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Nottingham Top, New From Itch-To-Stitch

After the advanced sewing work of my Giverny Dress and the fitting puzzle of my Danube Jean Skirt, the quick and satisfying Nottingham Top from Itch-To-Stitch was just what I needed!

Pattern Details

Nottingham Top is a relaxed fit knit t-shirt style with an off center front twist. 
It is, of course, available in the full Itch-To-Stitch size range, with layered PDF options and detailed instructions from start to finish. You can choose one of 3 sleeve lengths: Long, elbow or butterfly. Guess which I chose... 
Yeah, you got me. I made one of each! 

Tips For Success

There is a reason why most testers made at least 2 versions: This is not a difficult project. In fact, you've probably seen a zillion samples already! If not, check out the launch post HERE.

To get the best results, here are my tips for success:
1. Choose a fabric with fantastic drape: Slinky bamboo knits and rayon spandex are good choices. The Nottingham Top has a relaxed fit, plus the knot provides a little volume so these fabrics will float rather than cling in this style. Watch out for poly blend jerseys. If the fabric has a tendency to stick to itself (as many tissue knits like to do) as you are laying it out to cut, it probably isn't the best choice for this top. 

2. Try to sew all the way to the twist notches: It can be really tight getting all the way to the twist notches, but if you don't, you will end up with a little gap. I found the best way to get as far into the twist as possible is to start sewing at the side seam and work your way in. 
3. You can leave raw edges: Speaking of those front-hip seams, You can leave the edges raw. Most jersey fabrics don't fray or shed. I used a small little zig zag here on my regular machine, pressed open as directed and moved on. I like not having the extra bulk of overcast edges here, especially in my slinkier fabric version. I even left the hems of my top and sleeve raw on my red version. I really like how softly it drapes!
4. Don't set the sleeves flat: The sleeves are drafted so that the side seam of the bodice and the underarm seam of the sleeve are off-set. This is to prevent any sleeve distortion from the way the twist pulls in the front.  You must set the sleeves in the round. But don't worry, all the notches match and there is no ease to manage. Honestly, I usually have a better fitting sleeve by rotating them anyway (thanks full bust) so I sort of feel like these sleeves were drafted just for me!

Final Thoughts

If you haven't already picked up a copy of Nottingham Top from Itch-To-Stitch, you should do it soon! The pattern is on sale for 20% off through May 23, 2018. 

If you are still on the fence (and I really don't know why you would be hesitating), Here are a few more shots of my three versions to sway your decision. 
Red fabric is bamboo rayon pique from Fabrications
Butterfly sleeve Nottingham paired with my Danube Jean Skirt
Long sleeve Nottingham worn with
Sinclair Patterns Penny Leggings in Simply By Ti Black Jegging fabric
Mystery knit (poly-cotton jersey?) from Fabricland Outlet
Elbow sleeve Nottingham in mystery knit from Fabricland Outlet and worn with
straight hem hacked Lindy Petal Skirt in Simply By Ti Blue Jegging fabric.






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Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 20, 2018 at 10:20 AM

    Love your versions Crystal and managed to make two of my own this afternoon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CrystalMay 20, 2018 at 10:24 AM

      I'll have to look for the photos in FB. They are so fast, aren't they?

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJuly 2, 2022 at 5:43 PM

    Thanks for posting this information. It's July 2022 and I might just get around to trying this pattern. Your blog posting will definitely help me avoid some mistakes I think (hope) :)

    ReplyDelete

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