Until I made my travel vest, it had probably been decades since I’d used a Kwik Sew pattern. I used to like making swimsuits from them, but I don’t really remember making much in the way of everyday wear using KS. My travel vest isn’t really a whole lot like the original pattern, but it got me thinking about KS again. I’ve always been a bit intrigued by how frequently KS patterns look like RTW.
When I decided that I wanted a simple, flattering summer top in a common RTW style, this Kwik Sew design seemed the way to go. Pattern pieces are few and the instructions simple; even better, once it was fitted, it should be a sewing staple for years.
I was thinking “one hour top”, but I was pretty much wrong, at least initially. First mistake: I cut View A in a medium, based on the measurements on the back of the envelope. There’s no doubt that the cut looked great on me; but this first muslin was just hugely too big in the back, shoulders, and bust. (That last was a first for a medium-sized anything.)
I pinned and fitted like mad, and ended up with a set of alterations that are completely different from anything I’ve done before. For the second attempt, I cut the top half in a size small, grading to a medium from below the bust to the hemline. With other patterns, I’d typically be doing exactly the opposite, so this seemed a little strange.
I didn’t actually complete the second muslin, either, which was made of a particularly awful shiny orange spandex bought just to fit and toss. Instead, I sewed up the third one in this black and gold poly/spandex. It fit beautifully, but, in the end, I decided to make two more changes. For my final version, I’ll add 3/8ths of an inch to the top 2/3rds of each armhole, so that the straps are a little wider. I think the width of the KS version is just a little too underwear-like. And I’ll be lengthening the tank by one more inch.
Due to my machine catastrophe, this version was never quite finished, either — though it’s close enough for modeling on my dummy, as you can see. Once it’s fitted, this pattern definitely lives up to the “Kwik” name: There are no facings, and everything just as simple as it could possibly be. You use clear elastic to finish the underside of the neckline, and simply turn under the hem allowance to finish the armholes. Serging makes it all go even faster. I may have spent hours and hours on the several muslins, but every future top will be incredibly fast!
I’m expecting this one to be easy and comfortable to wear, and perfect for travel, as it should dress up or down on a moment’s notice. It’s very flattering, too, and, made up in a light knit, takes up no space at all in a drawer or suitcase.
Great looking top! Perfect for travel – just throw it in a suitcase and go. The fabric is so fun, and I’ll bet this is very flattering on you, and I really prefer your version to the original one in the photograph. I’d love to see this when it’s finished!