Jersey Sewing Project

Here's my latest dressmaking project.  Its hard to tell from Rachel's modelling but this is a tunic length top for wearing with skinny jeans, etc. It's made up in a stretch jersey which I approached with some trepidation!

I have so far managed to avoid jersey dressmaking projects as this stuff is slippery, stretchy and my sewing books make it seem a bit of a complicated undertaking. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience as it was a lot easier than I thought.

The fabric is a two way stretch jersey from a sale in my local fabric shop. I used Butterick pattern no B5484 and it required minimal pattern adjustment to achieve a good fit.

I really like the empire line shape and the flattering way the jersey drapes at the neckline. The pattern also includes options for a top and dress versions which may be following soon. The only negative comment I would have is that the pattern seems to ignore the fact that if you are making a tunic (as opposed to a dress) it needs to be larger at the hips to allow for draping over jeans etc - so I did have to add a little extra here ( maybe it's just the generous size of my behind!). I also used a fabric tube to gather the front instead of the round buckle listed in the pattern as I couldn't find one suitable.

Sewing-wise it made up just fine using one of the overlock stitches on my Pfaff machine, which seems to glide effortlessly through whatever I challenge it with. A good piece of German engineering.

Maybe it's the dress version next?