Where can I find a pattern for a tunic style top?

Question

I know how to draft patterns myself but I'm feeling to lazy at the moment to do so.

Are commercial patterns any good?
I've never used one before.

Thank you

Answer 1

There are quite a few good places and most pattern retailers have fairly new styles to choose from.

You can get patterns from most sewing shops and most will order in for you from catalogues in store. However if you want to have them cheaper I would look at what you want on the retailer's sites then look them up on Ebay - I have brought loads of patterns like this, and its definitely cheaper than in store. Websites to look at are:

http://www.habithat.co.uk/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=tunic
Good range of different styles - I like the Simplicity and New Look Patterns best, they are usually quite easy to alter to get what you want.

http://www.sewing-patterns.com/
This is an American site but has pretty much every brand possible! Just type 'tunic' into the search box and loads of different types come up! Its good to get an idea of what you want and which brands you prefer!

Answer 2

I usually draft my own, and I understand the lazy part! Sadly, I am spoiled by my custom made patterns.

Commercial patterns are okay, not the greatest any more but they do the job. The ones on the spinning racks at the fabric store are cheap and they have some of the problems associated with cheap patterns. They leave out shaping, darts, the lines are mostly straight, which means they are easy to sew, but impossible to fit correctly. They have too much ease in some cases, so the paper pattern needs to pin fitted and carefully compared to the body measurements. But they are quick to make and they are inexpensive and often they have the up to the minute fast fashion styles that people want right now. I do like Vogue patterns. They are a bit more pricey, but you get what you pay for. They are far more stylish and they have the kinds of details I put i my own patterns. I also like Burda patterns. The detailing is much better, the fit is far nicer, they draft according to a C cup measurement, rather than the american B cup standard. They are fashionable, stylish, and not too challenging to sew; but not boringly easy either. I also like Kwik Sew patterns. They have the things I find that I'm lazy with the most, like polar fleece things, polo tops, t-shirts, etc They have the ones that have balanced ease of sewing with good fit, good details and nice styles.
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I almost never use the instruction sheets. I have an extensive repertoire of construction techniques that serve me well. I check out the layout diagrams and i make sure I have all the pieces i need. I also make sure to use the correct match points and grain lines. If there's any special technique, I use that, but mostly I just make the garment the way I know how.

Answer 3

Sure, take a trip to the local Wal-mart, Hobby Lobby, or Michaels.

Answer 4

OH yeah they are great. you can even go to their sites online and look

mcCalls and for the life of me i can not remember the others lol

good luck

mas

Answer 5

i would get a tunic style top unpick it and cut round the shape ect.. if you get your size its much easier to copy...

Answer 6

they are rubbish you are better off doing them you're self another day when you are not feeling so lazy

Answer 7

http://members.iinet.com.au/~bill/handbook/tunic.html

Any helpful hints there?