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Kwik Sew Misses pullover tops 3915 pattern review by nancynrice

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nancynrice starstarstarstar
MO United States
Member since 3/6/16
132 Reviews (patterns: 116)
Skill: Intermediate
Favored by 259 people
See all patterns in this Category: Tops  
  • Tip: Underarm sleeve seam in knits
  • Pattern Description: Pullover knit top with an overlapping neckline treatment and long sleeves

    Pattern Sizing: Misses - XS-XL

    Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, considering the modifications I made

    Were the instructions easy to follow? Kwik-Sew always does a nice job with their directions.

    What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
    Transitioning out of the senior leadership role in a large local non-profit, I suddenly have more “off-duty” time and needed to expand my casual wardrobe. This super-cozy French terry from FabricMartFabrics.com was just begging to be an easy tunic top – but still with a bit of style.

    I’d made this pattern before in its original fitted shape. I thought it could work equally well as a straighter, longer tunic inspired by a Soft Surrounding ready-made one. I cut this one adding about ¼” of extra at the shoulder and continuing a straighter and slightly wider/longer shape along the side seams. I also cut the back panel about 2” longer than the front one for a staggered hemline finish.

    I re-shaped the collar piece a bit at the overlap edge – a trick I learned in my first garment from this pattern (link to that review below). I also eliminated the ruching at the collar overlap due to the slight bulk of the fabric, and added ruching at the center back to control the collar drape. And I repositioned the faux-button detail.

    I fused and hemmed the sleeve bottom edges before sewing the lengthwise seam. The tip describing that process is also in the prior review (I can't figure out how to attach it here - sorry)

    Similarly I fused/hemmed the front panel before joining the side seams with the edge of the back panel folded up to the wrong side and caught into that same seam. See close-up photo. A quick topstitch to the back hemline and in under an hour this cutie was ready to go.

    Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? This one doesn't make it onto my Basics list, but I might do it again at some point.

    Conclusion: I always want to have at least 3 ways to wear any new wardrobe addition. This tunic works easily over gray or brown pants, jeans or skirts. And I was surprised to realize that it's also a great match for the fern print skirt of a 2-piece dress I made for my Coastal Chic capsule last summer. To check out a quick mix/match video: Click Here

    See all patterns in this Category: Tops  

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    17 Comments
    Seamingly Simple said...(1/24/25 8:40 AM ET)   
    Beautiful top. The changes you made from the original pattern are perfect for this slightly heavier fabric. I hope your semi-retirement means more of your wonderful pattern review coming our way.
      
    SewLibra said...(1/24/25 3:07 AM ET)   
    Lovely top, love the color! It looks perfect with the fern print! I made this pattern once, a long time ago. Thanks for the reminder!
      
    tracy cre8s said...(1/23/25 5:01 PM ET)   
    Great look! Smart move to eliminate the shirring at the front and add some to the back neck.
      
    nitsel said...(1/23/25 3:28 PM ET)   
    Pretty top! Thank you for the sleeve hem tip, I'll have to use that method from now on.
      
    threaddy said...(1/23/25 10:41 AM ET)   
    Looks great! I really like the neckline. Thanks for giving your tips on construction.
      
    Naturecoast said...(1/23/25 10:06 AM ET)   
    I have made this top twice. I love your changes, and I will have to try them out.
      
    SewRosemary said...(1/23/25 7:19 AM ET)   
    Lovely top on you. I love the changes especially in the overlap collar at the front - so nicely done.
      
    mmcp said...(1/23/25 6:31 AM ET)   
    Congratulations on your decision to step back. This is a beautiful top and a gorgeous color. I'm doing the same shortly and wondering what I'm going to want to wear going forward- thank you for some inspiration.
      
    Nata said...(1/23/25 6:01 AM ET)   
    Very nice, cozy and stylish.
      
    QuiltSewSewSue said...(1/22/25 10:18 PM ET)   
    I am impressed at your ability to change patterns up like this. Looks good!
      
    Coastal Connie said...(1/22/25 9:45 PM ET)   
    Nice looking top. Under an hour? Impressive!!
      
    Nannerl said...(1/22/25 9:08 PM ET)   
    Love the changes you made, particularly at the neckline--looks like a completely different top! As usual, a great make!
      
    travel4fabric said...(1/22/25 8:28 PM ET)   
    The changes you made are perfect for you. Cute top
      
    SewWil said...(1/22/25 7:50 PM ET)   
    I've made this top in the past. I like the changes you made to your version very much.
      
    Cyanne said...(1/22/25 7:20 PM ET)   
    This looks so lovely and comfortable. I wouldn't ever have guessed that the pattern was more fitted, it works so well as a swingier tunic. I love this style, so the modification details are much appreciated!
      
    Christine K said...(1/22/25 5:46 PM ET)   
    Really nice top. I appreciate the detailed review. Great video, BTW.
      
    nancynrice replied...(1/24/25 8:13 AM ET)
    Thanks for the video comment. I'm working on doing a lot more YouTube work to share wardrobing tips.
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