Simplicity 2520

I'm still in a bit of a knit top mode. I mentioned in my last post that I had this thin jersey that I had originally pegged for the Kwik Sew top. Idecided it was too thin for that, but I think it's perfect for this.

This pattern is Simplicity 2520. When I originally purchased this pattern, it was for this knit top. It has interesting lines, and I'm a sucker for an interesting knit top pattern. Somehow, I just never found the perfect fabric for it until now, although I did make the gored skirt from the pattern. But the top - I love the design. It is a mock turtleneck which forms a yoke into which the upper bodice is pleated.

Here are the pleats. You can see the fabric a little better in this shot as well. It is a very thin poly/cotton jersey with a soft gold finish. I think it's perfect for the holidays! Anyway, you can also see that this is quite a snug neckline. The pattern calls for a zipper at center back through the yoke section only. In a firmer, sturdier knit, I think this would be necessary to get the top over your head, but this fabric has about 110% stretch and is very light. A zipper would have weighed down the back and caused ripples, so it is fortunate that I can (just!) get it over my head without it.

As is typical for the Big 4, this pattern has plenty of ease! I cut a straight size 10, although my upper bust puts me in a 12, and my full bust is a 14. Based on the finished pattern measurements printed on the tissue, I went ahead an skipped the FBA, thinking I would prefer the top to have a bit of negative ease. It doesn't, although I do fill out the pleats.

I also really like the sleeve on this top. It is a raglan style, gathered into elastic at the hem, which hits me just past elbow length. The elastic gives my fine jersey a bit of weight, which helps the sleeve hang well. Over all, I am quite pleased with this top, and I'm glad that I chose to use it for this fabric. I definitely think this pattern benefits from a very stretchy, lightweight knit.