A NEW SEWING PATTERN – ISOSCELES

A new pattern for you today! Isosceles is an oversized boxy shoulder pad tee, perfect for tucking into your favourite high waisted trousers or skirts.

I made a shoulder pad tee for myself earlier this summer, and once I found that I was practically living in it, I set to work developing the pattern for you. Let me show you the tech drawing:

DESIGN DETAILS

• High crew neck
• Extended shoulder with shoulder pads
• Hip length with slightly lowered back hem
• Topstitched centre back seam

FIT

Isosceles has an oversized slouchy fit, with a considerable amount of design ease over and above your bust measurement. This is essential to create the relaxed insouciant look of this style, so consider carefully before downsizing just because the pattern looks larger than usual. For reference, I have a 89cm bust, and cut a size 88cm pattern. If your bust proportion is larger than average, downsizing may be beneficial to retain good shoulder fit.

One thing I was adamant about when developing this pattern was adequate coverage around the underarm. This was a top that I wanted to be able to wear to work without flashing my underwear or wearing another top underneath, so you can be assured that there is decent coverage there.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

All samples were tested using three different qualities of cotton single jersey knit, one having a touch of elastane. Other fabrics can be used but the results may be different. Viscose/rayon single jersey will have more drape but may not conceal the outline of the shoulder pad, or the neckband might need tweaking, so be wary of details such as this when choosing alternative fabrics. Depending on your size and the width of your fabric, you will require .90 to 1.70m of fabric.

You will need a pair of shoulder pads for this style. I used a readily available standard shirt/blouse shoulder pad. Sometimes these are detachable in style and come with a small strip of Velcro, which is quite easy to remove if that is the only type you can find. You can also use a thicker shoulder pad if you desire. A template for the shoulder pad shape is included in the pattern and you can adjust your pad to the exact shape so it fits the drafted shoulder perfectly.

Isosceles can be sewn using any sewing machine that sews zig zag stitches, but if you have access to an overlocker/serger or coverstitcher you will be able to put them to good use too! You will need the right machine needles for sewing knits as well – all these specifics are in the comprehensive sewing instructions that come with your pattern.

PATTERN DETAILS

• 10 sizes – from 80-122cm bust circumference
• PDF format
• Print at home on A4/US Letter sized paper (16 pages), or print at a copy shop on A0/US 36×48″ paper (1 sheet)
• Size layers available – print selected sizes with seam allowances marked, or all sizes.
• The pattern has been designed, drafted and graded by a trained professional with 30 years industry experience.
• The fully illustrated sewing instructions can be printed in booklet form.

Please let me know if you have any more questions about the pattern in the comments below. If you measure outside the size range and would like to buy this pattern, or you require a printed version, you can reach me via the contact page above.

Stand by for some inspiration and styling tips in the next post!