Fitting the Agnes sewing pattern

Making the Agnes top and want some extra tips on fitting? This post will cover the most common fitting adjustments you may need when sewing Agnes.

Agnes is now available in printed and PDF formats sizes UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62 / AUS 6-34. As it's designed to be made in stretchy jersey, it's relatively simple to fit. 

In this post we're going to cover:

• Choosing your size
• Lengthening or shortening the bodice or sleeve
• Combining sizes or resizing the bust
• Widening or narrowing the shoulder
• Changing the neckline
• Narrowing or widening the sleeve

However, don't think you have to make all of these adjustments - you may need one or two, or maybe none at all!

Reintroducing Agnes! Back in print in sizes UK 6-34

Exciting news, sewists! By popular demand, our Agnes jersey top sewing pattern is back in print, with our new-and-improved size range which includes 15 sizes, from UK 6 to 34 (US 2-30 / EUR 34-62 / AUS 6-34), and with the addition of sewist and disability advocate Samantha (@PurpleSewingCloud) modelling (yes, you may have previously spied her in Tilly's Make It Simple book too!).

Originally launched in 2015, we thought it was high time we brought this popular design back into print. Why? 

Because it's a wardrobe staple that you will wear again and again - whether layered or solo. 

Because THAT statement ruched sleeve option (swoon).

And because it's a perfect introduction to sewing with stretchy jersey fabrics. You don't even need an overlocker or serger - the instructions will take you step-by-step through sewing the whole thing on a regular sewing machine. And, if you fancy extra help, you can follow Tilly's video lessons in the accompanying online workshop, Learn to Sew Jersey Tops.

ORDER AGNES HERE

SIGN UP TO LEARN TO SEW JERSEY TOPS (includes pattern)

THE PATTERN DESIGN

Irresistibly wearable all year round, Agnes is a versatile addition to your wardrobe that you'll want to sew again and again. But don't just take our word for it - check out the 5000+ makers who have tagged their gorgeous #SewingAgnes makes on Instagram. 

• Close fitting silhouette
• Choice of scoop neckline or ruched sweetheart neckline, both finished with a narrow neckband
• Choice of sleeve lengths - full length or cropped above the elbow
• Optional on-trend ruching at the shoulders
• Can be sewn on a regular sewing machine - no overlocker or serger needed!

ORDER AGNES PATTERN

How to Combine Pattern Sizes

Do your bust, waist or hip measurements fall across different sizes? If so, you can "grade" between sizes to get a perfect fit. Hooray! It's Nikki here, Product Manager and self-confessed fitting nerd here at Tilly and the Buttons, and in this post I'm going to cover how to combine sizes on pattern pieces.

One of the best things about sewing is that you can create clothes that fit your unique body shape. If you have bust, waist and hip measurements that are different sizes, like me, you'll probably have stood in a clothes shop fitting room before, surrounded by a pile of clothes that are too loose on top and too tight across your hips, or vice-versa. Luckily, when it comes to making your own clothes, you can combine pattern sizes to make parts of the garment bigger or smaller to give you a truly bespoke fit. 

When should I combine pattern sizes? 

Now, it might be tempting to combine sizes for the bust, waist and hips on all your patterns, but depending on the fit of the garment you don't always need to do this. 

If you're making a looser fitting garment or a garment that is looser fitting in some areas, you might not need to combine sizes at all. A looser fitting garment will have a lot of "positive ease", meaning the garment (or parts of it) will be much bigger than your body, so a few inches difference in that area won't make much difference to the overall fit. 

So for example, if you're making something with a fitted bust and loose waist and hips, like the Indigo top and dress pattern, and your waist measurement is 2 or 3 sizes different to your bust, then you probably won't need to make any alterations here. The same applies to the hip measurement - the skirt is loose and flowy so a few sizes difference between your body measurements won't affect the fit of the garment. However, if your bust and waist span across more than 3 sizes you might want to consider grading between sizes.

On the other hand, if you're making a garment that is designed to have a closer fit, like the Ness skirt or Etta dress, you will want to grade between sizes at the bust, waist and hip, where applicable, as there is much less ease in these areas.

Please do bear in mind though, if your bust measurement is particularly smaller or larger than the body measurement of the size you have picked, then you might need to do a bust adjustment, as well as combine sizes. Check out our bust adjustments post (coming soon!) for more info!

Most sewing patterns will list the finished garment measurements in their instructions, so if you're a bit unsure whether you need to combine sizes, comparing them against your body measurements will help you decide :) 

Abi's Recent Makes and Sewing Plans

This time last year I was writing a blog post sharing my 1960s-inspired handmade Martha wedding dress with you - how time flies! It's Abi here, the content producer and social media Button. I don't know about you but at the start of the year, I'm always fired up and ready to sew some new projects. I find it easier to sew when the days are longer and there's more daylight in my sewing space. So with lighter days on the horizon, I'm ready to rejuvenate my sew-jo!

Grab a cuppa and let me share my recent makes and some* of my upcoming sewing plans with you:

*The rest is top secret until spring!