This pattern has been in my stash for ages.  It was plotter printed – quite different to the fancy printing that Style Arc do nowadays, so must have been from some time ago.

Style Arc describe the Cross Over Kit as follows:  This knit wrap top has a full under piece and an over wrap piece that pulls through a side buckle wear it by its self or team it with a contrast cami underneath. Short sleeve pattern also included in the pattern pack. FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION: Jersey knit.

I used a printed stretch crepe from Spotlight, and a vintage buckle that was in my stash.  This was very easy to sew.  Construction was on the overlocker, and hems done on the machine with a twin needle.

Style Arc suggest wearing this over a contrast cami, which would have been better than doing what I did and using a safety pin on the neckline to make it work appropriate. I found this a very comfortable top to wear, especially underneath a long line cardigan/jacket.

I sewed a size 12, with some side seam shaping removed to give me more belly room. I am still tossing up whether the “ruching around the belly helps to minimise it” theory is actually correct. I suspect that it probably is if you have a more defined waist than I do, but it runs the risk of looking like sausage casing on me. This top is loose enough that where it gathers into the buckle doesn’t actually stretch the fabric too tightly over my tum, but I have tried others (like the Issy top) where I just haven’t felt comfortable with where the gathers lie.

So, verdict? I do like this top, and it will work well in my winter work wardrobe (especially considering that it will usually have other items layered over it). Comfy, easy to wear. Just remember that camisole!