If you’ve been following me for a while you know I’m a fan of all things “swing”. When this pattern came out from Named Clothing it immediately went onto my “to sew” list. Then this fabric crossed my path and I knew it was a match made in heaven.
There are so many things I love about the Named Minttu Top. I love the clean lines of the neck and armhole, the modern cut of the back armhole, the unique side panel and swing shape. This pattern is a great example of how a few subtle changes can really elevate a basic style, and I am a super fan of basics with a twist.
I wasn’t quite sure what fabric I’d want to make the Minttu in until I acquired this fun large scale gingham check jersey knit from a destash on instagram (I don’t remember from who – please let me know if it was you!) I just love instagram destash sales dont you?? I got about a yard and a half of this fabric. It was quite a while ago so I don’t remember how much I paid. But the moment I saw it I knew I wanted it, and I immediately thought of the Minttu tank. This fabric is so soft, I love to wear this top when I’m feeling like a “jeans and t-shirt” type of day but don’t want to look sloppy.
I decided to have some fun with the pattern and cut the side panels on the bias to play with the direction of the check. I really love the way it turned out. Another subtle design detail that really makes this basic top more interesting. I constructed it completely on my serger except the twin needle hem, which I used some wonder tape to stabilize before sewing in place.
Other than changing the direction of the side panel, the only other change I made was to take about 3” off the hem. I like my tops to fall just past the top of my jeans. I did this after I sewed it, but in the future if/when I make another Minttu I will make this adjustment on the pattern as not to loose any of the swing.
See my Minttu in action & get a peak of the insides here:
SKIP TO THE END?
Pattern: Named Minttu Top
Size Sewn: 0
Fabric: Gingham Check Jersey Knit from an Instagram Destash Sale
Notions: Thread and fuse tape for the hem
Difficulty: Easy
Adjustments: Hemmed 3”
Finishes: Serged seams, double needle hem
Sew it again? Yes! love this elevated basic
Happy Sewing!
Hi I have cut out and sewed all seams on this top, just about to sew the facing and thought would try on to check the neckline and it does not even go over my head, triple checked pattern (all correct sizing) . But absolutely not going to go over my head. I have done it in a very lightweight summer cotton, would that be why. So need advice has wasn’t cheap and need to do something with it has will not fit whatever I do, bust are would be too small if added straps Kind regards Lesley ( still learning sewer)
Hi Lesley,
Are you using a knit (stretch) fabric? This pattern is designed for knits and definitely would not fit over your head in a woven. You would need to add a zipper. Another possibility, if the fabric is indeed a knit, is that you used a non-stretch stitch when sewing? So the fabric is not able to stretch to its fullest because the stitching is holding it in place. Does that make sense?