Welcome to the Tidal Sewalong! We’ll be going step by step through the process of sewing a Tidal Top (or dress if you like). I’ll also be including a free godet pattern piece that you can add on for an extra swing-y top. This post also includes a free sleeve add-on. Read on to get the details!
There are two views for the Tidal: a dress (knee or maxi length) and a top. All views can be made with short sleevless, sleeveless or with tank straps. This sewalong can be used with either the dress or top view, the process to sew is the same.
As far as fabric- the recommended fabrics for the Tidal are:
As you can see, you can use a wide variety of fabrics! Like most patterns, the silhouette of the pattern will change with the fabric you use. For instance, if you were to use a lightweight jersey rayon you can expect to end up with a flowy top. If you were to use a ponte, scuba or cotton/lyrca you can expect to end up with a top that has more structure. Here’s a visual. The top on the left was made with jersey blends while the top on the right was made with cotton/lycra.
Once you’ve picked your fabric (which usually takes way longer than actually sewing, amiright?) you can now print and assemble the pattern.
Like most of my patterns, I’ve included a print chart so you only need to print the pages you need for your size and style. You can find this chart on page 3.
This pattern also has layers. If you’re not familiar with layers you can see this short clip on how to use them to so you’re only printing your size.
So now you have your pattern printed. It’s time to assemble the pages. You’ll notice that the pages have lines on the right side and the bottom. You’ll use these lines as guide lines to line up the pages. The solid, right side line is for 8.5″ x 11″ paper and the dashed line is for A4 paper. If you’re using A4 paper you’ll line up the pages to the dashed line. If you’re using 8.5″ x 11″ paper you’ll use the solid line. The bottom guideline is the same for both sizes of paper.
Assemble the pattern working from the top left, go across to the right and then go on to the next row and work your way across to the the right again. Just like if you were reading a book. Butt the pages up to the solid (or dashed for A4 users) line but not over it. Same goes for the bottom solid line. Butt up to but not over the line.
You’re now ready to cut out your pattern! Just a few things to keep in mind:
- Be sure to transfer pattern markings. This is especially important on the sleeve head and the markings on the armscye at the back.
- Be sure you are lining up the grain line on the pattern pieces with the grain of the fabric. Even if your fabric has 4-way stretch this is still important!
- The back of the top has the option to cut on the fold or a shaped center back line. If you’re working with a more stable knit (like cotton/lycra, ponte, etc.) you may wish to cut on the shaped center back line. This will give you more shaping at that back so it doesn’t bunch funny. If you’re working with a light weight, flowy knit you can just cut on the fold.
- If you’re sewing the tank be sure to cut on the inside line at the armscye.
Here are the free add-ons for the Tidal Top:
- If you’d like to add godets to the pattern to give it more swing, you can download that free pattern add-on here.
- If you’d like 3/4 length or long sleeves you can download that free add-on here.
Now you’ve completed day 1! Check back tomorrow, we’ll be sewing all the pieces together. If you have any questions please feel free to ask away! Either here in the comments or post in the sewalong thread in the pattern support group.
Stay tuned!
