CONSTRUCTION:
SHOULDER AND SLEEVES
With RST, sew the front to back at the shoulder seams. Neaten with an overlocker/ serger. Press to the back.
Using a large gathering stitch, sew a row of stitching along the sleeve head between the notches, then gather up to match the notches marked on the sleeve opening, pin into pace.
Sew the sleeve to the armhole.
With RST, sew one pair of the gussets together at the top edge. Under stitch and press together. Repeat with the other pair of gussets.
With RST, pin a gusset into place as indicated by notches. Starting at the bottom point, sew one side of the gusset to the armhole, sandwiching the sleeve in between. Starting at top of the other side of the gusset, sew the gusset to the armhole and continue along the side seam to hem.
Starting at the bottom of the gusset, neaten with an overlocker/serger around the armhole, down the side seam to hem.
Repeat with other sleeve, press seams.
NECKBAND
With RST, sew the short ends of the neckband together, creating a loop. Press the seam open. Fold the neckband in half lengthways and press. Baste the edges of the neckband together.
With RST and matching notches, pin neckband to neck opening. You will need to stretch the band slightly.
Baste the neckband into place, then neaten with an overlocker/serger.
Press towards the main top. You may choose to edge stitch around the neckline using a single or twin needle.
HEM AND COMPLETION
Single needle option: Neaten the edge of the hem using an overlocker/serger. Turn hem to the inside 2cm (3/4”), pin and top stitch on top of the overlocking. Press.
Twin needle option: Turn hem to the inside 2cm (3/4”), press and pin on the right side of the fabric. Carefully top stitch on the right side of the fabric, taking care to encase the raw edge of the hem in the bottom stitch.
Trim off any loose threads and press your new top.