Dear readers,
I’m so happy to be introducing a third top to the Just Patterns collection! Can you believe that I started working on this design a year ago? If you followed my adventure on my personal Instagram account, you know that developing this design has been quite a ride. There were even times that I considered giving up, but in the end, I did not, and I’m so glad! Let me introduce you to the Alek Rib Top:
This is a pattern that comes together quickly and I personally find the construction quite fun. The trickiest part of the design is finding fabric that will work for the design and your com. My experience of sewing over a dozen samples taught me that there are no 2 rib knits alike and the results will look dramatically different. I’m sharing here the exact fabric content and source for each of my samples so that you can compare with what is available to you and make sizing decisions a little easier. For all the four samples below I used the same size of the pattern (34) and made no other changes than shortening the sleeves or lengthening to a dress length.
Purple sample:
Fabric is Medium weight bamboo rib knit in “Raisin” from Blackbird fabrics
Composition: 89.5% Rayon from Bamboo / 10.5% Spandex
Weight: 332gsm / 9.8oz
Stretch Percentage: 4-way stretch, 70% cross-grain / 70% along grain-line
Fitting notes: this is the most fitted sample it feels very secure but could be restrictive if you are are not used to tight clothing. Sizing up could be a good option. It fits similarly to another fabric I used for samples, its composition is 91%Viscose, 8% Elastane and weighs 415 gsm / 12.2oz.
Green sample:
Fabric is Tencel™ Lyocell Rib Knit in “Military Green” from Blackbird fabrics.
Composition: 95% TENCEL™ Lyocell / 5% Spandex
Weight: 240gsm / 7oz
Stretch Percentage: 4-way stretch, 100% cross-grain / 40% along grain-line
Fitting notes: the fit is true to size and comfortable but the fabric is on the thin side so it might make you a little self-conscious and I would be mindful of transparency in the lighter colourways. Meet Mik has a comparable fabric option, the Derby ribbed jersey.
White sample:
Fabric is Ira - White (MAM/S003281) from Divazus
Composition: 98% Cotton / 2% Spandex
Weight: 400gsm / 11.8oz
Stretch percentage: 4-way stretch, 100% cross-grain / 25% along grain-line
Fitting notes: the thickness and stretch factor are good and it provides good coverage even in white (for reference, I do not wear bras so that’s very important for me). The recovery is a little less good than the other samples so it feels less secure. If you are concerned or in between sizes, I would suggest sizing down.
Blue sample
Fabric is Ira (MAM/S003281) from Divazus
Composition: 98% Cotton / 2% Spandex
Weight: 400gsm / 11.8oz
Stretch percentage: 4-way stretch, 100% cross-grain / 25% along grain-line
Fitting notes: same as the white sample. The thickness also allows to lengthen it to dress length without feeling overexposed. I would advise you to try to avoid unpicking necklines (which I did) because it might not completely recover from the initial stretch (that’s why it looks a little looser).
This sewing pattern is available in the full-size range 34-60, with a B/C cup for 34-46 size range 34-46 and a DD cup for range 46-60. Both are drafted for a height of 5’5”/1m65. This pattern is a super quick sew, and in case you need help, I curate a list of helpful tutorials on the resource page!
The pattern includes:
a layered PDF pattern in three formats for each of the two size ranges: Print at home (for US letter or A4), A0 and Projector;
a Cutter’s must (a summary table of the pattern pieces and cutting information);
a PDF layout;
a construction order ;
And step-by-step illustrated instructions.
The pattern features Just Patterns’ signature “order of construction” as it comes in handy for experienced sewists who like to refer quickly to steps without scrolling through instructions.
I’m also taking this opportunity to update you on my sizing update. Alek is the 7th pattern available up to size 60 (for a hip circumference of 59 “⅞ / 152 cm). My graphic designer came through with the work on the older patterns, and I updated the Tyra Tee and the Stephanie Skirt. I still need to finish and upload the Tatjana Trousers and the Claudia Tank to add sizes 58 and 60. Thank you so much for your patience; they should all be online in the coming weeks. The only pattern left behind is still the Yasmeen skirt, so far, it’s only available to a size 46 with basic instructions, but I’m confident that I will finish it in 2022. I cannot wait to have a “clean” catalogue where all the patterns are consistent and meet my standards. You can read more about the size range and the updated calendar for the older designs.
I hope you will enjoy sewing Alek. For me, it’s officially the perfect companion to my Tatjana trousers but it also works great with a Stephanie skirt! As you can see in my samples, it’s also very easy to bring some variety to the pattern by shortening the sleeves or lengthening the top to a dress length.
Don’t forget to tag #AlekRibTop if you post on social media, I would love to see your version!
Happy sewing!