To The Point Top: New Look 6148

This post could also be called “The Top That No one Else Seems To Have Made But I Can’t Tell Why: New Look 6148”.

Now we know I’m a big fan of New Look patterns… Ok so sometimes it doesn’t connect, but mostly I’m in love and they’re my go to pattern company.

This top is a case in point. I love the modern yoke on the main view as well as the sleeve variations on offer. There is a slightly curved centre back seam to offer secret shaping which I like. And the pattern envelope isn’t horrendous either!

I made the straight 8 around the top, sleeves and bust and graded out to a 14 at the hips. I’ve done this so many times on NL patterns I could do it by heart. If I didn’t like cake and cider so much maybe I’d be cutting a straight 8 throughout but let’s call it genetics.

My fabrics are bright blue and black microfibre polyesters from my local market stall. I had about 3/4 of a metre of each in the bottom of my scrap bin.

Throw in an overlocked yoke edge, french seams everywhere else and some “gossamer” cotton (aka super light and silky) bias binding and this top was finished in JUST OVER AN HOUR. Boom!

That includes overlocking the sides of my back bodice and then unpicking it as I changed my mind to using the French seams.

As you can see I went for black on the yoke and back with blue just at the front. There’s so much room for playing with colour and print here. Especially if you’re adding the sleeves.

I seriously cannot understand why there are so few finished versions out there on the Internet. My favourite hobby is checking out how others have made and styled a garment that’s in my sewing queue.

In my mind this is the perfect beginner pattern.

• It has minimal pattern pieces so it quick to cut out and sew.
• It has enough ease to make it semi-loose meaning no major agonising about fit.
• It’s a modern fun pattern that looks great without being too difficult.
• You can totally just pink your seams and go! Or use french seams, overlocking (with your machine or serger) or use a hong kong finish (using seam binding) to add some extra challenge.
• The only mildly tricksy part to this pattern is sewing the V where the yoke meets the bodice, especially if you’re using a slinky fabric; but a) the V is not that steep which makes it easier, b) if you follow the instructions and go slowly it’s totally fine, I often sew these types of seams in two goes to make it even easier, and finally c) if you’re working in a stable fabric like a nice cotton lawn I don’t even think it’d be considered troublesome!

I hope I’ve shown people this pattern is quite a good and quick little make.

 Now it’s time for me to put a lot more clothes on since the weather is rather grim outside, and then I’ll crack on with some more sewing. Hope you’re all wrapped up warm too!