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Jeans and t-shirt dressing has been a Summer staple for me. It is so easy and convenient to just throw on a top with some well-worn jeans. I've been feeling a little like a bum after round 2 of Covid-19 and thought I needed an elevated t-shirt to add to the rotation.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/IMG_20230628_180146_3_1024x1024.jpg?v=1687997020)
A good t-shirt requires a wonderful knit. I immediately ran to Nature's Fabrics to explore their wonderful prints. Blue is my favorite color and this Denim Tie-dye Bamboo/Spandex Jersey from Nature's Fabric is so me.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/bamboo_480x480.webp?v=1687998351)
Once I had the fabric chosen, I had to choose a pattern from my extensive stash. I returned to a tried and true Simplicity 8138 tunic pattern. I did not want to disrupt the stripes an thought this would showcase the print well. I have made two other versions of this pattern in the past with great success. This is my first time trying it with a knit.
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I had one and a half yards of fabric which was just enough for this tunic. I cut the pattern with my pattern weights and rotary cutter.
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After quite a time matching and re-matching stripes on a dress last Summer, it was time to try something new. I was mindful of the stripes when I was cutting. Before going to the machine, I tried glue-basting the seams with basic school glue. A light press with the iron held the slippery fabric in place perfectly.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/IMG_20230626_134503_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1687997196)
A quick check confirmed this technique as a winner!
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/IMG_20230626_134811_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1687997259)
I was stitching something up on my Altair embroidery machine while I was cutting this out. I could not stop that process so I decided to see if I could sew the tunic in its entirety on my Accolade serger and cover-stitch. I'm so happy to know I can! I increased my ability to multitask on multiple machines, I getting me one step closer to super human status!
The general construction of this tunic was fairly simple. One modification I made was to the neckline. I like to add a little more stability there when using knit fabrics. To achieve it, I serged a length of clear elastic to the circumference of the opening.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/IMG_20230626_150229_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1687997330)
The clear elastic is secured along the cut edge of the fabric. If you don't have a serger, this can be done with a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.
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I turned the neckline edge to the inside of the tunic and used the cover-stitch to secure it. With a twin needle on your sewing machine can achieve similar results. It gives a smooth neckline finish without puckers. The added security of the clear elastic ensures longevity of wear.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/IMG_20230628_194959_2_93ce7146-82c7-4f94-ad34-d841c1ab068c_480x480.jpg?v=1688009787)
The edge finishing on the slits of the tunic and the bottom hem were completed on the serger. I really like the way this turned out. The fact that I completely constructed this on the Accolade while my Altair was stitching a complicated embroidery, really excites me! If I am strategic with my making, I can maximize my time in the studio and my creative output.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/IMG_20230628_180111_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688009941)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/IMG_20230628_180042_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688009828)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0613/8321/3302/files/IMG_20230628_180116_2_1024x1024.jpg?v=1688009869)
Happy Sewing,
Bianca
2 comments
I love this!!!
This tunic came out fabulous. Thanks for the tips on the neckline.