Re-Introducing: Cowl Neck Tunic
Updated pattern. Improved garment fit. COPY SHOP printing.
Cowl Neck Tunic e738
A CJ sewist let me know that the neckline was pulling towards the back on her finished garment. After several attempts at altering the front pattern piece to resolve this problem, I realized that to my surprise the back pattern piece was causing the fitting issues. To remedy this I lengthened the back piece between the mid shoulder blade and neckline. To accommodate the deeper back armscye I lengthened the sleeve cap from the center top to the back sleeve seam. Problem solved!
My apologies to everyone who has experienced fitting problems with this top. With new pattern pieces for the back and sleeve, the top fits very well across the back and does not pull the neckline at all. It fits great!
This cowlneck tunic length top is close fitting and has a raised cowl neckline. It also offers a hip length cutting line. The sleeve cap sits high on the shoulder and fits close under the arm to contribute to the flattering silhouette. The side seams are curved in at the waist and slightly rounded at the hip.
Many cowl neck tops have a lot of extra fabric (not needed for the design) at and above the bustline and under the arm. They can look untidy! They also have lines that form between the bustline. Many of the current cowlneck tops are very low cut making it impossible to bend over without showing the bustline. This is not always a welcome attribute to this style top. I wanted to design and draft a new cowl style pattern that eliminated these negative qualities.
My cowl neck top offers two neckline options. The second option add on pattern piece deepens the neckline a few inches. I suggest wearing an undergarment such as a cami or tank style bra that offers a smooth silhouette across the bust.
Design Variations
Shirred sides-Cut the top tunic length or longer and add a length of soft, narrow elastic to the side seams to gather the excess length of fabric. This gives a flattering shirring effect across the stomach and back.
A Line top or dress-Determine a flattering finished length and width for the circumference of the hem. Lay a straight ruler at the side seams below the bustline, and angle the ruler to meet the new hem width.
SUGGESTED FABRICS: The more weight/drape your fabric has the better the cowl will drape. Slinky type fabric such as ity, rayon jersey and stretch velvet. LYCRA blend knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch and soft recovery will drape nicely and flatter your figure without being tight.
Choose your size using your upper bust measurement to assure a good fit at the shoulders and upper chest. Find the difference between your upper bust and full bust and decide if you need an fba.
If you have a full bust adjustment that you are comfortable using that will be fine. Otherwise, I highly recommend the following tutorials on FBAs:
Curvy Sewing Collective: Beginners Guide to FBA
Megan Nielsen Design Diary: How-to FBA
My top pick is a BluPrint Class: FBA for Any Pattern (Requires a subscription but it’s really good and totally worth it!)
NOTIONS: A small drapery weight sewn to the center of the cowl will keep the fabric from rolling to the outside and give more folds.