I have been experimenting a lot with different fabrics and prints lately, but I also know my personal style and there is nothing I enjoy wearing more than a simple striped top. I was originally going to make this fabric into a long sleeved Lark tee, but I opted to try the Mandy Boat Tee from Tessuti patterns because of the looser fit.
The Mandy Boat tee is a very simple one-size-fits-all (or at least some) ¾ length sleeve knit top. The pattern is free, which is awesome, and is very easy to assemble. I usually cut a size 14-16 for my tops and this shirt is still very loose fitting on me. It was exactly what I had hoped and I have already worn it several times.
I sewed the entire thing with a zig-zag stitch, no serging required in order to make this pattern! If you are new to knits, this would be an excellent place to start. The fabric is a stretch jersey from Style Maker Fabrics, it is very soft and has great recovery (the amount the fabric bounces back after you stretch it is the recovery). I tried to line up the stripes as best I could, but the thinner the stripe, the harder it is! From a reasonable distance it looks good, but up close I can see where they are all slightly off…sigh. Better luck next time 🙂
Side note, how cute is this necklace?! Since I haven’t quite got the funds (or space) for a full dress form yet, this one will have to do!
I would definitely make this pattern again, as is. It is perfect paired with jeans or leggings for a casual weekend look. Have you made the Mandy Boat Tee? What did you think?
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7 Comments on “Striped Mandy Boat Tee”
i have a mandy in this exact fabric and its my go to. love it. the mandy boat tee is also awesome in a sweater knit. i like to lengthen it to wear over leggings.
OOOO, I love the idea of it as a sweater. I find myself wearing this shirt all the time now, it is always the first thing to get picked out of the clean laundry pile!
I’ve made this so many times I’ve lost count! I took an inch out of the centre front and back just to narrow the neckline a bit. And many stripey versions too! Curved hems, long sleeves, wool – you name it, I’ve done it to Mandy! I haven’t used this trick but I’ve read one way to match fine stripes is to use a fusible like steam a seam or stitch witchery instead of pins so there’s no budging!
I can see why you love it so much, it is such a great pattern! I think I will try a curved hem on my next version, maybe in a sweater knit 🙂 Good tip about the stripes, I will have to try that!
This looks great on you! I love your necklace too!
Hi! I was just working on this tee over the weekend. I added a FBA (which worked like a charm. Thanks Jenny!) and about 11/2″ length to cover some of the curves I don’t want sticking out. The only issue I had with it is the sleeve seam at the bicep is just ever so slightly too tight for comfort. Any suggestions on where to find a good bicep adjustment for this pattern?
Hi Kim! Sorry, I am not sure of a good adjustment tutorial for this pattern. I think if you simple lower the armscye a bit (making it bigger) and then made the sleeve a bit bigger too, that would do the trick. It is a knit, so it will be pretty forgiving!