Itch to Stitch Gothenburg Top Sewing Pattern Review

Hello everyone! After our cold spell last month, I decided I could use a few more warm and cozy tops. So, I added a quick and easy sweatshirt to my closet and want to chat all about the pattern with you today.

The Pattern

The Itch to Stitch Gothenburg pattern is a simple and elegant top pattern with a signature funnel neck, bust darts, and a high low hem. The pattern includes cup sizes A-DD and fits full busts ranging from 30 1/8 inches to 60 inches.

I made a size 0 with a B cup and graded for my waist and hips according to the measurement chart. I normally do not remove any length from Itch to Stitch tops, but I removed 1.75 inches from this one. Since I did not anticipate needing to adjust the length, I took it off of the bottom before hemming. I have since adjusted my pattern at the correct place so that I don’t lose the ease I need in my hips. I also removed length from my sleeve, but this is a more common adjustment for me.

In addition to adjusting for length, I also moved the bust dart up 1/2 an inch. To do this, I drew a rectangle around the dart and cut out that rectangle, then I moved my rectangle up exactly half an inch. Finally, I added paper to fill in the half inch gap I left underneath my dart and smoothed out the side seam in that area. Now, my dart hits right where it is supposed to and is much more flattering.

I also made sure to steam and press my dart really well so that it doesn’t look like I have bulls eyes on my chest.

Fabric

The Gothenburg is drafted for stable knit fabric with 25-35% stretch. Structured fabric such as ponte, micro fleece, quilted jersey, and scuba are recommended. I initially planned on using ponte or scuba, but when I felt the ones I had in my stash, they just had more of a jacket or pants feel, and not something I would want to wear close to my skin as a top.

So, I sifted through my other fabrics trying to imagine what would hold the funnel neck and give it structure while feeling cozy to wear. I landed upon the sweatshirt fleece I had recently bought from Made Whimsy for pullovers this winter and decided it was time that I cleared some of those out before the warm weather arrived.

I am really loving how this fabric worked on this pattern and think it was a great choice. The inside is so soft, warm, and brushed, and it was really stable and easy to sew with.

I think it is best to stick with fabrics with the stretch recommended in the pattern. If you use a fabric with more than 50% stretch, I imagine the garment will fit bigger than expected.

Sewing Experience, Styling, and Pattern Review

I handstitched in the ditch to secure the funnel neck of the pattern to the inside of the garment. I think it lays really nicely now that I took the time to secure it that way.

The funnel neck on the pattern is surprisingly easy to do and is so flattering on! I wore this with my hair up after photos with a big messy bun and big hoop earrings, and I thought it was pretty cute. (I also wore a pair of leggings too and will show you those as well in a few weeks!)

When I did my hem, I used wash away tape to secure it down while ironing it before I coverstitched it down. I always do this with curved hems otherwise it can get wrinkled in spots.

I was a pattern tester, and this was my first version of the pattern. Since the pattern did not need any adjustments requiring me to make another (besides my personal adjustments like ripping stitches on the dart and moving it up), it was a really quick and easy process for me. I still would love to make one again in my future (but may not get a chance until the fall since hot weather should be coming soon in Texas). I think the pattern was very professionally done, and I am happy with another solid winner in my closet!

Resources

• Itch to Stitch Gothenburg Pattern
• Sweatshirt Knit from Made Whimsy. I bought the light pink, but that color is now sold out.
• Wash Away Tape used for hemming

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Disclosures

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation when you purchase via my link. This does not cost you anything, and I genuinely appreciate the support. Any and all opinions expressed are still my own.

XO

Sharon