Me Made Kirsten Kimono Tee paired with reversible polka dot jeans from Nordstrom, hot pink patent Cole Haan heels, and Ray Bans.
Howdy, everyone! Here’s a quick and simple project for you — the Kirsten Kimono Tee from Maria Denmark. What’s even better than quick and simple? This pattern is a FREE download on Pattern Review Maria’s site just by signing up for her newsletter! It only involves taping together a few pages (and this one doesn’t require cutting — yay!) From start to finish, I spent maybe 3 hours on this project and that included assembling and cutting out the pattern.
I cut a base size M but graded out a bit at the bust and tapered it in a little at the waist. I added 1/4″ seam allowances as the pattern doesn’t include them. Next go around I may create a center back seam to address my swayback.
For the fabric, I chose a white sequin knit from my local shop, Ely’s, and a basic white tee-shirt knit from Sawyer Brook for the back and neck binding. When I bought the sequin fabric, everyone seemed a little surprised that I planned to make a tee-shirt with it. But I think once they see my finished project, they may not think it was so strange after all. I purchased 3/4 of a yard at $29.95 a yard and only used about 1/3 to 1/2 of the fabric. So technically I could make another top.
I used my serger for all parts of construction on this top. I finished the neckline according to this Megan Nielsen tutorial and sewed the neckline and hems with the coverstitch function on my 5-thread serger. This could have just as easily been made solely on a standard machine with a stretch or zigzag stitch and a double needle to finish the neck and hems. I will mention, though, that sewing over sequins does increase your chance of breaking a needle so use something that is sturdy but appropriate for knits and sew slowly or even drive the machine with the handwheel over parts that are two layers of sequined fabric.
Overall, I love my new top, even if it may be a tee-shirt that has to be dry cleaned! I have already worn this shirt out on the town (like in the photos), and to work tucked into navy slacks with a green cardigan and the pink shoes from these photos. If you have contemplated making a knit top, this would definitely be a great place to start as the sizing is true and the process couldn’t be simpler. And consider experimenting with unusual fabrics as this pattern’s simplicity lends itself to modifications. Happy sewing!
Susie Homemaker, MD 
Every project is better than the last, you are truly talented. 🙂
Thanks, babe!
That is such a cool top! And you crack me UP wearing sequins to work, where you might get vomited on – you GO girl!
Lol! The kids love clothes that are bright, sparkly, textured, etc. I am not worried about being vomited on but I do get “petted” a lot when I wear stuff like this. Patterned tights get the most attention from the littles, though 🙂
Love this – simple & stunning
Thanks, Lizzy!
I like it! Actually I’ve been eyeing some sequin knit in the fabric store…. And you know what you could make from the left over fabric, right? Yes… The drape top – like Lizzy did. It is absolutely fab!
Thanks, Maria! That is a great idea for the left over fabric 🙂
Very pretty, and very slimming. Did you sew thru the sequins or slide them off at seams? Do they bother under the arm? I see this pattern slashed and pieced in collegiate colors….of course, purple and gold!
Thanks, D! I didn’t pull any sequins off and I don’t notice them being scratchy. As for team colors, I plan to wear this with my new crimson skirt I am making 😉
You shirt looks great! I’ve been eying up that pattern for a while so it’s really nice to see your version, especially using sequins. (Love that!)
Thanks, Debbie! You should definitely give this pattern a try — you won’t be disappointed 🙂
Will I see this top this weekend? Razzle, dazzle-love it!
Thanks, Polly! You may very well see this top this weekend 🙂
Sis you amaze me more and more everyday. When are we going to use that extra fabric and make me a matching top? Lol.
Thanks! We will make it as soon as you want to come help/learn 🙂
I thought i had commented earlier but I don’t see it. This is a stunning blouse, well fitted, nicely constructed and chic without too much bling! I will have to get this pattern, there are so many possibilities!
I have to ask how the reversible jeans work. Are there front pockets? How does the fly work from the inside or outside?
Thanks, Becki! The shirt pattern is great — you should try it. As for the jeans, they have faux front pockets and a zipper pull that flips to either side. The reverse side is plain, dark denim. Very fun jeans! 🙂
looks great and fits you so well! Yay!!!
oooh! this top looks super fun and easy to make. i just made a renfrew for fall (just in time!), but i could definitely whip up a kimono tee to wear under a cardi.