During the 40 years I designed for McCall’s I rarely sewed a pattern more than once because there was always a new design to sew. But this wrap front knit tops pattern was the exception. I made both views several times.
I first wrote about this pattern in a 2020 blog, TOPS, TOPS, TOPS. The pattern is discontinued, but if you have it, or can find it online, you’ll love it. For tips on how to sew it, click on the blog link above and scroll down through the blog to WRAP FRONT KNIT TOP.
BLACK WRAP KNIT TOP IN RAYON/SPANDEX JERSEY
The black fabric here is a rayon/spandex jersey.
In these photos, I am wearing it with Butterick trouser pattern B6878. The top as drafted is very long. To shorten I pulled it up below the waist, shirring it around my upper hip.
Now you can see the trouser pleats and pocket. Of course one could shorten the tissue when tissue-fitting to the desired length.
See the B6878 pleated trouser blog, FIT AND SEW TROUSERS WITH PALMER/PLETSCH BUTTERICK PATTERN B6878, for sewing tips.
This is my favorite top to wear under blazers.
I wrote about this blazer pattern Butterick B6862 in a February 2022 blog PATI SEWS HER NEW BLAZER BUTTERICK B6862
The sleeve has been shirred using 1/8” elastic.
KNIT TOP MADE IN A HEAVIER RAYON/SPANDEX JERSEY
I made the top again from a slightly heavier rayon/spandex jersey.
This time I shortened the top about 6” to show the trouser pleat and pocket details even better.
For tips on cutting and matching plaids and sewing peaked lapels, you can read the blog PATI SEWS HER NEW BLAZER BUTTERICK B6862
SAME TOP, DIFFERENT JACKET
The top also works with the jacket I sewed from my daughter Melissa Watson’s unisex jacket pattern McCall’s Palmer/Pletsch M7817.
I wrote a blog about this jacket, too—THE CLASSIC (OR BOYFRIEND) BLAZER. In this blog I focused on tailoring with fusible interfacings, lining, inside lining piping, and inside pocket. I simplified the lower welt pockets by changing to in-seam pockets, but left the flap as is.
You can see some of the jacket details in the photo below.
You can also see another example of the shirring in the claret top.
Don’t we all just love to sew and customize the fit to create the looks we like?!?
Now that I’m with Butterick and they are bringing back some “vintage” Palmer/Pletsch patterns, should they bring back this pattern??
RESOURCES FOR FITTING AND SEWING KNIT FABRICS AND JACKETS
WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
Palmer/Pletsch workshops are offered in four locations around the U.S. and now online on Zoom. Below are the 2024 dates for workshops on knits and tailoring a jacket.
Also, Palmer/Pletsch teachers offer hands-on classes and workshops. We have Certified Palmer/Pletsch Instructors around the country and beyond. Use the map at this link to Find a teacher near you!
BOOKS
Do you want fashionable, comfortable knit clothes? Sewing fashion knits is hot and it’s all new for the 21st century! Sue Neall, Pati Palmer, and Palmer/Pletsch instructors worldwide provide fitting and sewing how-tos for today’s modern knits, with hundreds of real people photos for illustration.
This is also available as a FLIPBOOK.
Use this book and ALL of your sewing will improve. For a minimal investment and a little time, you can have a designer jacket. Using the latest interfacings sew it Armani-style and achieve a custom fit no matter what your figure.
This is also available as a FLIPBOOK.
All classics that you can sew year after year.
I need to expand a curved waistband on a pattern. There are tutorials on straight waistbands, but I cannot find one for a contoured waistbands!
Peggy,
I sent you an email suggestion. https://palmerpletsch.blog/2023/03/ In March of 2023 I did this blog on fitting a contour band. Highlight the link and past it into your browser to find it. Or go to the top and search for March 2023 blog.
Pati Palmer
Yes, Butterick should bring back the knit top pattern. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
I agree bring back the knit top pattern,
Yes, Please bring it back.