A fun and cute new pattern is on the market. From dressing up jeans to making your workout gear stylish, the Twist Back Top is a winner. Depending on fabric choice and styling there are so many ways to wear this unique sewing pattern. Read on to see my sewing pattern review.
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I chose to style this short sleeve version with DIY Jeans I made using the Patterns for Pirates SOS pattern. You can read all the details on these pants here. Walmart earrings were a clearance find for $1 and booties from Madden Girl. Similar booties found here.
Sewing up this Twist Back Top was so fun. I love when you discover how to create these interesting design details in a garment. The twist is not difficult to do and the instructions are clear. After completing one of these tops, sewing any additional ones went pretty quickly. I always am very slow during my first sew of a test pattern just to make sure I am following the instructions as written and checking all the details.
Low Back Bra Hack for Twist Back Top
One of the most difficult things about this pattern was deciding on a bra…LOL. I knew I wanted to style this version as a sexy open back top and needed a way to wear a bra with this top in this rayon spandex. Here is a quick little bra hack video for one option:
Many testers styled these bras with strappy back bralettes, sports bras, or tank tops and those all look great too. patternsforpirates.com/twist-back-roundup
My original top during testing was made in liverpool fabric and…no! There are few key things that helped make this top have the look of a draped open back and made it easier to work with.
-Fabric: This is a rayon spandex. Anything soft and drapey like RS or Bamboo will help give the top a beautiful drape.
-Sewing Tools: Hem Tape- I mean…it’s everything. If you struggle sewing knits, especially drapey ones…go buy this ASAP.
Stretch Needles– make a big difference while sewing.
Patterns for Pirates Twist Back Top Pattern Review
PATTERN DESCRIPTION:
patternsforpirates.com/twist-back
PATTERN SIZING:
New Extended Sizing Available: XXS- Plus 5X Hip measurements (34-64) I sewed a XS bodice and graded to a S hip. The pattern is most fitted through the high hip so make sure you are measuring that area and grading as needed for that measurement. I found the new sizing to be right on. I made no adjustments to the sizing after sewing my muslin.
DID IT LOOK LIKE THE PHOTO/DRAWING ON THE PATTERN ENVELOPE ONCE YOU WERE DONE SEWING?
Yes, I sewed a short sleeve no back band version in rayon spandex. There are no alterations or hacks to this top.
WERE THE INSTRUCTIONS EASY TO FOLLOW?
Yes. The only part I found a but confusing on my muslin was the back band. However, pictures were yet to be added in the tutorial. Now that the pictures are there it is easier to understand. Be careful to follow the cut lines for your top. There are different necklines, band lengths, etc for the tank vs the dolman. The twist back looks difficult but is actually very easy to put together. The pictures are clear and easy to understand. There are options for finishing the seams at the twist or leaving them raw. I chose to leave them raw and feel they fold in and aren’t noticeable.
WHAT DID YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE OR DISLIKE ABOUT THE PATTERN?
I loved the twist back design. I don’t know that I love the short sleeves on me…just a personal preference. But the tank option for workout wear and long sleeves in sweater knit are much more my personal likes from the pattern. The overall design is a long, loose sleeve and I like that style. The pattern is layered allowing you to print just your size, and no trim pages to go together quickly. There are really no major dislikes.
WOULD YOU SEW IT AGAIN? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS?
Yes, I have made multiples and think it is a great top. That being said, I don’t know that I need a whole closet full, but I plan on using it to help make my workout gear a tad more stylish than it’s current state and will probably make a few sporty ones. I would recommend this to people who are comfortable sewing knits. I am not sure that I would say beginner on this pattern as there are few more details to navigate with the longer band, twist, etc but I wouldn’t say it is difficult either. So, if you are an adventurous beginner who has made knit tops before I think you could handle this pattern.
CONCLUSION:
The Twist Back Top offers a cute and stylish look to take you through the seasons. Depending on fabric and styling there are many different options in this one pattern. I like that I get to learn how to create the twist back detail you often see in retail and add some stylish elements to my home sewing looks.
If you enjoyed this pattern but have yet to check out Patterns for Pirates- make sure you see their extensive list of free patterns to try out. I have included many of them on my Beginner’s Guide to Free Sewing Patterns with over 100 links!
Until next time,
Happy Sewing
About 18 years ago I decided to teach myself how to sew. Long before blogs and resources available today which meant it was often disastrous. But I never gave up because I loved it so much. Today I love helping others get started on their own sewing journey. You can read more about my family and I