Made by a Fabricista: Hot Patterns Matte Jersey Fiesta Knit Top!

Hi everybody, this month I decided to sew with a fabric I don't work enough with: matte jersey! Recently FM had some designer matte jersey and I knew it was the upscale quality as it is 100_ rayon, not some ordinary synthetic kind.

Originally I had planned a wrap dress or a maxi skirt, but I thought perhaps it would be too clingy and I don't feel like being constricted in a Spanx type underwear. Now that warm weather has finally arrived, I wanna walk and move! I went for a fun top that would showcase the drapey nature and the luscious color of this fine cloth: Hot Patterns 1142 Fast and Fabulous Fiesta Knit Top.

Pattern and fabric:

The Fiesta knit top is an interesting pattern for a casual top that will transition from spring to summer, comfortable to wear and a nice alternative to a t-shirt for everyday dressing. It features batwing sleeves, a waistband and neckline and sleeves finished with a self fabric band. It is indeed fast to make, and fabulous!

I made a size 6, which is my usual with Hot Patterns. To be honest with you, the size 6 is gigantic and I remember when I first made this top a couple of years ago that it looked more like a mini dress on me than like the top in the pattern illustration! I raised and narrowed the neckline approximately 1 1/2 inches, and lost count of how many inches I removed to shorten the bodice and the sleeves. If you want to make it, make sure to make a muslin first!

Now can we say a few words about this gorgeous fabric? I had forgotten about how matte jersey drapes beautifully when paired with a pattern that let it express itself, and besides wrap dresses and skirts, I can envision all kinds of t-s, camis and draped tops with this fabric.

I'm especially drawn to 100_ rayon or viscose matte jersey as I love natural fibers, and I know the colour will stay beautiful. Quality matte jersey is almost as nice as silk jersey in my mind. If it's made from rayon or viscose it will shrink, so make sure to either prewash it or take your garment to the dry cleaner. If you want to keep your seams light and avoid imprint marks when you press, I highly recommend lightweight serger thread such as Gutermann Mara 150 (Tex 20); the cutting will also be easier if you use scissors such as Kaï serrated specialty shears.

Fabric Mart is now out of stock of this red and the black that I ordered a while ago, but make sure to check regularly. I know I will! You can see their full stock of Jersey knits here.

I also made the Fiesta top in this beautiful black matte jersey!

I'm very happy with my tops for casual, everyday wear, and I'll definitely keep an eye to see when FM gets more designer matte jersey. Is that a fabric you work with, and what kind of garments do you make with it?

I'll leave it there for now, and see you in June for another post!

Cheers,