@NOTYOURCHERRYDESIGNS

Women's Basics
Boat Neck Top
Sewing Pattern and Instructions

SIZE UK2-18

BEGINNER FRIENDLY
www.notyourcherrydesigns.etsy.com
 Women's Basics:
Boat Neck Top
Recommended stretch fabric e.g. cotton/polyester/viscose/rayon lycra
Fabric: NOTE: The fit of the garment is high dependent on your chosen
fabric's stretch qualities. The short and long sleeve options require
4-way stretch fabric with at least 65% stretch percentage. For the
sleeveless option, you can opt for either 2- or 4-way stretch with at
least 50% stretch percentage.
For help calculating the stretch percentage of your fabric, refer to the 'Helpful
Resources' section.
The tops are unlined; ensure the fashion fabric of your choice is
opaque.

The following fabric estimates have been calculated on fabric with a width of 140cm (55", 1.65yd):

UK2-8 UK10-18

Cropped 45cm, 18", 0.5yd Cropped 50cm, 20", 0.55yd

Mid-Length 55cm, 22", 0.6yd Mid-Length 60cm, 24", 0.65yd
Long 60cm, 24", 0.65yd Long 65cm, 26", 0.7yd

inches and yardage have been rounded up

*NOTE: The optional sleeve (long and short) and facing pattern pieces have not been included in the
above estimates. If you would like to opt for a sleeve and/or facing, add the below estimates to the
estimates from the table above:

Long Sleeve 75cm, 29.5", 0.85yd

Short Sleeve 20cm, 8", 0.2yd
Facing 35cm, 14", 0.4yd

Required fabric
Materials: fold-over elastic (width: 1cm, ⅜") or stretch bias binding
sewing machine pins
overlocker (optional) hand needle (optional)
thread twin needle (optional)
scissors iron

FABRIC: 140cm, 55" width, folded twice

fold fold

selvage edge selvage edge

selvage edge selvage edge

fold fold

Use the above layouts to cut your fabric. Omit or replace any pattern pieces you would like.
The layout is the same for all length options.
size guide sizes UK2-18

To find your size, measure your waist (A) and hips (B). If you are between sizes, opt for the larger size
and adjust the fit as you sew.
If you are in between sizes, opt for the larger size.
If only your bust measurement is larger, opt for the larger size.
If only your waist measurement is larger, opt for the smaller size

BODY MEASUREMENTS

A
UK 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
B

76cm 80cm 84cm 88cm 92cm 96cm 100cm 104cm 108cm

BUST (A)
29 ¹⁵⁄₁₆" 31 ½" 33 ¹⁄₁₆" 34 ⅝" 36 ¼" 37 ¹³⁄₁₆" 39 ⅜" 40 ¹⁵⁄₁₆" 42 ½"

58cm 62cm 66cm 70cm 74cm 78cm 82cm 86cm 90cm

WAIST (B)
22 ¾" 24 ⅜" 26" 27 ½" 29 ⅛" 30 ¾" 32 ¼" 34" 35 ½"

*inches have been rounded up to the nearest fraction

SIZE CONVERSIONS

UK 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

US 00 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

EU 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46

GARMENT MEASUREMENTS

UK 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
A

61.5cm 65.5cm 69.5cm 73.5cm 77.5cm 81.5cm 85.5cm 89.5cm 93.5cm B

BUST (A)
22 ¹⁄₁₆" 23 ⅝" 25 ³⁄₁₆" 26 ¾" 28 ⅜" 29 ¹⁵⁄₁₆" 31 ½" 33 ¹⁄₁₆" 34 ⅝"

53cm 57cm 61cm 65cm 69cm 73cm 77cm 81cm 85cm

WAIST (B)
20 ⅞" 22 ⁷⁄₁₆" 24" 25 ⁹⁄₁₆" 27 ³⁄₁₆" 28 ¾" 30 ⁵⁄₁₆" 31 ⅞" 33 ½"

*inches have been rounded up to the nearest fraction

pattern variations

This sewing pattern comes with three length options: long; mid-length; cropped.

LONG MID-LENGTH CROPPED

An optional long and short sleeve pattern has also been included and can be used for any length
option.

Three long sleeve lengths have been included: petite; standard; tall.
From Petite to Standard to Tall, the long sleeve pattern increases by 2.5cm, 1" in length.

