If you’re following Sewaholic blog (which you must!), you must have known that Tasia has just released her latest pattern, The Renfrew Top. It’s a basic knit top pattern with three neckline and sleeve options; and I was lucky to be one of the pattern tester!

It is a simple pattern, easy to sew, yet has a professional and clean result. My favorite part is the sleeve and hem bands, no stretched out hems! You don’t have to use serger to sew the top. My Renfrew top was entirely sewed with zigzag stitch on my Janome set on 0.5-1 on width and 3 on length.

I made size 2 and shortened the bodice and sleeves to fit my body. The pattern calls for fabric with less than 5% spandex content, something that has enough stretch yet quite stable. Double knit will be a perfect choice for this, but I want to make it with something in my stash. I found some double-gauze striped knit and organic terrycloth knit fabric and decided to make two tops, one with a scoop neckline and the latter with V neckline.

As the top is quite simple, it may look like it doesn’t really need any detailed instructions. However, special attention is needed when sewing the neckline band. I was always curious on how to sew a V-neckline, fortunately the sewing instruction was very well-written so I didn’t encounter any difficulties.

The V neckline is a bit too wide for my taste, but it is still fine as I consider this version as my wearable muslin. I really love the striped top with scooped neckline. The double-gauze knit is also very comfortable, it is now one of my favorite top.

This experience as a pattern tester was quite enjoyable! I learned quite a few things like sewing a V neckline and got myself a couple of everyday tops as a result. I think this pattern has a pretty basic yet flattering shape, which makes it very versatile. As I always need some basic top to wear under jackets or other tops, this top perfectly fits my  need!

Pattern is The Renfrew top by Sewaholic, size 2.