The Style Arc Como Top pattern is designed for sewers seeking to create a versatile and flattering knit top with a unique V-neckline and comfortable fit. It stands out for its thoughtful design elements like the extended shoulder line, ensuring good coverage and a chic silhouette. While providing a great foundation for a stylish garment, users should be prepared to supply their own knit fabric and possess basic to intermediate sewing skills to achieve the best results.
Versatile Knit Top Design: This pattern offers a foundation for a comfortable and stylish top suitable for various occasions, depending on fabric choice.
Flattering V-Neckline: Designed to 'hug the neck' and stand gracefully at the back, providing a sophisticated and unique neckline that enhances the wearer.
Comfortable Body Shape: The pattern is crafted to provide 'some shape over the body, but not too much,' ensuring a relaxed yet flattering fit without being overly clingy.
Extended Shoulder Line: Thoughtfully designed to cover the shoulders, offering both comfort and a refined aesthetic.
Multi-Sized Nested Patterns: Includes a range of women's sizes from 4 to 16, printed together on 60gsm paper, allowing for easy size selection and grading between sizes if needed.
Seam Allowances Included: Simplifies the cutting process as seam allowances are already incorporated into the pattern pieces, reducing preparation time and potential errors.
Flattering Design Elements: The unique V-neck and extended shoulder line create a stylish and universally appealing look.
Comfortable Fit: The 'shaped but not too much' design ensures comfort for everyday wear.
Time-Saving Features: Pre-included seam allowances streamline the cutting process.
Size Versatility: Multi-sized pattern allows users to choose their precise fit or easily grade between sizes.
High-Quality Pattern Paper: Printed on durable 60gsm paper for repeated use.
Requires Sewing Skills: This is a sewing pattern, so a certain level of sewing experience is necessary to complete the garment.
Fabric Not Included: Users must source their own knit fabric, which requires careful selection.
Limited Size Range per Pack: While multi-sized, each pattern pack covers sizes 4-16, requiring a different pack for larger sizes. (MLTK082S is specific to 4-16)
No Fabric Recommendations: > Info needed: Specific knit fabric type recommendations (e.g., jersey, interlock) are not provided in the product description, requiring user knowledge.
Flattering Design Elements: The unique V-neck and extended shoulder line create a stylish and universally appealing look.
Comfortable Fit: The 'shaped but not too much' design ensures comfort for everyday wear.
Time-Saving Features: Pre-included seam allowances streamline the cutting process.
Size Versatility: Multi-sized pattern allows users to choose their precise fit or easily grade between sizes.
High-Quality Pattern Paper: Printed on durable 60gsm paper for repeated use.
Requires Sewing Skills: This is a sewing pattern, so a certain level of sewing experience is necessary to complete the garment.
Fabric Not Included: Users must source their own knit fabric, which requires careful selection.
Limited Size Range per Pack: While multi-sized, each pattern pack covers sizes 4-16, requiring a different pack for larger sizes. (MLTK082S is specific to 4-16)
No Fabric Recommendations: > Info needed: Specific knit fabric type recommendations (e.g., jersey, interlock) are not provided in the product description, requiring user knowledge.
The Style Arc Como Top pattern is engineered to guide you in creating a knit top that combines both style and comfort. When sewn correctly, the flattering V-neckline will sit smoothly, hugging the neck without gapping and creating an elegant line that stands subtly at the back. This design detail elevates a basic knit top into something more refined.
The pattern's emphasis on a body shape that is 'not too much' translates into a garment that drapes comfortably. It's designed to skim over the body rather than cling tightly, making it suitable for various body types and providing ease of movement. This allows for both casual and slightly more dressed-up wear, depending on your fabric choice and styling.
The extended shoulder line is a practical and stylish feature. It ensures good coverage over the shoulders, eliminating the need for layering to cover bra straps and adding a polished finish to the garment. This makes the Como Top an excellent choice for warmer weather or as a comfortable layer under jackets and cardigans.
Example Application Imagine crafting the Como Top from a soft, lightweight jersey knit. The resulting garment would be perfect for a casual weekend outing paired with jeans, or styled with tailored trousers for a smart-casual office look. The distinctive V-neck and shoulder coverage provide a touch of sophistication that makes it more versatile than a standard t-shirt. For a slightly more structured top, opt for an interlock knit fabric, which will maintain the comfortable shape while offering a bit more body.
Unpack Pattern: Carefully unfold the multi-sized nested pattern pieces. Identify all required pieces for your chosen size.
Determine Your Size: Refer to Style Arc's sizing chart (usually on their website or package, though not provided in product info) to select the appropriate size based on your body measurements. Mark your size line on the pattern.
Cut Out Pattern Pieces: Carefully cut out the pattern pieces along your chosen size line. Use pattern weights or pins to secure the pattern to your fabric before cutting.
Fabric Preparation: Pre-wash and dry your chosen knit fabric according to its care instructions to prevent shrinking after the garment is made. Press the fabric smooth before laying out your pattern pieces.
Fabric: This pattern is specifically designed for knit fabrics. Suitable options typically include jersey, interlock knit, ponte, or ITY knit. Choose a knit with appropriate drape and stretch for the desired look.
Skill Level: While the pattern includes seam allowances, constructing a knit top with a specific V-neckline often requires basic to intermediate sewing skills, including proficiency with knit fabrics (e.g., using a walking foot, stretch needle, or serger).
Once you've sewn your Como Top, follow the care instructions specific to the knit fabric you chose. General care tips for knit garments include:
Washing: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, or hand wash to preserve fabric integrity.
Drying: Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low. Avoid high heat, which can damage elastic fibers in knit fabrics.
Ironing: Iron on a low setting if necessary, using a press cloth to protect the fabric, especially synthetic knits. Avoid stretching the fabric while ironing.
Storage: Fold knit garments to store, as hanging can cause stretching and distortion over time.