The Assembly Line Long Sleeve Tunic

I love The Assembly Line patterns for their simple shapes, details that elevate and brilliant instructions.  So when the Long Sleeve Tunic was released, it was straight in my basket.

The tunic includes a high-low hem with lovely mitred corners inside, split sleeves and deep hems which I always think make a garment look a bit swish.  It's supposed to have an invisible zip at the back, but some of the pattern testers shared that cutting the back on the fold gave just enough extra room to avoid the zip and pull it straight over your head.  Being lazy and scared of zips, I opted for that option!

I made this wearable toile in poplin from Higgs and Higgs, and it's getting plenty of wear now that spring is showing its face.  It makes it quite a structured tunic that holds its shape.  It will be fab in linens too, as it needs structure but would also benefit from a the way linen droops as you wear it.

The split bodice hem with mitred corners uses the same technique as their Box Pleat Dress and is so satisfying to construct.  I found the sleeve split a bit tricky, as it was a new technique for me.  The instructions guide you through it, so any mistakes are down to user error.  You could also make it without the sleeve split if you didn't want to disrupt a big fabric pattern.

I'm planning a couple of these in linen for the warmer months (still need long sleeves here in Scotland), but the poplin or other shirtings would make this a great workwear option too.

Find my makes on Instagram @criadera.creates

This is the sort of pattern you can cut out and complete in a day. Nice detailing on the hems and cuffs. Relaxed fit. Pretty much true to size, although The Assembly Line patterns are usually generous. I went for a size 12 but a size 10 would have been more fitted. The zip is barely necessary, so I might replace with a short slit with button next time I make it. A nice simple and elegant design.