It is quite hard to find activewear patterns that suit your style and size. With a few alterations, for me, the Kingsly Top ticks all my requirements.
Kingsly Top features a relaxed fit, curved neckline extending into a sporty racerback, along with a dipped hem.
I have 4 tops in Viscose Jersey and one in a Rib Knit as I feel the softness of the fabric is most suitable for me.
The pattern is available as PDF only now by Sew Over it. It comes in sizes 6 to 20 (bust: 79 cm till 144 cm | hip: 86 cm till 122 cm).
I made a mix of size 10 & 12 for most tops, as the pattern has 2 3/4" of ease in the bust and 11" in the waist. I graded into a size 12 at the hip. I have the following measurements (plus/minus):
- Full Bust 39 1/2" (closer to 14),
- High Bust 37 1/2"
- Waist 35" (between 16 & 18)
- Hip 44" (16)
This pattern has 5 pattern pieces including the racer back and neck and arm band pieces.
My first top, I used a Modal Jersey from Mind The Makers, I think. I made a size 12 for my first version. I felt that the armhole was quite low for me and I wasn't super sure about the curved hem. I felt it wasn't flattering at all for me and made my belly more visible.
My 2nd top, I used a Viscose Jersey bought online at SewSewSew. I have bought this fabric 2-3 times, made regular t-shirts too. I loved the drape of this fabric and it doesn't stretch out after many wears and washes, including higher temperatures.
For this top, I raised the armholes by 1/2" for more cover. As I was writing this, I was wondering if I could shorten the straps too, as the armhole still could be a bit higher.
I do love the gathered racer back! It's very nice and excellent for boxing and lots of movements.
For top 3 & 4, I changed the hem line to be straight but maintained the slit. I like the slit as it's great for movement. But as I mentioned earlier, never thought the curved hem looked good on me.
I simply drew a straight line from the side seam down; and a straight-ish line from the hem across. Where the two met was the new end of the side seam.
I much prefer this look!
As I was writing this blog post, I decided to try another adjustment and shortened the straps by half an inch on the front and the racer back piece. I used one of our new fabrics, a navy Rib Knit, and really pleased with this pattern adjustment and love this fabric for a sporty top. I think, this is the first time I used a rib knit fabric. It's lovely and soft, a bit flimsy to work with.
I do think that the band for neckline and armhole are too long! For the last top, in navy rib knit, I cut the normal size 10 and shorten them by 2 1/2". My recommendation is to measure the armhole/neckline and take away 15% if you use Cotton Jersey and 25-30% if you sew the top with Viscose Jersey or Rib Knit.
I have an another rib knit in black that I want to try out for this top and a pair of leggings. I also like the idea using scraps of the pink and black fabrics to make a colour-blocked version. I am not sure if I have enough left to make it work.
Thanks for hanging out with me. Have you made the activewear before?
Happy Sewing!
Maria
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