Style Arc Kylie knit top
I’ll say right from the start that I am VERY happy with how this top has turned out.
It is the Style Arc Kylie knit top. From their website: KYLIE KNIT TOP: Fashionable and functional top. The overlay has a high low hemline and an opening down the back. This top can be made long or short sleeves therefore suitable for all seasons. Need a basic tee? – Just leave the overlay off. FABRIC SUGGESTION: Knit jersey.
Firstly, I didn’t sew this in knit jersey – well, not far off though. I used a lightweight ponte from Spotlight that has a fair bit of stretch, despite being a double knit. Must be plenty of spandex in that one! I used size 12, but removed most of the waist shaping in the under layer.
Construction was on the overlocker, and most hems twin needled by machine. I really like the overlayer – the shaping is terrific on me, as is the variation in its length. And that split in the back is lovely too!
The neckband is sandwiched between the underlayer and the overlayer, and to do this according to the instructions is actually rather tricky. I am sure that I recall this mentioned on other blogs that I have read as well. I had to unpick it and re-do it the first time around. The next time I make this pattern I will probably just apply the neckband once the two layers have been placed together. This means that there will be a seam allowance on the inside, rather than as it is now hidden between the two layers, but I think that it might all sit better that way anyway. At the moment there can be some slight pulling at the front neckline where the seam allowance is secured to the underlayer of the top but not the overlayer and therefore creates different levels of tension.
I also did a pretty poor job of setting in the sleeves. I really should have eased the sleeve cap in, but because I was being lazy I took advantage of the nature of the fabric and just stretched the armscye to fit. However this does affect the final shaping a little. You might not know if I hadn’t pointed it out, but I am aware of it. When setting in sleeves in the round, you really are better off easing the sleeve cap than stretching the armscye. Remember that Lara! You can see what it’s done to the sleeve cap in these photos, probably exacerbated by there being two layers of ponte in the body of the top but only one layer in the sleeves.
Fortunately, my friend Kathryn sewed this top at Sewjourn in May and I was able to try hers on before I made mine. It’s handy to try before you sew! Her father made the lovely wooden bead necklace that I am wearing in these photos. Thanks so much Kathryn’s dad!
This pattern has a lot of potential. I have a much lighter weight printed knit earmarked to sew it in next. I think that it would look wonderful with the overlayer and sleeves sewn in a sheer fabric too. And as Style Arc suggest, you could play with sleeve length, or just bind the armholes. Despite the imperfections of this version, I really, really like it and am wearing it a lot.
Really really like this.
It is a very flattering top – thank you for the review of the pattern. Love the beads too!
Very flattering, and an absolutely lovely top (which my daughter would say is no surprise, because – stripes! Lol). Anyway, this should work with a woven outer layer too, as it’s split up the back? So many design options!
You’re right to be very happy with this top and so much potential.
You’ve really got me thinking…..thank you
You sew so many lovely things, I’m always in awe, but I think this top is one of the nicest and most flattering I’ve seen in a long time. You look fabulous in it.
Love it!
It is a great top. One to look out for.
Any reason why the sleeve couldn’t be sewn in flat? Is it to do with the overlay?
So you should be delighted. It’s terrific on you.
Great choice of fabric. Looks really sharp in this style.
Very flattering, well done.
This is a wowser top on you!! so flattering. And I think your choice of a lightweight ponte is perfect – really shows the design, where a jersey would just drape. Nice work!
Very nice top and very nice on you.
This is pretty perfect! Nicely done
That’s a lovely top. Brava!
Very cute top on you!
Love it! Looks great on you.
Nice top, and so flattering on you – no wonder you are wearing it a lot!
Looks great, I’d really like to give this on a try, so flattering!
So flattering, I lurve it!
Just finished this top myself when I read your post. Realised that I had not followed the instructions properly and attached neck band (after basting the two layers together) as you would a tee shirt. Still, it worked out well and I can see the correct way would be quite tricky.
Looks lovely on you and can see some variations coming up. A good pattern to have.
Amazing version of this top. You look amazing in it!
I like it!
Great tip about easing a sleeve vs. pulling the shorter fabric to match the longer one! The puckers in your sleeve are often in my knit sleeves and I couldn’t figure out why. Now I know 🙂 Thank you.
I love the idea of the overlay being out of a woven – would you size up perhaps to allow for the lack of stretch across the bust. The back wouldn’t matter because of the splits but the front might need some altering? Your thoughts???