The general idea to converting a t-shirt pattern into a gathered yoke (ruffled chest) pattern is:
So I used BabyLock’s Basic T-shirt Pattern (L for a petite size8 me) as the base, and made the following changes to the pattern:
- Split the bodice at 21cm from top of pattern and overlapped 1cm for seam allowance.
- Front bodice width increased by x1.5 for gathering.
- Half-neckline increased to 12x12cm at the front, 12x4cm at the back.
- Planned for a collar facing rather than ribbing.
- Sleeves were changed so the longest part is 23cm, and tapers in by only 1cm.
It worked out well, but next time I’d split the bodice slightly higher at 19 or 20cm.
Also, I would add the 1cm seam allowance vertically straight rather than overlapping the adjoining piece.
When sewing the yoke and gathered piece together, I placed an extra fabric 1cm wide at the back (ie. sandwiched the gathered piece with two flat pieces) so the inside of the top is less rough on the skin.
Collar facing was used instead of ribbing so it looks less casual.
It’s nice and breezy as the front panel is flowy due to the gather. Going bra-less also works as nippy outlines get hidden by the gather (ruffles). It’s a great top for summer 🙂
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