Like almost everyone who sews it seems, I love the True Bias Nikko top. However, I think the Monroe Turtleneck is a great companion pattern to the Nikko and if you like turtle/mock neck tops, it is worth having a go at both of these patterns. I love the Nikko as a base layer but find it too form fitting to wear as a top on its own. The Monroe has a looser fit and the dropped shoulder adds to the more relaxed/wearable feel. The neck band is quite tall and feels really nice worn up or folded over. The instructions are good and include steps to adjust the pattern if you are working with a firmer knit fabric. I will wear the Monroe both as a layer and on its own as a top so for me I can see this being a more versatile pattern than the Nikko. The only criticism would be that there are only three sizes included in the pattern to cover a wide range of body measurements. Also the sleeve piece is one size only which suprised me.
I’ve had some thick Sherpa fabric in my stash for a couple of years now and I finally decided to cut into it.
The pattern is great and the instructions are good, but it was very tricky using a heavier fabric. Som of the seams become very bulky and you have to trim them down as you go, but even then it was a struggle to get them through my machine.
The seam allowances are 3/8” but I think 5/8” might have been easier. The instructions are clear, although I did get a little confused attaching the sleeve lining to the shell fabric so had to google a video tutorial.
If you’re feeling brave then it really is a great pattern, but there were several points where I wanted to put it to the side and not finish. However that was completely down to the fabric not the pattern
Nice pattern
Nice pattern
Nice pattern
Nice pattern
I made the size 2, round neck, mini with a large hem of 3 inches.
Love wearing it.
Would defo recommend. If you make the dress with a heavy fabric. I would use a lighter fabric for the facings.
Firstly, this is good value for money as you get 3 patterns in this bundle. What the blurb does not tell you, and which you only discover one you’ve bought the pattern, is that this ONLY offers instructions for sewing with pre quilted fabric.
There are no instructions for quilting fabric, creating a reversible jacket or for lining the jacket should you wish to use a different fabric for the inside. This was super frustrating and I had to turn to other pattern instructions and YouTube for help.
The instructions are confusing in their layout and they are also unclear. They lack specific details which a beginner would need, such as RST (and not clear from photographs which use fabric which is the same colour on each side for the coat, for e.g.).
The pattern offers no alternatives (binding or French seams) and is short on explanation.
All in all it’s a good pattern in terms of design and content. The construction could be simpler (inserting the sleeves) and the instructions are frustrating. I would make this again but change the construction and use methods from different pattern instructions as I have done with this make.
It is NOT for beginners!
I'll start off with the positive, this is a well drafted and unusual pattern and I love the final result. The fact you can use woven fabric for the main body makes it very versatile. The sizing is good, I made the short version and choose the size nearest to my waist measurement. It hit just above my hip bone. There is a decent amount of ease, so I can layer it over winter clothes and do it up without a problem, but it's not so large it looks silly. My bust is a D cup (both dressmakers and bra size) which put me in a bigger size, but there is plenty of room in the cardigan due to the style. If you are making a thin cardy to layer over a summer/party dress I would size down.
I used a faux fur knit for the body, waistband and cuffs ( it only had 35% stretch, not the 50% required by the pattern, but it worked fine) and stretch velvet (15% stretch) for the collar and front bands. The fur fabric was as always, a bit of nightmare to sew - fluff everywhere and the narrow seam allowance and the difficulty of finding the edge of the fabric, in amongst all the fluff, wasn't ideal, but worth it
I will definitely make this again, I already have some lovely wool/cotton rib knit lined up. If I make another in a heavier fabric I will consider adding a zip in the front, to make it into bomber jacket/cardigan hybrid.
So to the negatives, the instructions, ugh! I didn't love the instruction style, the drawings weren't great but overall they were passable. However the main problem with the instructions is the way the short ends of the collar (round neck version) and front bands are finished, it is horrible ( I would go as far as to say just plain wrong), it would look awful. If you just turn over the raw ends to the wrong side of the cardigan and stitch as instructed, then every time the cardigan falls open you will see the raw edges, which is not going to look good. They don't even tell you to finish the ends, if the knit you have chosen, frays (most don't but cheaper ones often get bobbly and 'stringy' if the edges are left raw) then it will look even worse.
