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You'll notice that the pattern photographs look a little different this month! Due to Covid-19, we had to cancel this photoshoot, and members of the Seamwork team volunteered to sew this month's patterns and photograph while practicing social distancing.
If you're still on a quest for the perfect fitted T-shirt, meet Orlando. This knit tee hugs your body in all the right places.
Orlando has a scoop neck and cap sleeves. You need to use knits with 4-way stretch and good recovery so this tee keeps its figure-hugging shape, such as cotton or bamboo jersey and ITY knits.
Meg (in blue) is wearing a size 8 Orlando shirt. Her measurements are 36”, 33" and she is 5'6".
Robin (in lavender) is wearing a size 4 Orlando top graded to a 6 at the waist. Her measurements are 34 1/2”, 32” and she is 5'4".
Wallis (in navy) is wearing a size 2 Orlando bodysuit blended to a 4 at the waist and a 6 at the hips. Her measurements are 34”, 28”, 38” and she is 5'4".
Sienna (in beige) is wearing a size 6 Orlando top. Her measurements are 36", 28" and she is 5'2."
Tutorials to Build Your Skills
Here are some tutorials and articles that will help you sew the Orlando tee.
Sew a Knit Tee: Learn how to sew the Orlando tee step-by-step with this new video class.
Bonus pattern: The member bonus this month turns the Orlando tee into a sleek bodysuit with snaps at the crotch and 3/4-length sleeves.
Sew Knits Without a Serger: Simple tips for using your home sewing machine to sew knit fabrics.
A Guide to Coverstitch Machines: A comprehensive guide to using and purchasing a coverstitch machine. By Melissa Fehr.
Color Block Your Knitwear: How to color-block and customize knitwear by designing and drafting your own style lines.
Perfectly Fitted Knits: Get knit-picky with fitting, by Katie Whittle.
Shop for Fabric
There are two qualities to look for when you are choosing a knit fabric for the Orlando tee: stretch and recovery. This tee is fitted, so you want a knit with 4-way stretch (about 50% is ideal, and you can use the stretch guide in the instructions to test your fabric) and a strong recovery. Knits with strong recovery usually have spandex so that they do not lose their shape when stretched over your body. They snap back into place!
Some knits to consider are jerseys, like cotton or bamboo, and ITY. These knits are soft, stretchy, and tend to have good recovery.
Love the samples in this month’s issue? Here is where we sourced the fabric.
Wallis used navy jersey knit from her fabric stash.
Get the Perfect Fit
