Simplicity 8342 Retro Halter Knit Top

Pattern Review for Simplicity 8342, scroll below photos. 

Pattern Description: Misses / Women's Knit Top
Pattern Sizing: 10-18. I cut a pattern size 14 and I am currently fitting into a size 8/10 in RTW.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I made View A & yes it looked exactly like the photo on the pattern. 

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are pretty easy to follow. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I am still not sure about the front of the straps. The instructions said to hand stitch to the inside of the bodice facing, but I didn't like the way they looked finished. But I may have to put in a few more slip stitches from the inside of the bodice.

Fabric Used: I used a jersey/spandex fabric in a black & white stripe.  

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No Alterations


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, this is a great pattern. Very fast & easy to sew up. I would actually love to make it into a below the knee snug fitting dress. And a cropped top with a pencil skirt would also be adorable in a Hawaiian print for those last minute Luao       . 


Conclusion: Fun, Fast, & Flattering on any figure. And the possibilities in fabric colors & pattern are endless. I love that it looks very retro too. Definitely a keeper! 

Simplicity 1435

I had Simplicity 1435 in my stash for a while thinking I'd use it to make some leggings for my 3 year old, but decided to make View C of the dress with some changes. 

The pattern is sized for "stretch knits only" but I used about 1 3/4 of cotton, added a zipper on the back, & made it with a pleated style skirt instead of the single or double ruffled layer the pattern called for. I was quite pleased with how it turned out!

I found the cotton print at Joann's ( in a light turquoise blue with red cherry blossoms ), very adorable. 

I get asked a lot where I bought her shoes. They are from Gymboree. Red & white polka dots with a blue face. Very darling & one of her favorite pairs. 

I made this dress in a size 3. I personally thought it was slightly big on her. But my daughter really thinks it is perfect, as she prefers long dresses. Or as she would say "super long" please!

If you have this pattern or plan to get it, you will get a lot of use out of it for sure! I will most definitely be making a few more of these, & perhaps a few shirts & leggings too. And don't be intimidated to use other blends of fabrics, even though the pattern calls for "knits only". Just make sure to add either a zipper or buttons if you're not using a knit. 

If you're a beginner you should be able to finish this within a 4 hour window, no problem. I probably took an hour and a half or so, and of course you can too once you're confident cutting and sewing. 

And the best part of sewing this up as usual is the cost! Here's the breakdown:

Fabric ( on sale ): $5.50

Pattern (on sale ) $1

Zipper ( on sale )  $1

Total: $7.50

Hope you enjoyed this review & can use this pattern yourself!