When I received the printed Envie model by Coralie Bijasson with its 20 variations, I immediately wanted (😂) to suggest making a trio with my two partners!
Envie is a t-shirt pattern that flatters us thanks to its pretty neckline and its knot or ring detail. A t-shirt much more original than the usual ones found in stores. Marie-Hélène and Céline were both excited about the project, so we got started.
Let me tell you about our sewing adventures!
The model
Whether you aspire to make an elegant dress or a casual t-shirt, express your own style with this easy and feminine pattern. Featuring two types of sleeves, you can choose between a clean look or add a touch of femininity with delicately gathered sleeves.
You also have different sleeve lengths to adapt the style to each season.
Summer or winter, this pattern proves to be your essential ally.
Also customize your neckline by choosing between a delicate and feminine knot or a sleek ring for a unique and elegant neckline.
In summary, mix and match sleeve and neckline options to create up to 20 distinct styles to make a piece that reflects you.
Practical information for sewing Envie
Envie is available from size S to 3XL, which corresponds to a bust measurement between 88 and 118cm.
It is a simple pattern classified as level 1 - easy.
It is perfect for those who want to start sewing jersey (stretch knits) but also for more experienced sewers who will enjoy sewing a more original neckline with a clever assembly.
You will find Envie in printed and PDF versions in store or on our website.
Envie comes in 20 versions:
- t-shirt or dress
- short, long, or sleeveless sleeves
- classic or gathered sleeves
- knotted neckline or with ring.
In the sewer’s basket
For this model, you must use a stretch jersey fabric.
You can choose a cotton, viscose, bamboo jersey, a light milano knit...
Your jersey weight should be between 150 and 250 gr/m2 so that your sewing project has structure without being too thick.
To sew, you will also need good quality matching thread, a stretch/jersey needle and a double stretch needle for hems. For those using a serger, you will need to add cones of matching thread.
You can also use a laminette tape to support your neckline seams.
Our supplies
Marie chose to make a t-shirt with a knotted neckline in a 3m coupon of floral and glitter jersey.
Céline opted for a viscose jersey from her personal stash that she sacrificed to create a t-shirt with a ring neckline.
As for me, I also took a piece of floral jersey from a 3m coupon to make a dress for my vacation 😊.
All three of us decided not to add laminette tape in the neckline.
Difficulty level and technical points
Envie is simple to make. The technical points are:
- creating the bust pleats (whether in ring or knot version)
- creating the "little knots" (for the knotted neckline)
- assembling the lining or neckline band (see Marie-Hélène’s experience)
- assembling the sleeves and creating gathers for the gathered sleeve at the shoulder.
- making the hems for sleeve ends and garment bottom
Nothing very complicated if you take your time. You can sew Envie in about 2 to 3 hours, especially if you choose the serger option.
Our sewing experiences
For her next version, Céline will slightly modify the underbust cut by raising it a bit because she has a small bust.
For me, it’s the dress version in the smallest size. I also lined my top like Céline. I hesitated for a long time to do the same finish as Marie-Hélène for the neckline and not line it. However, I do not regret my choice because it is very comfortable and the two layers of jersey at the bust support well; to the point that I think I might be able to wear it without a bra, to be tested!
The next version will have a slightly less deep neckline; I will raise it by 1cm to be more comfortable for a dress version and I will definitely make more t-shirts! Marie-Hélène has already approved, there will be other versions!
As always, Coralie Bijasson’s pattern is well thought out, well cut, and very flattering! We are fans!
We really each love our versions of Envie. Thank you Coralie for this beautiful model!
If you want to start sewing jersey with a serger, we organize courses for that and you can even come sew Envie with us in serger advanced classes 😊.
So let’s go, get your needles ready!
