This was my second time using this pattern. For my first attempt, I hacked this ?pre-teen PE kit style top into a rib-knit polo dress. I really loved using rib-knit for this pattern, so I went on the hunt for another ribbed fabric that would suit it.
I found this stripy red and white ribbing in Hillsbrough Fine Fabrics and thought it could look suitably sporty. I used a little for my vest top / bodysuit hack at the end of last year and found it really easy to work with, so was excited to combine it with this pattern.
I think the pattern is desinged for that kind of waffley/basic polo top fabric, and designed to fit a bit loose, so I made a few alterations to the pattern to make it more fitted. I took 2cm out of the front piece and back piece by slicing the patten in a straight line from shoulder to hem, this took out 8cm in total but kept the integrity of the neckline at the front and back. All I had to do was smooth off the line from neck to shoulder.
Using the fabric stripes meant that I could ensure my pieces were symmetrical and also that the side seams would line up and match perfectly 😊
The hardest part of the top is that polo neck opening, it's pretty much the first step in the pattern, I like that we're thrown straight in there! That said, if you have marked your pieces well and you follow the instructions, the construction does make sense and the end result is very satisfying. Would not suggest winging it without transferring the pattern markings as I found these super essential.
Constuction from there on is as you would expect, shoulders, side seams, collar, sleeves, hem. I used a zig zag stitch on all of the seams to allow for stretch. I found the sleeve caps a little too large for the arm holes, even with substantial easing-in. If I use a similar fabric again next time I could get away with taking a little out of the sleeve width for easier easing and a slightly closer fit. I increased the under sleeve-seam seam allowance to 1.5cm, and I hemmed them flat before inserting them to the top.
This sportly lil top was a quick and satifying make, which is what I needed! Would love to make more on other coloured rib, (yellow and black anyone?), maybe play around with the length / add a bottom band for a different look.
x
Location: Arley Street, Sheffield
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