TOP WITH GROW-ON SLEEVE SIZE 18 - A4 PDF

This pattern is to make a great beginner short-sleeved top, with a crew neck style, great for those wanting a sleeve, but not quite experienced with sleeves yet. And while this pattern is for non-stretch fabric, it's actually ok to use in stretch fabric as well. Hoever, linen is the best for this pattern, as it's heavier than cotton, and will hang on the body better (cotton may 'balloon' too much).

It has no darts or opening notions (buttons, zippers etc) so you can concentrate on a few seams & hems to finish a garment, which is easy to wear. Once mastered, then you can attempt more challenging garments.

Skills you will use:

• TEAR-AWAY STAY STITCHING
• SEAMS X 4 (plus 2 on the neck facing)
• HEMS X 3
• NECKLINE FACING & TOPSTITCH

It will help you to use 'notches' (5mm cuts into the pattern piece) that line up with other notches (on the corresponding pattern piece). It gives you a great start to see how important it is for pattern pieces to match up at these notches, as fabric immediately starts to spread apart and stretch once it is cut.

This pattern is also great for learning a neckline finish using a small 'facing'. This will help show you that you can't just 'fold-in' on a neckline (because the neck-circle will become too tight - doesn't look good). The facing is an identical copy of the neckline area, so it is easy to stitch together. (If you're an advanced sewer, you can also use bias-binding on the neckline and fold in to topstitch 6mm)

If you are looking for your next challenge, try the TOP - SHORT SLEEVED BASIC as it has separate sleeves (or set-in sleeves) which is a good intro to how sleeved clothing is traditionally made. (it's a bit harder, will take longer)

This garment has 1cm seam allowance included in the pattern, as well as 6mm neck seam allowance and 2cm hems, which fold inward 1cm then another 1cm. 

CUTTING: There is 4 pattern pieces, front, back, front neck facing and back neck facing. There is no notions (zippers, buttons etc) as the neck has been designed wide enough for the head to go through. There is also no darts on the front piece, as it will hang from the bust (it is not fitted on the tummy). Therefore, this is a comfortable top, and great for learning.

HOW MUCH FABRIC? It's best to get 1.5 metres (or just over 1 and 5/8 of a yard)

This is the A4 PDF version to print at home

Click HERE for the A0 PDF version to print at a commercial printer