Liesl + Co Maritime versus Simplicity 1366
A few months ago Jenny asked me how I thought the Liesl + Co Maritime top compared to Simplicity 1366 view D. Well, I have finally taken some photos of the main pattern pieces so that you can see for yourself. For reference, here are line drawings of both patterns.
Simplicity 1366 (view D)
A few salient points:
- The Maritime Knit Top is designed for knits, whereas Simplicity 1366 View D is designed for wovens.
- The Maritime Knit Top has a shaped, interfaced facing to finish the neckline. Simplicity 1366 uses a bias cut strip of fabric as a neckline facing.
- The Maritime Knit Top has side seam vents. Simplicity 1366 has no side seam vents but is shorter.
So, to the photos! First, the front pieces side by side.
And with one pattern piece on top of the other.
Next, the back pieces side by side.
And with one pattern piece on top of the other.
And now for the sleeves! First, side by side.
Then one on top of the other.
I found this to be quite an interesting process. Although at first glance these appear to be two very similar patterns, there are a number of differences in the drafting when you compare each of them side by side. I think that much of this would be due to the different fabrics they are drafted for, but otherwise it’s the subtleties that make one simple top still look different from another.
Just as a reminder for how the finished tops look, here is the first Maritime top that I made, without any modification:
And this is Simplicity 1366, in a woven fabric, also without any modification.
I’ve sewn Simplicity 1366 a few times in a knit, with lengthened sleeves, and I’ve also sewn the Maritime top (always in a knit) with lengthened sleeves as well. Both these are great basic patterns to have in my collection. I might just sew another 1366 today now – but with an added inch to the length. I’d be interested to hear your observations on the differences between these two patterns. Has anyone else sewn both?
Nice! I like the longer length more, but the shorter length of the 2nd one is great in the overall outfit. 🙂
I’ve not sewn either but I’ve seen Anna’s maritime and I love love love the neckline finish with the facing. It’s so rtw. I was in gorman last night looking at the innards of all their things and a lot of their simple knit tops were finished the same way. Despite not really needing another knit top pattern I’m tempted to buy the maritime just for this feature. I’ve got my first 1366 cut out ready to go in a weird knit….
The woven looks lovely on you, I like the definition the firmer fabric gives to your shoulders.
Thanks for this, Lara. I found it really interesting – seeing the two side by side helped crystallise the design details for me much more effectively than looking at either by themselves.
I love comparing patterns like that and seeing how subtle differences translate to the finished product. This is why I have so many patterns in my stash!
In the end, both look great though.
I haven’t made either but they both look great on you!
I just want to comment on the color choices in your second photo. The gold top, green necklace, and printed skirt are so perfect for your coloring.
Interesting! In terms of the finished blouse I much prefer the yellow one – the colour and the slight structure. Very nice indeed.
For some reason I can’t see the Simplicity finished top, but the pattern comparison is very interesting. I made the Maritime, and I also made New Look 6838, which is a similar knit-Breton style. I should check the two patterns against each other to see the differences.
Interesting. I don’t find 1366 to be awesome – the shoulders, I think, are too shaped. Might try the Maritime. Thanks!
Thank you! That’s a really interesting post! Good of you to spend so much time answering my question! I think you are a tee aficionado, so your view is valuable! I shall study before I cut into one of these patterns.
Cheers!