GORGEOUS RAGLAN + Square neckline for knits. RELAXED SEWING. Islares (Itch to Stitch)

What's better than a relaxed sewing project that fits amazing and had beautiful sleeves & neckline?? This is the new Islares top for knits from Itch to Stitch and I've made 2. The raglan sleeves are easy to sew and fit and the square neckline is the icing on the cake! if it's cold, there are longer sleeve options too.
Come and join me as we put this pattern together including the neckline facing, shoulder darts and more. I've also lengthened the top into a dress and share how I did this.
The Islares top for knits from Itch to Stitch comes in sizes 0-40US, has a regular & full bust option and is 20% off through Monday 2nd of October 2023. This is my affiliate link: itch-to-stitch...
See more of my Itch to Stitch makes here: • Itch to Stitch Pattern...
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Specifics:
*Full bust front option
*Size 12 bust, 14 waist, 16 hips
*Print rayon french terry for the top
*Athletic knit dress is 15" longer and the hem is straightened
*Dress has an extra center back seam with a sway back adjustment
Helpful video:
How to do a sway back adjustment: • Is it really SWAY BACK...
Other patterns featured in the lookbook:
*Green Taroko skirt (Itch to Stitch) itch-to-stitch... Video: • A STAPLE: The CLASSIC,...
*Red Quebec skirt (Itch to Stitch) itch-to-stitch... Video: • WAIST COMFORT? yes! Pu...
*Navy Icaria pants (Itch to Stitch) itch-to-stitch...
Video: • Stress-free SUMMER FLO...
*Navy Allegro pants (Love Notions) www.lovenotion... Video: • Allegro Bottoms (Love ...
*Red Largo cargo pants (Love Notions) www.lovenotion... Video: • Fun COLORFUL cargo pan...
DISCLAIMER: I don't have a fabric sponsor. I produce sewing content independently from pattern brands and share my unique way of sewing with you, with my own investment of time and resources. I am not providing a paid service to pattern brands nor intend to replace instructions found in patterns with my content. I don’t necessarily follow instructions. My opinions are honest, especially around fit and sewing techniques.
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AFFILIATE LINKS: if you are inspired by my work and you purchase patterns from these links, at no cost to you, I receive a small commission that helps supports my work:
*Love Notions Patterns: www.lovenotion... Use the Code Needles10 at checkout for 10% OFF every day and even during sales!
*Itch to Stitch patterns: itch-to-stitch...
*Sinclair Patterns: sinclairpattern...
*5oo4 Patterns (Five out of four): 5outof4.com/re...
*Wardrobe by Me patterns: wardrobebyme.c...
*Green Style Creations patterns: greenstylecrea...
*Pattern Emporium: patternemporiu...
AMAZON STORE: Visit my amazon storefront where I have listed my favorite basic sewing tools (presser feet…..etc)
www.amazon.com...
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Let’s Connect!
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Contact ** (I don't offer free or paid individualised one-on-one consulting) [e-mail]
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MUSIC USED:

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

The Islares top for knits from Itch to Stitch comes in sizes 0-40US, has a regular & full bust option and is 20% off through Monday 2nd of October 2023. This is my affiliate link: itch-to-stitch.com/product/islares-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/?affiliates=218

[@helenwood3199]

Beautifully cut and sewn rose top, as usual, Karina. Also, you deserve the KZbin equivalent of an Emmy Award for your consistently fantastic editing and pertinent content. Love watching your educational channel. 🏆

[@euniceh9851]

Wow! The Winter Look! Add those long sleeves - a year-rounder!

[@robertafahrni7169]

Beautiful Karina! Thanks again for an amazing video!

[@kathypariso6102]

Speaking as a woman over 65 with arthritis, raglan sleeves are much easier to move around in because they don’t bind at the armholes. I am looking forward to purchasing this one. Raglan’s tend to go in and out of favor with fashion trends, however they remain a favorite with me.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I agree! they feel so comfortable.

[@gillvanwijk5037]

Thanks for that info !

[@tomeparisguerrero9569]

Love the blouse with the red cargos and the dress omg just by itself simply adorable😍

[@nanilu8791]

Oh, the dress is sooooo beautiful!

[@janicek6399]

Beautiful work👍

[@euniceh9851]

Hi from Australia 😁 Top is Great but your dress is Brilliant!!!

[@glendavizecky7581]

I love the dress. I have one laying on my cutting table just not cut out. This will be my 4th make from this pattern. I love it. Thank you for sharing your makes.

[@conniehammer7158]

they are really looks beautiful, gorgeous on you Karina love it...

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

Karina, both your makes are lovely, but that dress is gorgeous! The fit is just perfect. I find it so fun to watch the different ways you style your garments. I so appreciate the details you go into for construction and fit. They have made me a better sewist! I’ve made just a few I2S patterns and am still fine tuning fit so your information is so very helpful.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It's all a wonderful process and I'm glad my content is helpful :)

[@lydiadossantos9099]

Beautiful makes, love it

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ireneparker8253]

I love the way the print really works with the dress . The way it is printed it actually highlights the waist. I also love the blouse. It really works with your Largo Cargo pants.

[@Joy4650B]

LOVE that gorgeous floral fabric. I sure would buy it if I ever see it.

[@amygodinez7652]

I love your makes! They are both amazing but that dress is gorgeous!! And haha…I live my life tucked out, too. 😊😊

[@susuburleson878]

As usual, beautiful makes with impeccable workmanship, Karina!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@alisonwardell5978]

Great pattern and sews Karina❤

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Beautiful dress for church. Love it with your coverup, too.