To rectify this, just before attaching the collar and bands to the main body, you sew the short sides of the collar and bottom of the front bands,( folded wrong sides together) and then clip corner and turn them out to the right side, before attaching them. You will need to match the bottom of the cardigan waistband to the bottom of the front band (i.e. don't leave the 2.5cm overhang shown in the instructions) and similarly with the front bands and the collar. This way both sides of the bands will look neat.
This is a fairly simple pattern and therefore should be fairly beginner friendly, however the narrow seam allowance means that precision is required and this is complicated by the fact that there is gathering involved, plus buttonholes (more tricky on a knit - though you could use poppers) and the less than idea instructions. If you're completely new to knits and/or sewing, I wouldn't start with this pattern, try one of Tilly and the Buttons knit patterns (or even better, the Stretch book) they have superb instructions.
I made the dress from red satin polyester (very cheap at my local Boyes) with the bra cups made from some left over scraps of red velvet and voile pleated over the top.
I found the pattern easy to follow. Didn't make any adjustments, didn't even make a toile.
I made it to wear at a fancy restaurant on our honeymoon and it was perfect for that!
I'd love to make it again, but I'd probably want it to be a little less "raunchy" for every day use!! I'd make it longer, use some fabric with a bit of give in it or possibly lose the sleeves (it felt quite fitted and didn't feel I had full movement of my arms!). I'd also add pockets.
Overall, a really great pattern and quite unusual design.
I’m obsessed! My 2nd project and it went smoothly, easy to follow instructions with diagrams to help! Didn’t take very long to make even with learning how to do pin tucks for the first time! Highly recommend!
Great pattern pdf download so no postage
I'm thrilled with my finished Paynter Jacket, and very proud of the finish I have achieved on what is the most advanced garment I have made to date. I made the size S with some adjustments for a women's fit, but didn't bother reversing the way the jacket buttons up. I would say the jacket is time-consuming to sew rather than difficult, and the video walking you through the pocket and placket construction was brilliant. I used an 8oz sanded twill and 11 wale corduroy for the collar and elbow patches, both from Merchant and Mills. There is a more in-depth review with additional photos on my blog here: https://mintbutton.co.uk/2025/11/16/paynter-jacket/
Another well drafted pattern from Tessuti. I ran mine up in a satin mix but could also be in a thicker fabric as the pattern photos. I like that the pattern can be made in different lengths as well as different fabrics and can see me making it again.
I really like the Talvikki Sweater by Named. This was both an interesting and quick sew. The sweater comes together very smoothly. The darts on the front and back necklines are interesting to do and create subtle detail and shaping. The deep split at the sides are also a nice detail and make the sweater very comfortable to wear and easy to fit. There is quite a bit of ease included in the pattern - I sized down one size and I'm happy with the finished garment. The pattern does not tell you whether to use a zig zag or straight stitch for the darts but I found that the straight stitch worked best. There is no cuffing on the sleeve which is a bit odd for a stretch jumper pattern I thought. I have left my sleeves unfinished and I'm wearing them rolled up as in the sample pics.
A great quick make if you need a basic top. Tessuti patterns are well drafted along simple lines. Sizing is great. Can easily be colour blocked if you arebusing up scraps or remnants.
Love love love this pattern. They are a really quick sew. Each leg is in one piece so you only have to sew up the inner leg seam, hem and add the waistband.
Arrived promptly to my inbox but have not had a chance to use it.
Arrived in my inbox promptly but have not had a chance to use it.
I’ve made these dungarees twice, second time learning from mistakes made the first time. They are relatively easy to sew but in my opinion you do need to make sure all your notches are marked and the sides of the straps (neck side , shoulder side) are marked. Then the pattern comes together really well. You can imagine how I learnt this lesson.
I only gave the pattern 4 stars as there wasn’t a finished length on the pattern so it was a bit of guess work to lengthen it as I wanted full length dungarees. I emailed the SewDifferent but never received a reply I think these will work well in most fabrics, the first pair was a very soft needlecord and the second in a wool suiting that has a bit of stretch to it. A firmer fabric than the first. I think it will be great in a linen and have some already lined up for the summer.m
