Carli (Women’s, Youth,) is such a fun top, no matter what season you’re sewing for! My daughter typically doesn’t like to wear anything but dresses, but she was so excited about the Carlis I made for her during the SAL!

Check out the line drawings below for more info on pattern options, as well as sizing.

Before we get 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
• New to sewing with knits? Brittany has some great info 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.
• Having issues printing? Most issues can be resolved by using our FAQs/troubleshooting tips
• Looking here for more extensive grading help!
• Not in our official SAL group yet? Join here 🙂

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 blog linked above! As we head into major gift giving season, one of the suggestions we typically make is to find out what brand the recipient wears a specific size in, so you can at least compare measurement charts.

I typically mash sizes for both of my kids, and have to grade a bit for myself as well most of the time! I always like to get fresh measurements before I sit down to sew anything, especially for the kids, because they change so often. Remember that you won’t necessarily use their/your ready-to-wear (store bought) sizing. For example, my daughter is currently a 3 width mashed with a 5 length. She is sadly on her way out of both of those sizes; I imagine by the time our February SAL gets here, she’ll be in a 4/6 mash. So bittersweet!

After you’ve measured, you’ll want to decide on making the pattern as is, or sewing it up using a hack! Check out the Carli hacks here. You can try another simple hack by mashing the Pepper sleeve with the Carli, shown below! You can also use the Ella flutter sleeves from the blog for even more looks 🙂

Then, you’ll want to choose your fabric and gather your supplies. Some of my favorite fabrics for this are waffle knits, sweater knits, French Terry, and lighter jersey knits for a light and casual Carli. I personally wouldn’t use cotton lycra or custom fabrics for myself, but I wouldn’t be opposed to using them for my daughter!

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 included on all pattern pieces.
• Be sure that your back bodice pieces are cut as mirror images.
• If you’re making the crossover version, be sure to cut the crossover back bodice pieces. If you are doing the twist back, ensure you’ve cut out the twist back pieces.
• Cut all notches *AWAY* from the fabric, not *toward* the fabric.

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: PREPPING AND CUTTING

DAY 2: SHOULDER SEAMS

DAY 3: NECKLINE and BACK BODICE HEMMING

DAY 4: BACK BODICE CONSTRUCTION

DAY 5:  SLEEVES and SIDE SEAMS

DAY 6:CUFFS,  FRONT BODICE HEM, and SLEEVELESS ARM BANDS