Esme sports a gentle, 50s inspired batwing sleeve and your choice of a shawl collar or V-neckline. A quick and satisfying make, Esme is the perfect palate-cleanser between more involved projects.
Say hello to the Esme Top! With so many options included to personalise your Esme, you'll be hard pressed to choose which mix'n'match options to make first.
From cuffed long or short sleeves, to long-line or regular bodice lengths to shawl or V-necklines, Esme has something for everyone and every season.
The perfect project to get you out of that mid-summer/winter sewing funk, Esme is comfortable, satisfying and so quick to whip up - with its batwing-style grown-on sleeve, you'll have a brand new set of lovely knit top layers before you know it.
Esme comes in both the Original and Curve size ranges, from 6 to 34 in A to F cups.
Esme was modelled here with the Bastion Culottes (available in both the Original and Curve size ranges) and model's own jeans.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Original pattern, V neckline, Short sleeve.
95% cotton, 5% spandex knit fabric.
Curve pattern, Shawl Collar, Long sleeve, regular length bodice.
100% Merino fabric.
Original pattern, Shawl Collar, Long sleeve, regular length bodice.
100% Merino fabric.
Curve pattern, V neckline, Short sleeve.
95% cotton, 5% spandex knit fabric.
Pattern Details
Made with comfy stretch knits, Esme is a quick sew that doesn't use much fabric. With both a regular and long-line bodice included, Esme can be worn tucked in or out for year-round comfort.
The Shawl Collar variation looks great teamed with a pair of denim slacks or cropped pencil jeans for a retro Teddy Girl vibe. Alternatively, tuck a long-line V-necked Esme into your favourite high-waisted skirt for the perfect casual Marilyn look.
The grown-on, 50s-style batwing sleeve can be worn short or extended (using the included Long Sleeve pattern piece) and Esme is perfect for colour and pattern blocking. Both the long and short sleeves include cuffed hemlines that are great for using up odd bits of knit scraps you have tucked away in your sewing room.
Esme is easy to grade under the arm for a more exaggerated batwing sleeve if that's more your style. Look out for tutorials coming your way very soon.
Skill Level
Esme is designed for confident beginners through to advanced seamstresses. If you've never sewn with knits before, Esme could be the perfect project to dip your toes into the wonderful world of knits.
With a special technique for getting the perfect squared off necklines, you'll be wondering why you didn't jump in ages ago.
Sizing
The Esme Top includes both the Original and Curve size ranges. The Original includes sizes 6 to 24 with integrated cup size bodices A+B and C+D. The Curve sizes include sizes 16-34 with integrated cup size bodices C+D and E+F. You can read about the new sizing here.
Depending on the size range you choose and your cup size, Esme can have slight negative to slight positive ease at the bust, to zero/positive ease at the waist.
If you're worried about choosing a size, I've also included a whole bunch of additional Finished Garment Measurements - simply compare these measurements to a knit top you already like the fit of (or one you know you'd like to alter) and you'll be surprised at how much of the hard stuff is already done.
Multiple Bust Cups: A to F
Due to the nature of knit fabrics and the gentle batwing sleeve, two cup sizes are integrated per front bodice - A+B and C+D Original, and C+D and E+F Curve. This gives a total of 4 front bodice pattern pieces to choose from (rather than 8 separated cups).
Fabric Options
Look for medium knit fabrics with good stretch across the grain. Knits should gave 40% stretch with good recovery.
The long sleeved Esme works well in floppier/drapier knits with less structure. In this case, if using the shawl collar, you may wish to interface this to keep it looking crisp and staying upright during wear.
All variations (bindings, shawl collar, long sleeve piece, cuffs) can be made with the same fabric as the body, or a contrasting fabric for colour and pattern blocking potential.
Meet the Models
In the Meet the Models section on the Esme shop listing, you can find model information like their measurements, the size and block (Original or Curve) they are wearing, as well as any pattern adjustments made to suit their individual bodes.
A huge thank you to Tatenda for modelling the Curve 24E+F Esme tops.
Purchase your Esme Top!
Digital Release Only
You will receive your pattern delivered instantly to your inbox upon check out.
From there, you can choose my easy-to-assemble print-at-home file or you can send the A0 file to a Printshop and have them print it for you.
The Layers Function is included in all pattern files, so you can turn on and off any number/combination of sizes your heart desires. There will be no paper patterns available for Esme at this stage.
I'd love to hear how you're getting along making your Esme tops - why not tag me on Instagram or use the hashtags #JLHEsmeTop, #SewJLH or #JLHCurve so I can see and share your makes!
xx
J