To determine which length option is best suited for you, choose the option that best matches to
your height listed below:

PETITE 152-160cm, 5'-5'3"

STANDARD 160-172cm, 5'3"-5'7.5"
TALL 172-180cm, 5'7.5"-5'10.5"

The dresses in the listing images use fold-over elastic to finish the neckline as well as the armholes (for
the sleeveless option). If you do not have fold-over elastic, you can opt to make your own stretch bias
binding instead or opt for a facing.
Facing pattern pieces are also included in this pattern for the sleeveless option only; please note,
however, there are NO written instructions on how to sew the facing. Please use this YouTube video
as a guide on how to sew the facing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy289O0EJpQ&t=908s
title: SUPER NEAT & CLEAN finish. All in one facing for neckline & armholes. 2 ways! Features Sentosa Tank,
by Lifting Pins and Needles
printing
This sewing pattern comes in various printable formats: A4 / US Letter for homeprinting and
A0 for copyshop printing.

These files are layered. To access your specific size,

Open the pattern using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If

you do not have this installed in your desktop,
download it for free using this link (Windows & Mac
only!):
https://get.adobe.com/reader/

Select your size and turn off unecessary layers in the

Layers panel.

Do not scale the pattern. Print the pattern using the Actual size or No scaling option. To
ensure the print settings are correct, print the first page and measure the test scale.

A4, US Letter Assembly Layout

The A4, US Letter assembly layout for each design and length option differs and can be
found on the first page of each file.
The optional sleeve and facing patterns can be found in separate files so you may decide
what you would like to print and sew. The assembly layout can also be found on the first
page of each file.

To assemble the A4 or US letter format of this pattern, trim along the lines of each page.

Tape the sheets together, leaving no gaps. All the sheets are numbered;
use the Assembly Layout image to piece together the sewing pattern.
No lines should be visible after assembling the pattern. Use the stars to
help correctly align the pages.
pattern symbols helpful resources

grain line How to Calculate Stretch Percentage

by MEGAN NIELSON PATTERNS
When cutting out the panels from your fabric of
https://blog.megannielsen.com/2015/08
choice, the grainline should be parallel to the
fabric's selvage edge. /how-to-calculate-stretch-percentage/

12 Tips for Sewing Stretch Fabric

by TREASURIE
https://blog.treasurie.com/sew-stretch-
cut on fold
fabric-sewing-knits/

The fabric should be folded on the grainline. The Sewing Fold-Over Elastic: 5 Tips for
pattern piece edge labelled 'CUT ON FOLD' Success (video)
should lie on the fabric's folded edge.
by THE LAST STITCH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=sd1Q7ohENb8&ab_channel=TheLastStitch
notch
Sewing Glossary: How To Draft And Sew
When cutting out your fabric pieces, mark all
An All-In-One Facing
pattern notches on your fabric pieces by snipping
3mm, ⅛" in the seam allowance. Make sure all by FABRICS-STORE
notches match up when sewing the fabric pieces https://blog.fabrics-
together. store.com/2018/10/17/sewing-glossary-how-
to-draft-and-sew-an-all-in-one-facing/

tips (for beginners!)

seam allowance
Before cutting and sewing, pre-shrink your This sewing pattern has a visible seam
fabric by washing it. Natural fiber fabrics shrink allowance of 1cm, ⅜" and hem allowance of
a significant amount after the initial wash. 2cm, ¾" — the outer line indicates the seam and
When sewing with stretch fabrics, opt for a zig- hem allowances.
zag stitch. Straight stitches tend to pop and NOTE: Due to how short the short sleeve option
break when being stretched. is. there is no added hem allowance. To finish
the raw edge, use fold-over elastic or stretch
Press after each seam sewn. Pressing as you go binding.
will ensure a clean and accurate finish to your
final garment. instruction key
Stitching or sewing a seam requires
backstitching at the beginning and end of the
stitch unless otherwise stated. right side
When sewing visible stitches, such as
hemming the garment, opt for a longer stitch
length setting for a more visually appealing wrong side
look.

