It’s been almost three months since I met Chad, Nicole and Addie in Louisiana. Prior to that trip, I was busy sewing tops and leggings for all of us . . and a pair of underwear for Chad that he totally did not like. He didn’t like the fabric and he especially didn’t like mom making undies for him. What’s wrong with that boy? 🙂
The pattern I used for both of the tops shown below is Laundry Day Tee by Love Notions. I had made the pattern once before but it has been updated. I don’t even know what the updates were but I love how these fit. The updated pattern has a dress version, which I think would be pretty nice and easy to make, as well as comfy. I’m thinking of making something simple that I could war in the fall or winter with some of my sweaters and boots — since we’ll probably have at least one cold day! 🙂
One thing about the Laundry Day Tee is that it runs big. Before making it for the first time, take your measurements, then measure across the pattern and make sure your top isn’t going to be too big.
All of these type patterns are so easy to use. You purchase them, download them, print the size you need (layers using Adobe Reader), tape the pieces together and . . you have an almost instant pattern.
I do recommend that you have either a coverstitch machine or be able to use a double needle and stretch stitch but only for the hemming (sleeves and bottom). I do recommend a serger but many people use a zig zag stitch on their sewing machine. There’s definitely nothing wrong with using what you have before spending money on new machines, especially til you know if you’re going to love sewing with knits.
Tami, of Love Notions, has done a video for making the Laundry Day Tee (LDT). If you’re not sure about your skills, watch the video and you’ll see how easy it is. I never realized that the shoulder seams weren’t halfway between the center front and center back and that’s why I’ve been struggling with the neckband on the other tops I made. Also, I love the way she just turned up the edge and hemmed it. I’ve been pressing, then using a tiny strip of fusible interfacing to keep the edges nailed down til I could get them stitched. Her way is so much easier.
I have no idea what fabrics I used. I have a few pieces of knits and I just grabbed some. The pink tie died one is kinda t-shirt knit (thin) feeling and I didn’t enjoy sewing it but I love how it feels. It’s lightweight and fairly cool. I initially cut out black/white stripes for this one because I didn’t have enough fabric to make anything but short sleeves but then decided short sleeves was a good choice so went with the same fabric for the sleeves and am glad I did.
Laundry Day Tee
Same pattern but with elbow length sleeves.
Laundry Day Tee
For anyone who likes these type of clothes, this pattern is a great one to start with. It may be the only pattern you ever need for tops. I love it!
Nancy Fitzpatrick says
I’ll try it! I’ve been making knit T’s for my grandson.
pattilynn9 says
Your tee colors are gorgeous! And I really like the pattern too!
treadlemusic says
No undies for dear son, eh??? LOL! Mom…..he’s a man now!!!! LOL LOL LOL
JudyL says
I knew he wasn’t going to like it but that way, they all three had something that matched.
treadlemusic says
You are always thinking!!! And trying to include everyone!! I think my son would feel the same way……..in fact……there is a “LOOK” if I even think about something akin to that. …….sigh…….yup, and he’s 47 (my baby!)………
Sherrill says
That is CUTE, Judy! But no way am I ever sewing clothes again, especially knits! I’ll just quilt! 🙂
JudyL says
I’ll agree .. it isn’t for everyone but I hate clothes shopping. I terribly dislike that so many tops in the stores aren’t long enough. I dislike that so many of them shrink the first time they’re washed. I dislike having to iron. I had not sewn clothes in probably 30 years and fell in love with the first knit top I made. It cost less than $10 for the fabric (don’t add the cost of the coverstitch or the serger). It fit. It doesn’t have to be ironed. And . . since I no longer seem to quilt, the sewing machine has to be used for something, right?
Kathy Rockey says
I was a garment stitcher for a long time before I ever did quilting. I just spent about a week trying to get a t shirt to fit, adding a dart for my full curvy bust, forward sloped shoulder, rounded back, full tummy… I have 4 wearable muslins sort of, but still not happy. For 5 more dollars, I went for it. I am afraid you are going to tempt me to buy a coverstitch machine too. If it works, it would be worth it! Thanks for the inspiration. I think. 🙂
Robin says
Loved your tops so much I’m going to buy the pattern and watch the videos. I have not had luck when I tried knits many years ago. Maybe I will this time. No cover machine though!
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Hilary McDaniel says
I’ve had the original version since it came out. I just hate having to cut them out and tape them together. So I haven’t even downloaded it yet. ? I love the tee. I think maybe I’ll try taking it to a copy shop and see it they can print it on bigger paper.
Amy (Waunaknit) says
These are both so pretty. Soooo tempting to try.
dezertsuz says
Thanks for the tips, Judy. I’ve been downloading a few patterns, thinking of trying them, but maybe I’ll start here and not have to go any farther. LOL First, I have to buy some knits. I don’t have even one!
Ruth says
Doesn’t Chad wear T-shirts? He might like one that gives him some breathing room around the neckline, not a tight crew neck.