Tessuti Fabrics Leni Top

I think this jacquard has the perfect weight for the fancy facing and the deep, deep hem of the Leni top.

Tessuti is well known for clear and detailed instructions but all those pictures and a huge font result in a big booklet which I found a bit off-putting to begin with. It was worth persevering because this is a well designed pattern for the sort of top you can easily dress up or down.

I sized down to XS (heeding online reviews), and it feels like it has just the right amount of boxiness for me. I think this top works best as a structured item using medium weight fabric which makes the blockfusing and tear away vlieseline an absolute must.

This is a cropped top - I have a short torso but even I extended the length by quarter of an inch. If you're taller than 5' 2" inches you may wish to add more length even if you plan on pairing the Leni top with high waisted clothes.

Really excellent instructions again from Tessuti. There's lots of detail that makes the top look and feel really expensive. I am a bit of a beginner and the pattern is marked Intermediate-Advanced(!) but I got most of it right with pretty much zero unpicking, even if it's not quite perfect (and I did have some mis-matched side seams which I worked around, probably my fault). Came out fairly short and wide (and I am a petite size 8!) so next time I might make it longer/narrower, and taller sewists might want to make a toile first to check the length.

I might make another one in softer fabric for a floatier fit.

Great pattern which definitely deserves its own review here.

I made this yesterday, wore it today and love it. It's very cool and practical and quite a bit classier than the usual.

Tessuti's instructions are brilliantly detailed with both words and extensive use of photos. I was really impressed with not only the clarity but the techniques this pattern has taught me. It is all made very clear and I would give the instructions the big thumbs up!

The style is great too. I particularly like the v-neck and the loose/swing fit which is great in warmer weather. I also love the use of facings to give the top a neat finish and give it structure both at the neckline and also at the hemline. It really elevates the final product I think.

It was my first time making it. I cut out to my measurements and did an FBA. I have put the darts a bit low so need to correct that for next time (but that's my fault, not the pattern). I could possibly go down a size, but not sure I'd want to. I did take a bit out of the side seams to get the overall dimensions I liked.

In terms of fabrics, I'd say pick something with some weight/drape to it. It's a structured top but you want that beautiful heavy hem to pull it down at the front to get the best from it, I think. So a linen with a heavy drape would be ideal, and this crepe is also really great. I'm sure there are lots of great options out there.

I've posted more details on my blog: www.stitchandfinish.wordpress.com