Ode to Sew

Printed Silk Tank Top

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Slmendes

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I felt the itch to sew up something quick and easy to wear, so I made up this little silk top using Simplicity 1253 pattern and some lovely Derek Lam printed silk/lycra fabric:

Simplicity 1253 top in Derek Lam printed silk
Simplicity 1253 top in Derek Lam printed silk
Simplicity 1253 in Derek Lam designer silk
Simplicity 1253 in Derek Lam designer silk

This little top pattern took just a couple of days of on and off sewing time and under 2 yards of fabric. It features a pleated front, hi/low hem and a neck band.

Front neck pleat detail
Front neck pleat detail

The neck band took a little time to sew on, as I chose to sew the inside enclosing seam by hand instead of the stitch in the ditch method that the pattern has you do. This method NEVER turns out well for me, so I just take out my needle, thread and thimble and get to work hand sewing:

Slip stitching the inside of the neck band by hand
Slip stitching the inside of the neck band by hand

There is a little keyhole opening in the back with a loop and button closure which is a nice little feature:

back of top with loop and button closure
back of top with loop and button closure

I like to layer these little silk tops under jackets and cardigans or on their own:

My new top layered under a jacket
My new top layered under a jacket

I almost always have inspiration styles after which I try to model my sewing projects:

Joie "Corette" printed silk tank $158
Joie “Corette” printed silk tank $158
Joie printed silk tank top
Joie printed silk tank top

Comments

4 responses to “Printed Silk Tank Top”

  1. Caroline T Avatar
    Caroline T

    Hi! Your top is lovely. This is the pleated neckline pattern that I have been looking for for a while now. 🙂

    Reply
    1. odetosew Avatar
      odetosew

      Thank you very much! This is a nice, simple yet fashionable pattern to sew, plus pretty easy to make. You should try it, you won’t be disappointed!

      Reply
  2. KT Avatar
    KT

    Your top looks lovely! I’m sewing this pattern, but stuck on the neck band. It is much too small to fit the neck without gathering or adding extra pleats. Did you have this problem? (I cut a size 10).

    Reply
    1. odetosew Avatar
      odetosew

      Hi there! Thank you for your comment. It was months ago when I sewed this, so I don’t remember everything, but I did have to hand sew this collar to the inside after I sewed it right sides together on the outside. Sometimes it does take some easing into place. I find it helpful to match any notches and marking dots first, pin those areas together in place, then proceed to pin the rest of the band. Sometimes, some little snips into the seam allowance of the neck edge helps to release the fabric and ease the neck band to fit. This can be a tricky area to do. Maybe baste it before sewing a regular stitch will make sure it fits. If you have to, you may need to cut the band out again if you have enough fabric left, and make sure you’ve cut the right size and cut it on the bias (I think that’s how it’s cut). Good luck!

      Reply

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