Summery Mix-and-Match Knitwear

PetiteStitchery.com

Skill Level:

A moderate project, the pattern is for those comfortable sewing knits.

Size Range and Fitting:

This pattern comes in 10 sizes, XS to 4X for busts 31-1/2 inches to 56-3/4 inches, waists 25 inches to 51 inches and hips 34-1/2 to 61-1/4 inches. The design is also available as a pattern for children. The dress bodice and bodysuit are designed with negative ease. For example, the XS waistband measures 23-1/2 inches to fit a 25-inch to 27-inch waist. The ease in the bust area is difficult to estimate since there is open space under the arm area. Our tester advises making a muslin to test the snug fit.

Fabrics:

This pattern is designed for knits with at least a 50 percent four-way stretch. The circle skirt also offers the option to use a woven fabric, if the circular waist opening has enough bias give to fit over your hips. Another option for the skirt is to use a sheer fabric, with the bodysuit or lining beneath. For the dress, our tester suggests using a lightweight knit and, for the bodysuit, a mid-weight knit.

Style and Sewing Details:

This pattern offers numerous design options. There is a dress, bodysuit, tops, shorties, and circle skirt. The bodice combined with the shorts form the bodysuit. The circle skirt is voluminous. The maxi length requires 6 yards of 60-inch-wide fabric, and a large surface to cut it out.

• The skirt has side-seam pockets and can be cut to three lengths: mini (17-3/8 inches), knee (22-3/8 inches) and maxi (40-1/4 inches). The shorties are pantylike bottoms finished
  with 1-inch-wide leg bands.
• The neckline on the self-lined bodice is round in front, with a mid or low scoop in back. The bodice sides are either low or wrapped, overlapping 6-1/2 inches. The bodice can be completed with an optional flutter sleeve. The waistband, which has a center-back seam, forms the casing for 2-inch-wide elastic. Clear elastic is used to stabilize the neckline and armholes.
• For clarity when cutting, print just the needed size or sizes.
• The pattern did not state how much clear elastic or waist elastic to purchase.
• There are few markings or notches on the pattern; the notches that are present all match. The match points are important, especially on the bodice sides, where the elastic is stretched to hold the bodice against the body. Our tester recommends marking the centers on the bodice front and back, the waistband, the skirt, and on the shorts to aid in alignment.

This review was originally published in Threads #222, Summer 2023. Have you made this pattern? If so, be sure to share pictures in our Readers Closet gallery.

Photos: Jack Deutsch. Illustrations: Kelly Keenan.