Always sew a toile or mock-up with scrap stitch (sew)

fabric similar to the suggested fabric before
sewing with your fashion fabric to adjust any
fitting issues. Bodies vary in shape! finished edge (overlock or zig-zag)
 sewing instructions
method 1: sleeveless
2 FINISH THE BOTTOM
EDGES OF THE PANELS
*The instructions are the same for all pattern variations.
This step is optional as stretch fabrics do not fray.
Using an overlocker, finish the bottom edges of the
front and back panels. If you do not have an

1 CUT OUT THE PATTERN

PIECES FROM FABRIC
overlocker, opt for a zig-zag stitch.

For the fold-over elastic finish option, cut the

pattern pieces along the dotted lines to remove
the seam allowances.

paper pattern paper pattern

(front) (back)

In total, you should have 2 pieces cut from the

stretch fashion fabric of your choice:
1x Front Panel cut on fold
1x Back Panel cut on fold
3 SEW ONE SHOULDER
SEAM SHUT

Ensure all notches are snipped or marked with a With the right sides of the front and back panels
fabric marker. facing, sew the side seam shut.

Finish the seam with an overlocker or wide zig-zag

stitch (optional). Press the seam towards the back
panel.
 5 SEW THE OTHER
SHOULDER SEAM SHUT

With the right sides of the front and back panel

facing, sew the other shoulder seam shut. The fold-
over elastic on the front panel should align with
the elastic on the back panel.

Do not sew the other shoulder seam — leave it

open.

4 SEW FOLD -OVER

ELASTIC TO NECKLINE
Finish the seam with an overlocker or wide zig-zag
If you do not have fold-over elastic, you can opt to make and
stitch (optional). Press the seam towards the back
use stretch bias binding instead. To make your own, refer to
panel.
Treasurie’s blog post ‘How To Make Bias Binding Tape’:
https://blog.treasurie.com/how-to-make-bias-binding-tape/
Prepare the fold over elastic by pressing it in half at
the fold line. The right side of the elastic should be
facing outwards.
From the right side of the garment, enclose the
raw edge of the neckline with the fold over elastic
(or stretch binding), starting at the open seam (1).
Using a stretch stitch (e.g. a narrow zig-zag stitch),
sew the fold over elastic to the neckline. Sew as
close to the edge as possible and slightly tug at the
elastic while sewing any curves.
You will need to slightly tug at the elastic while sewing on curves
in order for the garment to sit flat against the body. Be sure to
not stretch the elastic too much as this will cause puckering! If it
is your first time sewing with fold over elastic, it is
recommended practice first using a scrap piece of fabric.

1. 6 SEW FOLD-OVER
ELASTIC TO ARMHOLES

Prepare the fold-over elastic by pressing it in half

at the fold line. The right side of the elastic should
be facing outwards.
From the right side of the garment, enclose the
raw edge of the armhole with the fold-over elastic
(or stretch binding), starting at the open seam (1).
Using a stretch stitch (e.g. a narrow zig-zag stitch),
sew the fold over elastic to the armhole. Sew as
close to the edge as possible and slightly tug at the
elastic while sewing any curves.
 1.

front

Finish the seam with an overlocker.

back

Repeat this for the other armhole.

7 SEW THE SIDE SEAMS

SHUT 8 SEW THE HEM

With the right sides of the front and back panels Press the hem up by 2cm, ¾".
facing, sew the side seams shut. For 2-way stretch From the right side of the garment, sew 1.6mm, ⅝"
fabric, you can opt for a straight stitch; if your from the edge to secure the hem using a stretch
fabric is 4-way stretch, you will need to use a stitch of your choice. Alternatively, opt for a twin
stretch stitch (e,g. a narrow zig-zag stitch). needle for a more professional finish.
 And we're done!

An optional facing pattern pieces have been

included — however, there are no written
instructions. For a guide on how to sew the facing
finish instead of the fold-over elastic, refer to the
YouTube video below.

Check out out Lifting Pins and Needles' YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy289O0EJpQ&t=908s
(title: SUPER NEAT & CLEAN finish. All in one facing for neckline
& armholes. 2 ways! Features Sentosa Tank.)
 sewing instructions
method 2: sleeves
2 FINISH THE BOTTOM
EDGES OF THE PANELS
*The instructions are the same for all pattern variations and
This step is optional as stretch fabrics do not fray.
sleeve lengths.
Using an overlocker, finish the bottom edges of the
front and back panels. If you do not have an

1 CUT OUT THE PATTERN

PIECES FROM FABRIC
overlocker, opt for a zig-zag stitch.

