sleeves, then fold and press up 2cm on the sleeves and hem. Using fusible webbing, adhere the hems in place. Alternatively, sew by hand with a loose herringbone stitch or by machine using a zigzag stitch.