[@cherylsale4873]

Beautiful 💜

[@Torontogal777]

What a great video! I love all the tips you presented. Beautiful top and dress. I LOVE BUST DARTS! Thank you!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

me too! I'm always very happy to see a bust dart.

[@maryhull531]

Looks like an easy make Karina and it turned out lovely .

[@s.s.8029]

I wasn't not going to purchase this pattern right away, but I am heading into fall and I need some short sleeved tops that I can layer under cardigans for teaching and every day wear. I like square necklines, but often find them too low and wide to accommodate my narrow shoulders and need for coverage. I will purchase this asap because you once again convinced me on a pattern that I didn't think I would like! Thank you for your inspiration!

[@marilynhardman5239]

Beautiful garments Karina! I love your tips regarding the sewing around the facing and the hem thread colour. The dress is drop dead gorgeous, and your special fabric for the top is very pretty. 💐

[@GeorgianNights]

Karina, I love both of them

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much :)

[@IvyRosethebus]

Karina , you do such a beautiful job of lining up the pattern on the material in appropriate ways. I love on the dress how the dark part of the material is at your waist and also how you lined up the center pattern. You do such a good job at that.

[@streamstriss]

Thank you for the great video! Just used your aff link to purchase.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you so much :)

[@Escape10mom]

Beautiful makes!!

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you! 😊

[@Escape10mom]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles I just got it !!

[@lindak8664]

Ooh! I haven’t seen this pattern yet! I love the raglan sleeve & the sewn down facing. I think i’ll grab it straight away before I forget. Summer is coming up fast here too. You always find such beautiful fabrics. The rose print one was especially nice. Your sews are always inspiring.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Thank you :) I was so happy to finally sew the rose fabric.

[@laurajones4088]

The rose print fabric is so beautiful and the top is gorgeous. The dress is absolutely stunning! I think I'm going to use the FB option because I like the shaping the dart provides. Karina, thanks for the helpful sewing construction details and inspirational styling!

[@bonniebrowne934]

Love both your makes. The red roses paired with red skirt looks amazing on you. Always appreciate an interesting animal print and the dress is a winner. Thanks for your inspirations. I'm headed to get the pattern!

[@AnnaLucas-d7s]

❤

[@nualamccauley5392]

Beautiful makes Karena. Instead of zig zag stitch, you can sew a straight stitch on knits with Maraflex thread. I cannot find it here in the US but I purchase it from Minerva or Beyond the Pink Door. It's a game changer.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I can't really buy notions from other countries. The post is not too reliable and if it did reach me eventually, it would be months of waiting and very high import taxes. I don't see myself ever using that thread.

[@dotschischloh9767]

Wawak (in the US) has the Gutermann version of the stretch thread.

[@deniseroot7105]

I have a RTW similar, but the front is rayon woven. I wish we could mix fabric types at times.

[@dianemontavon5670]

I absolutely love that fabric. The roses are beautiful. I like where the neckline falls. I hate when they are low. I love the top with the wide leg. I wish you would have styled it with the center front tucked in. Those wide leg pants are beautiful. All the combinations of styling are great. I love my serger too, but I think you're right with serging then sewing the seam. Nicer finish.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I tucked it all the way or on the side and there's a reason: the fabric is pretty structured, the front hem is curved and when tucked in the center it was very bulky. The front tuck works best with lighter fabrics and designs with more ease. Anywho... styling is very personal and I do give it a lot of thought.

[@dianemontavon5670]

good point. Didn't think about the bulk.@@LiftingPinsandNeedles

[@IlaKool]

Nice!! 🌹 Would lowering the dart in a knit top be a consideration? Or does it not really matter?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Fitting wovens is not the same as with knit. Consider the fabric has vertical stretch too. With ITS I don’t need to lower knit darts but I need to lower the ones in woven patterns

[@Torontogal777]

I need to lower bust darts and bodice apex points in almost all patterns because I have a long torso and am tall. It’s easy to do. One easy way: if you need to lengthen the bust apex and waistline point, is to make a horizontal cut, just above the bust apex on both the front and back bodice pattern pieces. Then, insert a strip of tissue paper, for example, 1 inch wide, or whatever measurement you need.

[@ginnyy1187]

With rounded upper back do you have to do adjustment with a raglan sleeve?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Yes, that is an adjustment you’ll need with all the styles.

[@ginnyy1187]

Do you have a video for this adjustment? I have only found it for set in sleeves.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

@@ginnyy1187 it’s a very difficult adjustment for me to replicate as I don’t have this fitting detail in my sewing. I don’t have any videos about this .

[@sueporter3087]

@ginnyy1187 for a rounded back adjustment on a raglan, look for videos first on making the rounded back adjustment with normal shoulders and armholes. Then look for drafting raglan sleeves from a standard bodice. This should give you what you need. I would do the rounded back first, then change it to a raglan. Have fun experimenting!

[@gillvanwijk5037]

How can I make the neckline slightly lower on this pattern ? I made a test one from below the darts up - from scrap fabric . I am about to start a top now

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

To make it lower you’d have to change all the pieces and draft a whole new facing. I can’t really explain that here on a comment.

[@gillvanwijk5037]

Thank you so much for replying to me - yes I don’t think it can be done because it must match up with the sleeves … I love your channel @@LiftingPinsandNeedles

[@MsChaosbutterfly]

I wonder if you can help me? I have a gorgeous fleecy knit fabric with 50% stretch in one direction and absolutely ZERO stretch in the other direction. I'm trying to find patterns I can use with it but I'm afraid of picking one that requires bi-directional stretch. (I'm thinking jacket/cardi and elastic waist pants for a comfy lounge set.) Should I use patterns meant for wovens instead?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You can use it for patterns with positive ease everywhere like sweaters, hoodies, jacket, looser lounge pants.