Wardrobe Staples: Basic Grey Faux Tweed Top

My best DIYs are the ones that end up being my favourite things to wear. The side-slit knit I made a few weeks back has become a go-to piece for me as the weather is steadily getting chillier. Basic faux-knit tops like this are also phenomenal for layering (which is essential for someone like me, whose many years in the Northern hemisphere have only served to confirm how much I resent winter). This edition is similar to the previous one, just slightly slimmer and with regular sleeves instead of dolman.

TOOLS:

Four- or at least two-way stretch fabric, I used a jersey mix with a knitted texture that doesn't fray, 1.5 m  |  Fabric marker  |  Scissors  |  Pins  |  Thread & Sewing machine 

I.  Fold the fabric in half, right sides facing, and trace the top. A width of approx. 55cm will give you a size M (European 38, US 8). Cut out with a 1 cm seam allowance, leaving you with two identical pieces. Adjust the other piece's neckline to be as deep as you'd like.

II.  Trace the sleeves. Start by taking the remaining fabric and folding to create the sleeve, and use the top piece you just cut out as a stencil to trace the seam as shown below.

III.  Measure the desired length of the sleeve and trace to complete. In my top, the curved seam at the base of the sleeve was about 22 cm. Cut out with a 1 cm allowance.

IV.  Use the sleeve you just cut out to trace the second sleeve (never said I wasn't lazy). You should now have a front and back piece for the top, and two identical sleeves cut out.

V.  Finish the necklines. Make a 1 cm-fold, iron if you like to make sewing easier, and do a straight stitch about 0.7 cm from the edge.

VI.  Place the front and back pieces against each other right sides facing, and pin the shoulder seams together. Sew a straight stitch 1 cm from the edge.

VII.  Pin the sleeve in its place, right side facing the right side of the top. Repeat for other sleeve and sew a stretch stitch 1 cm from the edge for both sleeves.

VIII.  You may want to try the cape-like top on at this point to confirm size. Mark the spot for the sleeve under seams and the side seams with a couple pins, take off, and pin the sides together all the way. Sew using a stretch stitch. If you want to leave a bit of a slit at the sides, make sure your last pin marks the spot you want the stitch to end.

IX.  Optional: you may want to round the corners of the hem slightly. The beauty of jersey is the ability to leave a raw edge that won't unravel.

Trim excess seam allowances and go brave the elements.

xo,

Julia