I am very excited to share a very lovely pattern by the amazing Sew House 7, the Tabor V-neck. The pattern is a fun v-neck style top that offers multi-seasonal options (depending on the fabric choices that you make). I made four versions of this pattern as I enjoyed it so much. I used various fabrics across the four versions for all-season wear.
Line drawing:
Size chart & Fabric Requirements:
One special feature in this pattern is a unique execution method for a crisp V detail in the V-neck. I’ve sewn v-neck tees before and I haven’t been super excited about the precision in the “V” details. If you follow the instructions as written you will be as excited as I am about your finished v-neck.
I will share next about each of the four versions that I sewed.
Version 2 – Short Sleeved Tee – Spring/Summer/Fall
Fabric: I used a lovely cobalt blue rayon knit from Simply by Ti fabrics**.
Neckline: I selected a lapped neckline for this version. I decided to go bold and leave the bottom hem unfinished. I liked the drape of this fabric and I wanted to try extending the drape to the hemline for this version.
The neckline and shoulder seams utilize interfacing to help stabilize the fabric. I did learn the hard way that when ironing a rayon knit, BE VERY CAREFUL (or you will scorch the fabric and leave a shiny iron print afterward). My first royal blue muslin of V2 had this iron scorch mistake (and quickly became a pajama top as a result).
Some tips that I can share on ironing interfacing onto a rayon knit:
- Do not follow the directions on the interfacing for the suggested iron temperature. In my case I used this knit interfacing and the interfacing directions called for the wool setting (and a damp pressing cloth on top of the fabric). This temperature (although rated for the interfacing) was too warm for my fabric and left a shiny iron mark on the garment afterward (that didn’t go away and was noticeable during wear).
- Do not use steam when ironing rayon knits. When I made a second top in my rayon knit fabric I tried the silk setting with steam (and a pressing cloth). Although the temperature was lower and I did use a pressing cloth, the steam still brought up the heat and scorched my fabric again.
- The combination that I found helpful was to use the Synthetic setting on my iron without steam. The interfacing wasn’t attached as securely as it was with the warmer setting but it temporarily held in place until the neckline was sewn together (to help stabilize the stitches).
Version 3 – Cropped Tee – Spring/Summer/Fall
Fabric: For this version I also selected a turquoise rayon knit from Simply by Ti fabrics**. This hue is my favorite and I hope to make more garments in the future with this lovely turquoise fabric.
Neckline: I chose a mitered neckband for this version. Technically the neckline shown in the photo of my version is wider then the final pattern version. The neckline changed as a part of the pattern testing process so just an FYI on that detail.
I found that although this version is called cropped, it wasn’t as short as I thought it might be on me. This was a nice surprise as I really like the length of this version. I love the look of high waisted pants with cropped shirts but I have not yet been there with my handmade garments. I’m 5’5″ with an average torso length. The top will be more cropped on people with longer with torsos than I have. I did not hem the sleeves or bottom of the tee. I loved the length of the hemline and sleeve lines as is.
For the final photos, I wore a light tank underneath this top and it will get a lot of wear this summer. It looks dressy yet is really comfortable and light to wear.
Version 4 – Long Sleeve Light Sweater – Spring/Fall
Fabric: I used an open sweater knit that I had been saving in my stash. Oddly enough, this fabric was one that I had been holding on to for just the right project.
Neckline: This version has one neckline option, Wide Lapped Neckband. That neckline offering was intentional as pairing a narrower mitered neckback on V4 or V5, the neckband will be quite low. If you use a bulkier sweater knit, this will also pare well with the wide lapped neckband option. Mixing and matching neckbands would be fun for these two versions but for the sake of simplicity, I used the suggested Wide Lapped neckband for both my V4 and V5 tops.
This top is what I had envisioned for this fabric, a light sweater/sweatshirt that I could layer as a light garment. I really enjoy wearing this top. I find that it’s good to be particular about your sweater knits as they can vary so much. Some are more prone to snagging then others. I definitely want to make another V4 top again if I can find just the right sweater fabric (that I enjoy as much as this one). The one functions as a light and dressier sweatshirt and offers a nice layering option for slightly chillier weather (or for an over-airconditioned office in the summer).
Version 5 – Wool Cropped Tee/Vest – Fall/Winter
Fabric: I used a special wool jersey fabric that I purchased last year in person at Colorado Fabrics. I had not yet sewn with a wool jersey so this fabric was special to me and I kept saving it for just the right project.
Neckline: This version has one neckline option, a Wide Lapped Neckband.
I found that this tee/vest is a wonderful layering piece. As a knitter, I love wearing wool every chance I can get. This is a nice comfortable “vest” that I enjoyed wearing in the cooler days that we had this spring.
Review (although I did test the design and offered testing input, I wanted to offer review details in this post as well to provide more information)
Pattern Description: The Tabor V-Neck is a simple yet versatile style that is as dressed up or casual as you’d like to make it. It is a loose fitting, drop shoulder tee or sweater that is built for comfort while looking smart. With many different options for sleeves, necklines and body lengths, you can make a Tabor V-neck for every season.
Due to it’s wide, oversized body width, the Tabor V-Neck T-shirts are most flattering when sewn in a drapey fabric such as rayon, bamboo or soy knits while the sweaters are best with sweater knits that do not have a high lycra content (5% or above) or have too much stretch recovery. This is to allow the wide neckband to perform at its best without puckering or gathering.
Pattern Sizing: Bust, 31″ – 47″ Waist, 23 1/2″ – 39 1/2″ Hips, 34″ – 50″
Did it look like the photo/drawing when you finished sewing? Yes.
We’re the instructions complete and easy to follow? Yes.
Fabric used (did you use the suggested fabrics in the pattern)? I did. I was very intentional to pick fabrics that were specifically recommended in the pattern instructions. V2-Rayon knit, V3-Rayon knit, V4-Sweater knit, V5-Wool Jersey
Did you alter the pattern in any way? No
Was there anything you disliked or would change? No
Would you sew it again? Absolutely! I want to sew V1 in a long sleeve. I may try sizing down one size for my next V1 to experiment with a slightly smaller size.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes! This pattern is a bargain with so many options included.
Do you consider the pattern beginner/intermediate/advanced? Advanced Beginner.
Does the pattern include layers for easy printing? No
Seam allowances used in the pattern: 3/8″
Is the pattern cut or no cut pages? Cut pages
**I’m a Simply by Ti Ambassador and received the two rayon knits as complimentary fabric in exchange for review and promotion. The views expressed are my own.
oak blue designs 