I am SO SO excited to sew up Bryce with you all this week! I’m going to show two versions – a crop in a black nylon spandex, AND a version with SLEEVES! I’ve seen it come up in our Facebook group several times, so I thought the Sew-a-long would be a perfect time to show how to modify the bodice pieces to do so. For mine, I’m using Venice to modify the armscye and add sleeves.

Check out the line drawings below for more info on pattern options, recommended fabrics, as well as sizing information. You can also visit the pattern listing for more in-depth information, or if you’ve already purchased the pattern, it will be available in the tutorial as well.

Getting Started:

There is a ton of helpful beginner information between the M4M and P4P blogs, in case you are new to knits, or new to PDF patterns in general:

• New to PDF patterns? Check out our helpful tips here
• Not quite sure how to measure yourself accurately? Don’t worry; check out the post here!
• Wondering if a pattern is “true to size”? Read more about sizing and intended fit here, and information on using finished measurements here.
• Having issues printing? Most issues can be resolved by using our FAQs/troubleshooting tips
• Look here for more extensive grading help!
• Not in our official SAL group yet? Join here 🙂

Day 1:

Our first day is all about prep! First, be sure to measure yourself (or the person/people that you are sewing for) accurately. The tutorial includes information about grading and mashing, but you can also check out the blogs and video linked above.

After you’ve measured, you’ll want to decide which version/options you’d like to sew up. This will determine which pattern pieces and fabric pieces you’ll need to cut out. Want to sew up a Bryce hack? We have the original hacks post here, or you can add sleeves with me this week using Venice!

Then, you’ll want to choose your fabric and gather your supplies.

Notions/supplies:

• Medium weight athletic knits with at least 40% horizontal stretch, some vertical stretch, and *strong recovery*. Some recommendations include: athletic brushed poly, performance knit, tricot, supplex, nylon spandex, poly nylon spandex, etc.
• Optional: stretch mesh or lace for center bodice piece
• Optional but strongly recommended: power net or tech sheen for inner lining
• Optional: 1.5″ knit elastic for enclosed elastic
• band option
• Optional: clear elastic, soft bra cups

Next, go ahead and print your pattern. Be sure to print a test page and measure your 1″ square before you print the whole pattern.  Once you’ve got your pattern pieces printed and assembled, go ahead and cut out your fabric so you are all ready for day 2. Remember that even if your pattern is only off by 1/16″, that’s 1/16″ PER INCH, not total. Definitely reprint if you notice your test square is off!

Don’t forget:

• Make sure you are taking an accurate and consistent seam allowance; seam allowance is already included on all pattern pieces. For Bryce, seam allowance is 3/8″ unless otherwise indicated.
• Be sure that your pieces are cut on the fold or as mirror images, however it’s indicated on the paper pattern piece.
• When you’re grading, be sure to add/subtract length to front AND back pieces as applicable
• For reference, I’m sewing a size indigo crop length

Want to sew along with me? Check out today’s video!

If you have questions about measuring yourself, printing, putting your pattern together, or cutting your fabric, you are always welcome to post in our SAL group so we can help you! Be sure to check in each day during the SAL, and look for daily posts to enter our giveaways. We can’t wait to see what you create this week!

 

DAY 1: CUTTING + PREP

DAY 2: FRONT BODICE (OPTIONAL CUPS) + NECK BINDING

DAY 3: FRONT ARMSCYE + BACK BODICE

DAY 4: SHOULDER SEAMS + BACK ARMSCYE

 DAY 5: SIDE SEAMS + SLEEVE HACK + CROP BAND

 DAY 6: SKIRT