Tag: Kwik Sew

Making a Raglan Sleeve Top

Making a raglan sleeve top can be a little confusing at first if you haven’t done it before. I have made a few, but I always have to take my time to make sure I attach the sleeve in the right spot. For this top, I used this Kwik Sew pattern 4041. I used some fabric I’ve had for (many) years.

Kwik Sew 4041

With a raglan sleeve, the sleeve extends to the neckline/collar in one piece. So, there’s no traditional shoulder seam. I hadn’t used this pattern before, but this is one that I had picked up in a recent pattern haul.

K4041 side front view

Although this is an easy pattern to make, this first one took quite a while because I needed to match the stripes. I sewed a size large for this one, but it was a bit too large for me.

Kwik Sew 4041 front

Kwik Sew 4041 back

So, I wanted to make this again because I do like the style. Since I had traced the pattern, it was easy to trace again and make a size medium. I used some leftover fabric I had in my fabric stash and made the next one.

KS 4041 front blk/gray

I think this is a much better fit. I used some leftover Minerva fabric for the body and black ribbed knit for the sleeves. This is a quick top to make when I don’t have to match up any stripes! The black and gray top took me about two hours to make.

K4041 back blk/gray

On the pattern envelope you can see that this is a wider neckline. With that in mind, if you prefer something that’s not quite as wide, I would choose a different pattern. Because of how raglan sleeve tops are made, I would not want to go through the work of altering this particular pattern. I would just choose a different pattern design.

But my original navy blue and green striped is definitely wearable. I simply wear it with a T-shirt or tank underneath. The black and gray is warm and very comfortable (you know I like comfort).

The majority of the time, I do use my serger when I sew knits. I just love how the seams look and hold together when finished off with this. But if you’ve never sewn knits before, or don’t own a serger, not to worry.

You can simply use a zigzag stitch to sew the seams and that will give you the stretch you need for the seams.

Kwik Sew raglan sleeve top 4041 front

I love sewing and wearing knit garments. They are comfortable to wear, easy to pack when traveling and easy to care for. Here’s a previous post on some other knit top patterns I’ve made.

Let me know if you sew knits or are you a bit apprehensive about it? It’s a process that can be much easier than you think!

Here’s a book that I find is full of helpful information and inspiration:

*This post contains affiliate links

5 Reasons to Love Butterick 3460

The minute I put these on, I knew it was love at first wear. Here are my reasons to make this pattern:

1. It’s a super easy pattern to make. Because it’s so easy, that also means it’s quick. Sometimes you don’t have time for lots of detailed sewing. You just want to get a project done.

2. They are stylish and comfortable. I used a rayon challis for this. You want to use a light to medium weight fabric for this so that they will “flow” in the breeze (think palazzo pants without the fullness).

3. Options. This pattern includes pants, capris, shorts, long skirt and knee-length skirt.

4. They have pockets! If you are like me, that’s a detail you’ll appreciate.

5. The straight styling would flatter almost any figure.

That;s all for now. I’m off to find some material in my stash to make the shorts from this pattern!

*The top is from an old Kwik Sew pattern 2948. Here’s the post if you want to check it out.