One of the benefits of multi-sized, layered pdf patterns is the simplicity of sewing up different sizes/styles.  Print off the one you’re interested in making at the time in the size you want, tape and cut, and off you go!

This is the Designer Stitch Gemma twist top, a pattern that has an option for having the twist at the back or at the front. Clare chose the twist at the back!

The pattern description is as follows: The Gemma Twist combination pattern offers 2 style options. The Gemma Twist Back Top has a cute and funky back waistline twist feature with a deep upper area “v” anchored by a pair of self fabric ties. The Gemma Twist Front Top has a lower front body centre front twist along with a flattering v-neckline. Both tops have a deep dolman sleeve for ease of wearing.

I sewed size 6 for Clare.  The fabric is Spotlight knit rayon/spandex, leftover from another project.  Because I was using leftovers I had to introduce a centre front seam.  I don’t really think that it matters.  The neckline is bound rather than banded, which I actually really like.  It results in a stable, narrow neckline, and it’s easy to sew.

As usual, I shared construction between the sewing machine and the overlocker. The twist bit can be a little tricky but you just need to take it slowly and follow the instructions. Clare definitely needed the back tie or else the top fell off her shoulders straight away. She tried on the top while I worked out the best location to attach them for her size and shape.

I finished edges with a zig-zag stitch rather than a twin needle (I don’t own a coverstitch machine, and am not actually likely to buy one). I quite like the look of the zig-zag stitches, and they help the hems to lie nice and flat. They also don’t require a change of needle and fumbling around to find an extra spool of thread!

Clare wore this quite a lot last summer – the fabric is cool and it’s a loose and easy shape. It also pairs well with denim shorts, a teen wardrobe staple!

I chose to try the version with a front twist. I used a poly/spandex that had been in stash for a while, I think also from Spotlight. This is size 12. The shape of the top suggested to me that I wouldn’t need to grade out for my waist/belly – there was likely to be adequate ease to accomodate my central adiposity.

Usual issue with fabric pooling at the centre back due to my short back waist length. This top does need to fit nicely through the hipline to really make the most of the twist though.

The twist drapes beautifully on Ada, who has a longer body length and trimmer mid-section than I do. Her hip measurement is pretty much the same as mine. On me I had to fiddle a bit with the top of the twist to make it sit nicely.

See that pucker? I think it’s because on Ada the fabric can fall from the bust to the twist unimpeded, whereas on my body there are more complicated shapes for it to sit around. Nevertheless, I like the overall effect. I also really like the slight V in the neckline. This neckline is bound, in the same manner as the version I sewed for Clare. It’s a great finish.

I thought that in this fabric, this would be a good work top for me, but I haven’t really worn it. I’m going to sew it again in a more casual fabric and see how that fits into my life and wardrobe. I do recommend the pattern.