Fourth top done

Aqua knit top using Butterick 4737 - I changed the sleeve to a dolman sleeve - see how I did it here.



I used a home made trim again, this time by embellishing a piece of sheer organza ribbon.





I bound the neckline....



And used a triple stitch for the hem, as I was getting a bit tired of my twin needle topstitching.



Copy of my PR review

Butterick 4737

Tip: "Home made" trim

Tip: Drafting a dolman sleeve for a knit top

Tip: Sew a non-stretch trim to a knit top

Tip: Wrong and right side of staytape

Pattern Description:
Close-fitting, pullover top has neckline and sleeve variations, purchased ribbon bows and trim. I made view C, but changed the way trim is applied and drafted a dolman sleeve.

Pattern Sizing:
6-20. I made a 6.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It did, with the modifications mentioned above.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked the wrap bust part and the underbust seam. it gives the top an Empire waist touch, plus the bust part is very flattering for my B cup.

Fabric Used:
Aqua cotton/lycra.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I took in the side seams for about 1 cm, I think the pattern is for moderate stretch knits and my fabric was quite stretchy. I changed the sleeve into a dolman sleeve (see my tip with photos on how I did that, if you would like details). I sewed staytape in the shoulder seam (which was longer after "merging" the sleeve and the bodice.

I bound the neckline instead of sewing trim. I cut away the neckline seam allowance for that. I first staystitched the front necklines and I crowded the back neckline (it was a bit large so I wanted to draw it in). I then sewed a piece of knit, about 3 cm wide, cut on grain to the neckline, stretching very gently, just a tiny bit to cup the neckline. Pressed the seam allowance, turned the knit tape under and sewed in the ditch using my stretch stitch (zigzag 1 mm wide 2.5 cm long). Pressed again and trimmed the tape. It is a non-bulky very clean way to bind your knits.

I used a piece of sheer organza ribbon, embellished with a decorative stitch and sewn on the underbust seamline. See my tips on making your own trim and sewing non-stretch ribbon to stretch fabric, if you're interested.

I was getting bored of my twin needle topstitching, therefore I decided to topstitch the hems (sleeves and bodice) using a triplestitch (it's a stretch stitch so it's ok) and I'm quite pleased with the result.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will definitely sew it again, I think it's my third top using this pattern and everytime I found something to change or to embellish. I like this type of versatile pattern, that you can embellish, morph and so on.