Sew Alongs / Pixie / All

Welcome to the Pixie Tee Sew Along! Over the next four posts we will be showing you how to sew this oversized tee. We will be sewing View A with the hem ties, but also demonstrating how to attach the sleeve cuffs and hem bands. The steps are the same for the top and dress length, as well as the mini Pixie tees. We hope that you will find all of the help you need to sew this pattern. In addition to the sew along, we also have community lead sewing support in our Facebook group, or you can email directly for additional support.

GATHERING SUPPLIES

Before we begin sewing, here’s what you’ll need for your Pixie Tee:

  • The Pixie or Mini Pixie pdf pattern in your correct size.
  • Washed and pressed knit fabric. If you’d like more inspiration and links to fabric and notions, check out our Pixie fabric post here.
  • Contrast Fabric for View A, 1/4 yd (0.25 m) of light weight woven Rayon, Cotton or Linen. Alternatively, 1.25” (3 cm) wide ribbon can be used for ties.
  • For View A only, 1 yard (0.9 m) of 1.25” (3 cm) Elastic
  • For View A only, turning tool or safety pin
  • Tricot Fusible or Clear Elastic to stabilize the seams
  • For Views A and C, optional 3/4″ (2 cm) fusible hem tape
  • Tailor’s Chalk or washable fabric marker

TIPS FOR CUTTING

When cutting your fabric and pattern, here are a few important notes to remember:

  • Your fabric should be pre-washed the same way you plan to launder your garment.
  • Read the information on each pattern piece.
  • Grainlines are indicated on the pattern pieces. Place pattern pieces on the grainline, parallel to the selvage or fold. 
  • If the pattern says “Cut 2,” the pieces are mirror images of each other.
  • If the pattern says “Cut on FOLD,” place the pattern edge exactly along the fold of the fabric.
  • Clip all notches at 1/4” (0.6 cm) or less.
  • Transfer all pattern markings to your fabric with a washable marker or chalk.

CUT LISTS

VIEW A

MAIN CUT LIST

  • #1 OR #2 FRONT BODICE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #3 BACK BODICE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #4 SHORT SLEEVE – CUT 2
  • #7 NECKBAND – CUT 1

If adding a long sleeve, replace #4 short sleeve with:

  • #5 LONG SLEEVE – CUT 2
  • #6 LONG SLEEVE CUFF – CUT 2

CONTRAST CUT LIST

  • #8 HEM TIE – CUT 4
  • Alternatively, ribbons can be used for ties.

NOTIONS CUT LIST

  • #9 HEM ELASTIC – CUT 2

RIBBING CUT LIST

  • If your fabric has less than 75% stretch or less than 90% recovery, use rib fabric for the neckband (#7).

VIEW B

MAIN CUT LIST

  • #1 OR #2 FRONT BODICE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #3 BACK BODICE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #5 LONG SLEEVE – CUT 2
  • #6 CUFF – CUT 29 SLEEVE – CUT 2
  • #7 NECKBAND – CUT 1
  • #10 TOP FRONT HEM BAND OR #12 DRESS HEM BAND – CUT 1 ON FOLD (REFERENCE BUST CUP SIZE)
  • #11 TOP BACK HEM BAND OR #13 DRESS HEM BAND – CUT 1 ON FOLD

If adding a short sleeve, replace #5 long sleeve & #6 long sleeve cuff with:

  • #4 SHORT SLEEVE – CUT 2

RIBBING CUT LIST

  • If your fabric has less than 75% stretch or less than 90% recovery, use rib fabric for the neckband (#7).

VIEW C

MAIN CUT LIST

  • #1 OR #2 FRONT BODICE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #3 BACK BODICE – CUT 1 ON FOLD
  • #4 SHORT SLEEVE – CUT 2
  • #7 NECKBAND – CUT 1

If adding a long sleeve, replace #4 short sleeve with:

  • #5 LONG SLEEVE – CUT 2
  • #6 LONG SLEEVE CUFF – CUT 2

RIBBING CUT LIST

  • If your fabric has less than 75% stretch or less than 90% recovery, use rib fabric for the neckband (#7).

Pattern layout will vary based on your garment size and fabric width, but take your time and make sure the grainlines are parallel to the fabric selvage. Once you have all your pattern pieces cut, you’re ready to begin sewing.

TIPS FOR SEWING KNITS

  • You do not need an overlock machine to sew knits; you can use your regular sewing machine. For sewing joined seams, set your machine to a narrow zig zag or a stretch stitch. 
  • For seams where you will not be utilizing the fabric stretch, you can also use a regular straight stitch.
  • If you use an overlock machine, remember the joining seams have a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance and trim the correct amount. 
  • When hemming you can use a twin needle, a narrow zig zag stitch, a stretch stitch or coverstitch. 
  • If you find that your fabric stretches while sewing, try a walking foot. 
  • If you are having trouble keeping your hems flat, you can try fusible hem tape.

Pixie Tee Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Sewing Hem Ties, Shoulder Seams, and Attaching Neckband | Sew Short Sleeves & Side Seams View A | Sew Long Sleeves & Side Seams Views B & C | Hemming all Views