Kwik Sew 3801
Sometimes there are patterns that I always pause at in the pattern catalogue. I stop, I ponder, I wonder if maybe that would be a good look for me? Then I decide to wait until the next pattern sale, because surely that is such a popular style that it will be in the catalogue forever. Then I see the pattern made up, and realise that yes, it would be a good pattern on me! Then I go to buy it – and realise that it has recently gone Out Of Print! That, my friends, is the story of Kwik Sew 3801. First I saw view A made up on Sarah, and shortly after I saw it on Kate as well. I had to have it. It was no longer available. Oh, what to do? I whinged, I moaned, I complained – and one day whinged in front of the right person, who loaned me a copy to trace! Oh, how wonderful! And now I am the happy wearer of Kwik Sew 3801, view A.
There is a great deal about this style that appeals to me. First, it’s loose through the body. Second, it’s in a knit. Third, the narrow sleeves balance out the volume in the torso. Fourth, the edges are simply finished with an overlocker rolled hem. Fifth – it’s so easy to wear!
The fabric is a wool/acrylic knit from The Cloth Shop. It is incredibly soft and cosy to wear, and was straightforward to sew. Actually, I sewed this the same day that I bought the fabric, so although it’s taken a while to get to the blog it has been in relatively high wardrobe rotation for quite a few weeks now. There was no sewing machine involved in sewing this top – it was all done on the overlocker.
I strongly suspect that this is a pattern I will return to over the years. It is a distinctive style, and you do need to use a fabric where both sides look to be the right side. One half of the front has the “wrong” side showing as a consequence of the centre twist. You can manoeuvre the twist to sit higher or lower; whatever your preference happens to be. I sewed this in size Medium, but the sizing would be influenced by the fabric composition and drape. In this fabric I could have probably sewn down a size, but I like the volume and coziness of the finished top. In fact, I think that I’ll wear it today!
I think this looks great on you.
Thank you!
Oh I could of given you a copy as I have two of this pattern.
I have made view b but with the sleeves of view a, and I wear it constantly. It does run large but it’s a lovely pattern. You look great in your top.
It looks great, I’m glad you found a copy! I’ve worn both of mine this week, I’m thinking maybe I need a third.
It is so fab in Orange! I wear mine all the time. Love it to bits and have some grey mystery knit that will likely become and second next year – now I’m all about spring sewing though! How sweet of your pattern enabler!
I really like this one you, you are so jolly elegant!
Well this really caught my eye! I think I like everything about it. The colour is amazing. The fit is flattering and it has a really interesting style.
It is a very interesting looking style and I really like it in that orange!
The top looks great, especially in the bright orange, but I think I enjoy seeing what footware you are wearing with your creations almost as much as seeing the garments. You have have great shoe/boot wardrobe.
How fun. and it looks good too! I get a kick out of trying something off the wall once in a while…absolutely love the color of your top.
I love it, now I will have to start moaning about it being out of print till I find someone who already has it!
This looks great on you – much better than in the tech drawing. And the colour is fantastic.