Pattern Review – Sewaholic Renfrew Top

Pattern Description: From Sewaholic’s website, “The perfect basic tee! The Renfrew Top is a fitted knit top with sleeve and neckline variations. View A has long sleeves and a scoop neckline. View B has short sleeves and a deep V neckline. View C has a dramatic cowl neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. Mix and match any of the sleeves with any of the neckline options for unlimited possibilities!

This is the knit top pattern for people who dislike sewing with knits. Instead of standard machine-stitched hems, the sleeve and body hems are finished with bands. These banded hems are easy to sew and finish the edge in a professional-looking way.

Freshen up your wardrobe this season with a handful of colourful new knit tops!”

I made the V neck version, with the longest sleeves.

Sizing: 0-16. I made a 10.

Fabric Used: Cotton/Lycra Jersey in Plum from Gorgeous Fabrics. Alas, it’s sold out, sorry.

Needle/Notions Used: Stretch Needle 70/10, 1/4 inch cotton twill tape, thread.

Tips Used during Construction: Press That Bad Mamma Jamma.

Did it look like the photo or drawing when you got through? Yes

How were the instructions? They were quite good. This is a very easy top to assemble, and the pattern is beautifully drafted. So if you have much knowledge of construction, you don’t even really need the instructions. I did have one very minor construction difference, which you can see below.

Construction Notes: I would recommend one thing differently from the way Sewaholic recommends. When sewing the shoulder seams, the instructions tell you to “Sew front to back at shoulders. Sew twill tape to shoulder seams. Finish seam allowances…”

To get a more professional result, I insert 1/4 inch twill tape in the seam as I sew (or in this case, serge) the shoulder seam, encasing the tape in the seam allowance.

I made a slight FBA, but other than that, I didn’t do any fitting changes. Also, can I tell you? I lurve the banded hemline and cuffs. There is nothing that makes finishing a knit top easier than a banded hem.

Likes/Dislikes: This is a beautifully drafted pattern. It’s very easy to sew, and it goes together easily. It is loosely fitted, so if you want a tight fitting garment, you might want to baste the seams and try it on before you add the hemline band.

Also, the neckline on the V neck version is pretty low and wide. Since I tend to run hot these days, that isn’t a problem. In fact, I made this version specifically for that reason. But I will probably layer it over a camisole in the dead of winter.

Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? I plan to make it again. I want to make the cowl neck, and I’ll probably whip up a bunch in short sleeves for next summer. In the description it says that it’s for people who dislike sewing with knits. Well, I gotta tell you – it’s a great top for those of us who LOVE sewing with knits as well!

Conclusion: Love love love it! This will be a staple in my wardrobe. Here are the pictures

Front

Back

Neckline detail

This is a definite winner.
Happy sewing!