By Victoria Watkins
In my opinion, part of the beauty of our basics patterns is their simplicity. The efficient construction means that the fabric you choose has a chance to really showcase its own unique qualities. The Tunic in particular has a lovely form that lends itself to flowing, drapey fabrics with an airy sensibility. With this in mind, I've chosen a selection of fabric suggestions for our Basics Tunic. Now I love a loud print and fun fabric (see my Basics Tunic sew along), but I've decided on a little theme for today's collection: each fabric I've chosen is blue!
When I sewed this pattern for myself, I chose a cotton voile for the fabric. We have a number of voiles in stock, and I'm partial to this navy blue organic cotton voile. It is a little sheer, so be mindful of how you style it, but it is really beatuiful and feels wonderful.
Speaking of sheer, this navy silk organza would make for an interesting garment! Layered with a camisole or other layer underneath, naturally.
For lovers of linen, we have a pale blue handkerchief linen that would sew up beautifully into the tunic. It's opaque enough to be modest, but still very slightly sheer. We also have this fabric in white, which we used to make the sample on the model at the top.
Which blue is your favorite? Which would you choose for your own version of the tunic?
Kathryn, Yes, the pattern only fits on wide fabrics, but you can make a center front and back seam to use narrower width fabrics.
Hi Carolyn. Yes, you could make this and run the pattern across the grain, but it is a long pattern as well and might not fit on the fabric that way unless shortened (or in small sizes). And, yes, you can absolutely add in a seam allowance in the center front and back to cut out two front halves and two back halves. That would be fine.
My apologies for posting twice and for the misspelling: French ‘steam,’ when I meant ‘seam.’
This may be too ‘out of the box,’ but I’ll ask it anyway. If it’s a woven fabric, but not 54 – 60" wide, could I place the pattern lengthwise. This assumes the fabric has sufficient drape. Now I’ll go further ‘out of the box’ with a question. What about putting a seam in the front and back pieces, so I can use a very ‘drapy’ rayon I have that has a directional small abstract pattern? I’d consider a small French steam.
Am I crazy with these thoughts? It’s o.k. to say I am. I’m determined to use that fabric.
This may be too ‘out of the box,’ but I’ll ask it anyway. If it’s a woven fabric, but not 54 – 60" wide, could I place the pattern lengthwise. This assumes the fabric has sufficient drape. Now I’ll go further ‘out of the box’ with a question. What about putting a seam in the front and back pieces, so I can use a very ‘drapy’ rayon I have that has a directional small abstract pattern? I’d consider a small French steam.
Am I crazy with these thoughts? It’s o.k. to say I am. I’m determined to use that fabric.
Ooooh!
These fabrics make my mouth water!
I have a piece of the voile, but was disappointed to see that 54"-60" fabric is required for this pattern.
Have I read that correctly?
Thanks for all the fun you send to my inbox, month after month!
Kathryn