Shop the Alice Knit Top
CONSTRUCTION
All seams allowances are 1cm (⅜”) except for the neckline and neck band.
Pin the pre-cut elastic to the centre of Front (2) as shown on the pattern. You will need to stretch the elastic, and it will create a gathered effect. Sew using a top stitch, stretching the elastic as you sew.
For the gathered Short Sleeve (3) option:
Sew a long gather stitch around the sleeve head between the notches. Neaten each hem of the Short Sleeve (3) using an overlocker/serger.
Pin the precut sleeve elastic to the centre of each sleeve as shown on the pattern.
Sew using a top stitch, stretching the elastic as you sew.
Main body:
With RST, sew the front to Back (1) at the shoulder seams. Neaten using an overlocker/serger and press toward the back.
With RST, sew the short ends of the Neck Band (4) together, creating a loop. Press open.
With WST, fold the neckband in half lengthways and press. Baste the raw edges together. Trim the excess seam allowance at the V.
With RST, pin the neckband to the neck opening, taking care that it is even. Carefully clip into the seam at the centre front to release the fabric.
Sew the neck band using a 6mm (¼”) seam. Neaten using an overlocker/serger and press toward the body.
Sew an edge stitch to the seam on the side of the body. You may choose to use a twin needle.
If using the short sleeve, gather in the gathering stitch to the length of the notches marked on the armhole.
With RST and notches aligned, pin the Short OR Long Sleeve (5) to the arm hole.
Sew, then neaten using an overlocker/serger and press toward the body.
With RST and notches aligned, pin the front to back at the side seams and under sleeve seam. Starting at the sleeve hem, sew the side seam and under sleeve, finishing at the hem of the body.
Neaten using an overlocker/serger and press toward the back.
Neaten the hem of the body using an overlocker/serger.
Turn the hem of the body to the inside at the notches, pin and top stitch into place. You may choose to use a twin needle.
Turn the hems of the sleeves to the inside at the notches, pin and top stitch into place.
You will catch the bottom of the elastic in the sleeve hem (if using). You may choose to use a twin needle.
Trim any loose threads and carefully press your new top.
