Tessuti have released a few new patterns over the past month or so.  As most of you are aware, I really like their patterns.  They generally work quite well for my body shape, and the Kate top is no exception.

Tessuti describe this as follows: this cropped, boxy sleeveless top comes with two neckline variations, a wide hemline with side split feature and exposed neckline and armhole binding. View A features a scooped neckline. View B features a higher neckline with keyhole back opening plus button rouleau loop. This style is the perfect wardrobe staple and can be worn underneath jackets and cardigans or on its own during the warmer months. Suitable fabrics for the Kate Top include light to medium weight linens or linen blends, cottons, viscose and silks.

I sewed view A with the scooped neckline, but most of the Kate tops that have popped up on Instagram and the Internet have been view B with the higher neckline.  I used a rayon batik sarong that I brought back from Bali.  This top has many happy memories for me!  I cut and sewed size Medium, which corresponded best with my bust measurement and is my usual size in Tessuti patterns.

This is a very straightforward garment to make.  Bust darts, shoulder seams, side seams with a little more time spent on the side vents to ensure that they are even and nicely mitred, then bias binding for the armholes and neck opening.  I made my own binding from the same fabric as the rest of the top and applied it to the wrong side like a facing, then turning to the right side and topstitching.

I am quite short at 158 cm (5’2″) and think that this top is a good length on me.  You might want to consider that if you are taller, but as with most clothing it really depends on the look that you are after. The pattern does describe it as cropped.  When I look at some of the photos the armhole appears a little lower than I would prefer, but it sits close to the body and doesn’t expose my bra.

This should be a nice cool top for the heat that will be coming over the next few months.  I tend to wear dresses more than separates once the weather warms up, but it’s still nice to have a few tops in the wardrobe.  I am planning to sew view B in some Merchant and Mills linen that I recently purchased, maybe with raw bindings and/or some hand-stitching to highlight.  Maybe….