A few weeks ago, we started a collaboration with the sewing pattern brand Isa In Stiches... I must say I really like their comfortable and modern designs!
The Nikka pants, the Mistral and Lirio tops, the Rebecca t-shirt, the pinafore dress... Several models caught my eye even while I was entering them on our platform!
I had to choose where to start and I wanted to sew a simple and effective little piece for the warm days and I chose the Lirio top.
I invite you to discover my sewing journey and the beautiful patterns from Isa In Stiches!
The pattern
The Lirio top immediately won me over with its pretty neckline cut. This sleeveless summer top with a flared cut is really easy to make for those who want to start sewing clothing. It is unlined but has pretty facing and bias binding finishes on the armholes. To slightly define the waist, small ties to knot are provided at the back.
It is put on from the front thanks to a front closure with about 9 buttons.
This top is really cute and feminine with beautiful princess seams that shape the bust. A really nice top that flatters many body shapes!
Practical information
In the seamstress's basket
Isa recommends woven fabrics to make the Lirio top such as linen, linen viscose blends, cotton poplin, denim, light gabardine...
It’s up to you to decide if you want a more "stiff" and structured garment or a more "flowy" and light one.
Fabric requirements are: 60cm to 85cm with a width of 140cm depending on your size
To that we add:
- some fusible interfacing suitable for your fabric
- some bias tape to match
- about 9 buttons
- some matching thread
For those who will overlock their inner seams, add some matching cones.
Finally, for those like me who don’t want to bother making button loops, you can buy an elastic trim 😊
My supplies
I chose to make my top from a pretty Japanese floral fabric from the shop. I only had 1m by 1.10m wide, but it fit easily for size 36.
It’s a cotton-linen blend that gives structure without being too stiff.
I chose H200 interfacing for the facings.
I also selected a lilac bias tape and purple glitter buttons.
For the button loops, I used a blue elastic trim.
Cutting the fabric
Sewing the princess seams
Sewing the back drawstring ties
Technical points
The Lirio top is rated easy by Isa In Stitches and I agree with this rating even though you will learn some interesting techniques 😊
The technical points are:
- sewing the back ties
- sewing the princess seams
- sewing the facing
- applying the bias tape over the edge
- attaching an elastic trim for buttonholes or making loops
- hemming technique
Nothing insurmountable 😊 and a small, easy project to sew in half a day but with top-notch finishes!
Attaching the elastic trim for the buttonhole
Attaching the facing
Applying the bias tape over the edge
My sewing experience
Since it was my first time sewing this brand, I chose to make a toile of the bodice in size 38 to check the fit.
I made the right choice because size 38 was too big for me, so I went back to a size 36 with a small adjustment at the front since I wanted the top to fit well and for the buttons and buttonholes to be perfectly aligned in the center front. So a little tip: check your size carefully, and if you’re between two sizes, don’t hesitate to size down 😊.
For the rest, everything went smoothly!
I simply replaced the loops with an elastic trim and chose to apply a bias tape over the edges of the facing because I find it gives a much nicer finish than a simple overlock stitch.
I love this cute little top, easy to wear alone or over a white shirt.
Tutorial in French
As promised, here is the simplified assembly range in French (as usual, I don’t include the ironing and overlocking steps...)
1. Interfuse the facing pieces
2. Prepare the back ties and sewing
3. Place the back ties on the center back at the markings and secure
4. Sew the center back with the back sides (watch out for the ties), sew the front centers with the front sides along the princess seams
5. Sew the shoulders and sides of the garment
6. Assemble the facing at the shoulders and apply the bias tape on top if desired
7. Sew the loops or attach the elastic trim on the center front
8. Sew the facing to the garment, clip and turn to the inside of the garment (press well)
9. Apply the hidden (or top) bias tape to the armholes
10. Make a hem at the bottom of the garment
Ta-da, it’s finished... I told you it was easy!
So, what do you think of this little top? I love it ❤️ and honestly, since it fits in less than a meter of Japanese fabric, I think it will be great for using up my fabric scraps!
You’re likely to see quite a few of them in the shop 😂
Want to sew Lirio? Find all the patterns by Isa in Stiches here and all our beautiful Japanese fabrics here.
Don't dare to start garment sewing? Why not join the course with us? The first garment course will get you started so you’re no longer afraid to sew and wear clothes suited to your body shape and desires!
