Butterick 5493 Sleeveless Top Pattern Review

 

Butterick 5493 Pattern Description:
Sleeveless tops with four neckline variations- draped, asymmetrical drape, cowl, and ruffle. The ruffle variation is for a knit. The other three are for wovens. The top has bust darts.

Pattern Sizing: Misses 8-24.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I made View C which has the asymmetrical front drape. The pattern of the fabric on the neck drape somehow managed to line up almost perfectly with the top piece, so you have to look closely at the photo to even see the extra piece of fabric there.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, it was quite easy to sew.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I just love each and every style in this pattern! I think each one is a great unique variation on a standard tank top. The pattern calls for stretch wovens or crepe for views a-c. I did not use a stretch woven, but my fabric did have a lot of "give".

Fabric Used: A wild jungle print silk charmeuse. Luscious to wear. I've worn it several times already this summer. The only problem with it, and you can see this in the photo, is that the charmeuse is weighty enough to pull the neckline down further on the one side that the drape is longer. It doesn't bother me, but if you want the neckline to stay symmetrical with this view, you'd need a lighter weight fabric to pull it off. You will need something that you can narrow hem fairly easily if you want to make one of the views with the draped fronts.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did a 1-1/2 inch full bust adjustment at the dart level. I also lengthened it 2 inches. The pattern calls for prepackaged bias tape to bind the armholes. I made my own bias tape from the charmeuse for this purpose. I couldn't see using that stiff prepackaged stuff on such a fluid fabric.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, and yes. I want to make each and every view in this pattern. As LynnRowe says that knit tops are her sewing "snack", I think I will make this one my sewing "snack"- something to use up those short cuts of fabric that I can finish in a couple of hours.

Conclusion: Love this pattern! Quick, unique and fun to wear. My fabric was $10/yard, and the pattern calls for 1-5/8 yards of 45" fabric, so with pattern, fabric and thread, the top cost under $20.