I don’t know why I avoid sewing with knits. It’s never as scary as I think it’s going to be, and around these parts it has the most potential to be worn. Last week I decided I was going to make a t-shirt already, and I got the Beachy Boatneck pattern from the Go To Patterns shop. If you haven’t visited Andrea’s shop yet, it’s worth taking a look – she’s gathered together a bunch of great patterns (lots of basics and wardrobe staples, plus non-clothing patterns as well) by a group of talented and trusted pattern designers. The Beachy Boatneck is by Melissa of Blank Slate Patterns, and it was so simple and satisfying to sew. I can see myself making plenty of these shirts.
Knits are Lila’s favorite, but she’s also going through a “girly” phase and is loving skirts and pink and fancy stuff like the rest of the four year old girls out there. The jeans for these photos were my idea…she hasn’t chosen jeans in months. We had a good long run with blue, so I’m trying not to take it too hard. Anyway, I thought maybe I could sell her on this coral-striped knit with its built-in sequins (originally an XXL women’s tee on clearance from Old Navy). That’s what girls like, right? Sparkles?
I realize this is just a t-shirt and doesn’t warrant all that much excitement, but I can’t help it, I’m kind of excited about it. I think maybe because it’s knit (which, like I said, I fear!) and because it was just so fast and simple. I mean, crazy fast and simple. The neckline was faced, so no messing with bindings. And I used the existing hems of the Old Navy shirt for the sleeves and bottom, so no hemming at all. The pattern actually calls for a curved hem (lots of photos of that hem in the pattern listing), and I liked that look just fine, but I couldn’t resist stealing the shirt’s existing hems with their perfect twin needle finish.
Based on her measurements I made a size 3, and the fit is just right. I like that it’s on the long side – short shirts are my nemesis.
Oh and one of my knit fears did come true – the back neckline came out a little wavy. The jersey was pretty thin and didn’t hold its shape very well – maybe I stretched the fabric a little when I was top stitching. I don’t know, but I’ll do better next time. And the next one is already cut out and waiting to be sewn up.
Highlights the big belly nicely, too, right?
P.S. I recently became an affiliate for Go To Patterns and this post contains affiliate links for the shop. But I wouldn’t have written anything differently if it didn’t!
super cute!
That pattern is on my list too. You can avoid the stretching by using spray starch. It sriffens up the knit so it behaves like wovens and then washes right off. Also good to use for cutting thin knits that want to curl up. S would love that shirt in that fabric by the way.
Cute shirt! I like the sparkles! I have overcome my fear of knits and really like sewing with them now. i just bought the Anywhere dress also a Go To Pattern this weekend and sewed one up which turned out great! I also second the spray starch it doesn’t completely fix the rolling and stuff with thinner knits but it does help!
Looks great! Is it bad to be glad that everything you make isn’t absolutely flawless. It suits a boat neck to be a bit wavy don’t you think? Kid bellies are the cutest-wish mine looked like that!
So cute! I love the sparkles. 🙂 awesomeb on overcoming your fear of knits! oh, and stabilizing tape (i like wonder tape because it has adhesive on both sides and dissolves in the wash) plus a walking foot will do wonders for preventing wavy seams on knits.
Stripes, check. Boat neck, check. A little bling, check. Adorable girl, double-check! This has everything I love, Gail!
Cute top!
it’s super cute! great job!
This is adorable! And that belly! 😀
I love it!!
Yay for conquering your fear of knits! I would agree that spray starch does help some (but usually I”m too impatient to let it dry!) with the curling/stretching. This boatneck pattern is adorable and I love it paired with jeans – very nautical looking. Thanks for the comment about its length – I too have a thing for too-short shirts. Hope Lila gets much wear from it!
Really, really pretty! Thanks for the reminder to consider purchasing a sale item for the purpose of its fabric. Love it.
Love it! And thanks for the preview of the length of the hemline. Short shirts with the “in arms” set are pretty grrr-worthy! Glad to know I won’t need to lengthen this pattern.
So darling!! Makes me want to buy the pattern. I love Wonder Tape to keep from getting those darn wavy necklines!
Alright I love this. I’m pretty sure I even printed the pattern out but haven’t had time to sew it yet. Lila will wear it tons!
That girl (and the shirt) are just so cute!
What a great shirt! I love the fabric choice, and I love the boat neck. One day, when I’ve overcome my fear of knits, I’ll give this pattern a try!
I made this up for Vincent and I LOVE it!