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Simplicity 3786 (Misses Tops) Review
Review has 1 Helpful 5 Very Helpful ratings
Posted 2025-01-18 15:10:54. 158 Views.
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| itssewover
|
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| FL United States | |
| Member since 1/20/16 | |
| 50 Reviews (patterns: 50) | |
| Skill: Intermediate | |
| Favored by 14 people | |
Pattern Description:
"Misses' tops with front and sleeve variations." I made view D with a hacked view A sleeve.
Pattern Sizing:
6-22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except for my design changes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Mostly. There was one place where seam finishing instruction would have been helpful (see photo, step 3). They tell you to finish the CF slit by pressing under the raw edges and topstitching from the neckline down to the bottom of the slit, but don't say what to do with the rest of the seam below that. I just continued the turn-and-topstitch all the way to the hem, but if I had wanted to do something different I wouldn't know how to make the transition.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern is one of my TNTs, I've made the surplice views at least 12 times with various hacks. But this is my first time with the pintucks view, and I like it as well. I also like the princess seams which make fitting over my front-loaded mid-section easier. No dislikes in this view D-F, see my other review for dislikes in views A-C.
Fabric Used:
Rayon/linen gauze
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1. Reduced the height of the collar from 1.25" to 7/8". This was just for my comfort as I don't like collars against my neck. However, doing this made it very difficult to push the raw edges up inside the collar where it met the center front, even though I trimmed them way down (and then had to use Fray Stop on them). It's a bit lumpy at that spot but looks OK, so I'm satisfied.
2. Added pintucks to the back, partly for wearing ease and partly for style. That was a lot of thread tails to be buried!
3. Changed the hem to a shirttail shape.
4. Hacked the sleeves to make cuffs as follows: slightly narrowed the sleeve so that the seamline is vertical instead of flared; made a 4.5" hem; turned up a 3" cuff; tacked it in place because this fabric is too floppy to stay folded up by itself.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will continue to hack it for more design variations.
Conclusion:
My all-time favorite tunic pattern with lots of possibilities for different looks.
"Misses' tops with front and sleeve variations." I made view D with a hacked view A sleeve.
Pattern Sizing:
6-22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, except for my design changes.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Mostly. There was one place where seam finishing instruction would have been helpful (see photo, step 3). They tell you to finish the CF slit by pressing under the raw edges and topstitching from the neckline down to the bottom of the slit, but don't say what to do with the rest of the seam below that. I just continued the turn-and-topstitch all the way to the hem, but if I had wanted to do something different I wouldn't know how to make the transition.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern is one of my TNTs, I've made the surplice views at least 12 times with various hacks. But this is my first time with the pintucks view, and I like it as well. I also like the princess seams which make fitting over my front-loaded mid-section easier. No dislikes in this view D-F, see my other review for dislikes in views A-C.
Fabric Used:
Rayon/linen gauze
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1. Reduced the height of the collar from 1.25" to 7/8". This was just for my comfort as I don't like collars against my neck. However, doing this made it very difficult to push the raw edges up inside the collar where it met the center front, even though I trimmed them way down (and then had to use Fray Stop on them). It's a bit lumpy at that spot but looks OK, so I'm satisfied.
2. Added pintucks to the back, partly for wearing ease and partly for style. That was a lot of thread tails to be buried!
3. Changed the hem to a shirttail shape.
4. Hacked the sleeves to make cuffs as follows: slightly narrowed the sleeve so that the seamline is vertical instead of flared; made a 4.5" hem; turned up a 3" cuff; tacked it in place because this fabric is too floppy to stay folded up by itself.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I will continue to hack it for more design variations.
Conclusion:
My all-time favorite tunic pattern with lots of possibilities for different looks.
Other Projects by itssewover using this Pattern
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7 Comments
Dee2 said...(1/19/25 3:40 PM ET)
Beautiful top. Love the addition of pintucks at the back. And the changes you made with the sleeves.
  Nannerl said...(1/19/25 11:47 AM ET)
Lovely top, lovely fabric choice! The pintucks are a great detail & you did a nice job with them.
  landstromd said...(1/19/25 9:54 AM ET)
I love the version of the belt loops (?) along the neck line. Super interesting and clever! Any chance you could give a bit of instruction for adding these as I would really like to add them. I have this pattern and now can't wait to get into it! Thanks ( I really liked the "front-loaded" mid-section description. I have one too and so I will be stealing this from you!!
  itssewover replied...(1/20/25 8:05 AM ET)
I believe you're referring to my other review of this same pattern (the dark green top). IIRC, I found a tutorial for the "belt loops" somewhere -- they are long, straight belt loop that is folded in the middle diagonally to make the point, then diagonally again so the ends are lying parallel, touching each other. Then you stitch them together -- slipstitch by hand or zigzag topstitch -- leaving an opening at the pointed end of whatever length you need for your button. Or something like that -- I remember having to fiddle with them.
Patternhoarder said...(1/19/25 9:09 AM ET)
Cute! You made me look up the word surplice as I couldn't figure out the other view you made. So the crossed fabric view? I'd like to try that one too. I am always tempted to pin tuck the fabric before I cut it out. Not for this pattern but for one without pin tucks. Hmm just thinking aloud.
  itssewover replied...(1/20/25 7:57 AM ET)
Yes, surplice is like a fake wrap. When I make pintucks, I do cut out the piece first but I don't mark it using the pattern's dots. Instead, I use a ruler and a disappearing ink pen and just draw the lines on the fabric which I have pinned to my cutting board so it can't move. For me this is easier and more accurate.
Aixoise said...(1/18/25 10:02 PM ET)
This is a really nice-looking top. It fits well and appears to be really comfortable. I can see why you like this pattern!
 
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