Sewing Pattern - Kwik Sew 3338 - Misses T-Shirt Top

Sewing Friends:

Here is another classic sewing pattern to add to your basic wardrobe.  Everyone loves t-shirt tops.  They can be casual or dressy and worn anywhere, anytime. 

All t-shirt sewing patterns are not created equal.  Some are much better designed than others.  I am not talking about fitting at this point, just simply pattern design.  However, with a good design, the fit is much improved before you even get into your specific fitting problems.

Be sure to read my post, “How To Sew A T-Shirt Top“.

A good t-shirt pattern I recommend is Kwik Sew 3338. It is a multi-sized pattern with sizes XS to XL. It is a close fitting pullover top suitable for knits and has a lot of possibilities. The 1/4 inch seam allowances make it quick and easy to sew or serge. The instructions are easy to follow.

The pattern shows a round neckline with a neckband and a scoop neckline with narrow binding. It offers both full length and short sleeves. This pattern already has some of the most recommended features to make a designer quality t-shirt.

The back armhole is longer than the front. The front bodice is longer than the back to accommodate the bust. The side seam is slightly shaped.  These are all good design features that you want to have in your tee shirt.

I also like the higher closer fitting armhole especially since I often wear these tops under another garment.

Changes I made:

• I added 1/4 inch of ease to the back shoulder as the pattern front and back shoulder seams are equal.  More ease in the back shoulder is good for the outward shoulder curve.
• Of course, I also did my forward shoulder alteration, but that is necessary for me. It is not a pattern problem.
• I made my sleeves three quarter length since that is the length I prefer.
• I used Lite Steam-A-Seam to help keep the hems from rippling when I twin needle topstitched them.
• The top has a straight bottom, but a curve is easy to add for a more flattering line.  This feature is often found in designer tees.  Add 1 inch at center front only.  Curve this line back to the original side seams.

Note:  If you have more than a B cup bust, you should add more length to the front in the bust area to accommodate that fullness.  If you need a good bit of extra for your bust, add a bust dart.

Once you get your fit in this top, have some fun with it. Change the neckline to be whatever you want it to be. How about a V or a square?  Add some slits, or scallops. Use some really nice knit fabric. Slit it down the front, bind the edges and wear it as a jacket. There is so much you can do with this pattern.  Copy ready-to-wear.  Incorporate some of your creative, artistic touches to make this t-shirt top designer quality. You will love it!

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

PS:  Let me know how you like this tee shirt pattern.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, September 6th, 2007 at 2:47 pm and is filed under Sewing Patterns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.