A few weeks ago, we started a collaboration with the sewing pattern brand Isa In Stiches... I must say I really love her comfortable, modern designs!
The Nikka trousers, the Mistral and Lirio tops, the Rebecca t-shirt, the pinafore dress... Several models were catching my eye even while I was uploading them to our platform!
I had to make a choice to get started, and I wanted to sew a simple, effective little piece for the warmer days, so I chose the Lirio top.
I invite you to discover my sewing adventure and the lovely Patterns from Isa In Stiches!
The pattern
The Lirio top immediately won me over with its pretty neckline shape. This flared, sleeveless summer top is really easy to make for anyone looking to get started in garment sewing. It is unlined, but features lovely facings and bias tape finishes for the armholes. To gently define the waist, small ties are included at the back.
It slips on from the front thanks to a closure of about 9 buttons.
This top is truly cute and feminine, with beautiful princess seams that shape the bust beautifully. A really nice top that flatters so many body shapes!
Practical information
In the sewist's basket
Isa recommends woven fabrics for making the Lirio top, such as linen, linen-Viscose blends, cotton poplin, Denim, light Gabardine...
It's up to you whether you prefer a more "structured" garment or something lighter and softer.
Fabric requirements: 60cm to 85cm in a 140cm width depending on your size.
To this, you will need to add:
- interfacing suitable for your fabric
- matching bias tape
- approx. 9 buttons
- matching thread
For those who plan to finish their inside seams with an overlocker, add matching overlocker thread cones.
Finally, for those who, like me, don't want the hassle of making button loops from scratch, you can buy elastic button loop tape 😊
My supplies
I chose to make my top in a lovely floral Japanese fabric from the shop. I only had a length of 1m by 1.10m width, but everything fitted easily for a size 36.
It's a cotton-linen blend that gives it good structure without being too stiff.
I selected H200 interfacing for the facings.
I also chose a lilac bias tape and glittery mauve buttons.
For the button loops, I used a blue elastic loop tape.
Cutting the fabric
Sewing the princess seams
Sewing the back waist ties
Technical points
The Lirio top is rated easy by Isa In Stiches, and I agree with this classification, even though you will learn some interesting techniques along the way 😊
The technical points are:
- sewing the back ties
- sewing the princess seams
- sewing the facing
- applying double-fold bias binding
- applying an elastic loop tape for buttonholes or creating fabric loops
- hemming technique
Nothing insurmountable 😊 and a quick, easy project to sew in half a day with great finishing details!
Applying the elastic button loop tape
Attaching the facing
Applying the double-fold bias tape
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'm glad I did, because size 38 was too large for me, so I went back to a size 36 with a small adjustment on the front, as I wanted the top to fit snugly and have the buttons and loops perfectly aligned down the centre front. So a little tip: double-check your measurements, and if you're between sizes, don't hesitate to size down 😊.
As for the rest, everything went like clockwork!
I simply swapped the handmade fabric loops for elastic button loop tape, and I chose to bind the edge of the facing with bias tape, as I feel it gives a much nicer finish than a simple overlock stitch.
I adore this sweet little top! It's super easy to wear on its own or layered over a white shirt.