For the fold-over elastic finish option, cut the

pattern pieces along the dotted lines to remove
the seam allowances.

paper pattern paper pattern

(front) (back)

In total, you should have 2 pieces cut from the

stretch fashion fabric of your choice:
1x Front Panel cut on fold
1x Back Panel cut on fold
2x Sleeves mirrored (1 left, 1 right)
Ensure all notches are snipped or marked with a
fabric marker.
3 SEW ONE SHOULDER
SEAM SHUT

With the right sides of the front and back panels

facing, sew the side seam shut.

Finish the seam with an overlocker or wide zig-zag

stitch (optional). Press the seam towards the back
panel.
 If it is your first time sewing with fold over elastic, it is
recommended practice first using a scrap piece of fabric.

1.

Finish the seam with an overlocker or wide zig-zag

stitch (optional). Press the seam towards the back
panel.

5 SEW THE OTHER

SHOULDER SEAM SHUT

With the right sides of the front and back panel

facing, sew the other shoulder seam shut. The fold-
over elastic on the front panel should align with
the elastic on the back panel.
Do not sew the other shoulder seam — leave it
open.

4 SEW FOLD -OVER

ELASTIC TO NECKLINE

If you do not have fold-over elastic, you can opt to make and
use stretch bias binding instead. To make your own, refer to
Treasurie’s blog post ‘How To Make Bias Binding Tape’:
https://blog.treasurie.com/how-to-make-bias-binding-tape/
Finish the seam with an overlocker or wide zig-zag
Prepare the fold over elastic by pressing it in half at
stitch (optional). Press the seam towards the back
the fold line. The right side of the elastic should be
panel.
facing outwards.
From the right side of the garment, enclose the
raw edge of the neckline with the fold over elastic
(or stretch binding), starting at the open seam (1).
Using a stretch stitch (e.g. a narrow zig-zag stitch),
sew the fold over elastic to the neckline. Sew as
close to the edge as possible and slightly tug at the
elastic while sewing any curves.
You will need to slightly tug at the elastic while sewing on curves
in order for the garment to sit flat against the body. Be sure to
not stretch the elastic too much as this will cause puckering!
6 SEW THE SIDE SEAMS
SHUT
For the long sleeve option, fold the hem up by
2cm, ¾” and press. From the right side of the
garment, sew 1.6cm, ⅝" from the edge to secure
the hem using a stretch stitch of your choice.
Alternatively, opt for a twin needle for a more
With the right sides of the front and back panels professional finish. Do this for both sleeves.
facing, sew the side seams shut. For 2-way stretch
fabric, you can opt for a straight stitch; for 4-way
stretch, you will need to use a stretch stitch (e,g. a
narrow zig-zag stitch).

For the short sleeve option, the hem is too narrow

to be pressed up and sewn. Instead, to finish the
raw edge, sew a strip of fold-over elastic or stretch
binding to the hem.

Fiinish the seam using an overlocker or wide zig-

zag stitch (optional).

With the right sides of the sleeves facing, pin and

sew the sleeves using a stretch stitch.

Finish the seam with an overlocker or wide zig-zag

stitch (optional).
Press the seam allowance towards the back (the
side marked with two notches).

Repeat this for the other sleeve.

To sew the sleeve to the bodice, turn the bodice to

the wrong side facing out and the sleeves right

7 SEW THE SLEEVES side facing out. Insert the sleeve into the bodice,
right sides touching and pin the sleeve in place so
that all notches and seams align.

Due to how narrow the sleeve opening is, it would The center notch of the sleeve should match the
be easier to hem the sleeve before sewing it. shoulder seam of the bodice, and the seam of the
sleeve should match the side seam of the bodice.
 8 SEW THE HEM

Press the hem up by 2cm, ¾".

From the right side of the garment, sew 1.6mm, ⅝"

from the edge to secure the hem using a stretch
stitch of your choice. Alternatively, opt for a twin
needle for a more professional finish.

And we're done!

Sew the sleeve to the bodice, beginning at the

underarm/side seam. Ensure all seams are laying
flat in the correct direction when sewing.

Finish the seam with an overlocker. Press the

seam so that it is laying towards the sleeve and
away from the body of the garment.
Repeat this for the other sleeve.