Slinky Top

LorePiar.com

Skill level

The sewing is easy to moderate, as some knit fabrics are more difficult to handle than others.

Size range and fitting

Sized US 00 to 26 and EU 30 to 58 for busts 30 inches to 63 inches, waists 23 inches to 58 inches and hips 32 inches to 75 inches. It is form-fitting with negative ease.

Fabrics

For medium-weight knit fabrics with a 50 percent stretch factor. Choose rib, viscose/rayon, modal jersey, bamboo, and sweater knits; spandex blends are ideal. For fabrics with less stretch, size up
for comfort. Keep in mind some stretch fabrics shrink when washed, so buy accordingly.

Style and sewing details

This tight-fitting top has an asymmetrical neckline with an inset crossover collar band ruched at one end, pleats at the front waistline side seams and a center-back seam. The long-sleeve version has set-in sleeves, while the sleeveless version has slightly extended shoulders. This is an excellent upgrade from a basic turtleneck and pairs well with the season’s full-cut trousers, and is well suited to layering.

• The collar assembly is tricky. Our tester suggests basting the collar before sewing with a stretch stitch, just to be sure you attach it correctly and without snags.
• This is a well-designed pattern. Making the sleeveless version does not simply mean omitting the sleeves. The design includes separate front and back pattern pieces for each version.
• The sewing instructions are well written. You will find a comprehensive section on how to make the pattern adjustments. Each construction aspect is thoroughly covered, including detailed collar instructions. There is a section on how to make the top into a dress.
• All notches line up beautifully, finished garment measurements are accurate and are the same as listed on the pattern chart.
• There are many intersecting lines, so mark the cutting lines carefully ahead of time.
• Take care when cutting the front and collar, as these are full pattern pieces. Be sure to place them face up on the fabric’s right side, otherwise the garment will be reversed.
• On stretchy fabrics use a microtex needle to avoid skipped stitches.