Cowl Neck Tunic Sew Along
Our latest Sew Along is the downloadable e-pattern Cowl Neck Tunic (and Top) which is a perfect companion to leggings! The Cowl Neck Tunic is a downloadable PDF pattern, and you will learn how to use one of these types of patterns in this sew along. You can purchase it and download it at our online store.
There are two neckline variations for the cowl neck - one is a nice high neckline and one is a lower neckline. Both will keep you covered when you bend over. Most cowl neck sewing patterns put way too much fabric across your bust and down across the belly. As you can see, this expertly-drafted tunic and top is well-fitted across the bust and belly. This cowl is unlike any other!
Christine also notes that this tunic can be made in any length as a swing/A-line tunic (instructions are in the pattern download itself.) So you don't have to make the fitted version shown here. The key to this top is the fit across the shoulders, neckline and bust!
Our blog will contain important information for how the Sew Along will go (our blog is what you're reading now!) The Sew Along itself is on Facebook (and your own sewing room!)
We will have a private Facebook event page for the Sew Along, so that the posts and information can be kept separate from our existing Sewing Circle posts. Check the events tab in the Sewing Circle OR click the link below:
Join the Christine Jonson Cowl Neck Tunic Sew Along now!
Questions? e-mail christine@cjpatterns.com, or better yet, for nearly instant response, join and post on the Christine Jonson Sewing Circle on Facebook!
Sew Along schedule:
Week 1: January 6, Pattern purchase, size selection and preparation, fabric selection and/or purchase
Week 2: January 13, Fabric preparation, continue with size selection, pattern prep
Week 3: January 20, Sewing construction, fitting help and finishing ideas
Week 4: January 27, Sewing construction, fitting help, finishing ideas and styling it in your wardrobe ideas
How to select the perfect fabric for this pattern
Suggested Fabrics from www.Marcytilton.com
These knit fabrics have characteristics that will help you create a great fitting Cowl Neck Top. Many have 4-way stretch with a fluid drape which is perfect, while other offer 2 way stretch and will work beautifully as well. The sweater knits will drape nicely at the neckline and feel wonderful. I chose two mesh knits to suggest a unique version. Marcy gives wonderful information and descriptions of her fabrics which will help you in making your choices.
As you peruse these fabrics note the way they drape on the mannequin, and imagine the drape they will offer the neckline. I chose all print fabrics because they are fun to wear and work really well with this design. Solid color fabrics with 2 or 4 way stretch and a fluid drape will be the easiest to achieve a great fit. Rayon/Lycra Jersey, Bamboo and ITY solids are good choices for fabric content. After creating your first top (or sample top) and learning about the pattern, fit and ease, other fabrics such as a double-knit Ponte make a great weighty top.
This pattern needs negative ease to fit as intended, especially through the upper body. Meaning your body measurements need to be larger than the patterns. Choose your size based on your bust measurement using the Body Measurements Chart. Check the Finished Garment Measurements Chart to reference the amount of negative ease given. With the addition of the stretch and recovery of the fabric this choice should give you a hug through the upper body. If there is a concern about the tummy and hip area it is acceptable to grade to a larger size from just above the waist to the hem.
Choosing a pattern size that is too large (if you are afraid it will be too tight) will not give a good fit in the neck, shoulders and armscye. If you are concerned about the negative ease fit of this pattern please choose a fabric with the 4 way stretch and fluid drape. When you look at the front pattern piece please notice the unique shaping of the neckline angle, as it works together with the shoulder and armhole fit. If this is cut from a size that is too large for your body it will not fit as intended. Choose a size that is either the same as your bust or smaller depending on the snappy-ness fabric and grade up from just above the waist to the hem.
I designed a cowl top that is fitted everywhere except for the drape at the neck. It was a challenge to achieve this and I don’t want you to be disappointed if the negative ease of the pattern is not right for you. My suggestion is to choose the smaller size if there is a question about it and make a sample top using a knit fabric that is similar to your fashion fabric and go from there. Randomly making changes to this pattern above the waist before you have made one as intended is a bad idea!
Remember that Ann, Ginger and I are here to help. Please ask any and all questions and we will be happy to help!
xo Christine
Recommended Fabrics from MarcyTilton.com
Groovy Zebra Knit
Meeting by the River
Flint Sweater Knit
Good News Knit
Aquatine French Sweater Knit
Papillion Knit
Calder French Knit
Biba Knit
Montage Knit
Riad Knit
Slanted Door Knit
Athena Knit
Juno Knit
Rabat French Knit
Ochre Knit
Jackson Knit
Crosshatch Knit
Fanfare Knit
Runi Paisley Italian Digital Knit
Shibori Bamboo Knit
Abstract Rainbow Mesh Knit
Snap Crackle Pop Mesh Kni