New Look 6761 Children's Top Pattern Review

There's something so lovely about making several of the same garments in different fabrics, especially when you've found a pattern you love. We loved this pattern so much that we decided to make not just one, but two tops in different fabrics. Using fabrics from my 'Evenfall' quilting cotton collection for Lewis and Irene, for the bodice of 'Top A' we used, 'Evenfall' in 'Dark Periwinkle, and for the skirt, 'Moonflower' in 'Dark Periwinkle.' For 'Top B' we used 'Twilight' in 'Pale Misty Lilac' for the bodice, and 'Night Garden' in 'Pale Misty Lilac' for the skirt.

We chose to make this top because we felt that it embodied the the ethereal feel of the collection. The rounded neckline and pretty gathered tie sleeves are lovely details, adding an element of romantic whimsy, which is delightful. This ruching doesn't just look lovely when being worn either, but it also looks great on the hanger, making it feel like a statement piece in your wardrobe. We used a simple cord for the ties as not to distract from the prints, but you could equally dress it up with a ribbon, selecting a complementary colour from the fabrics you are using to take it to another level. Similarly, there is a small button detail at the back which allows the top to be taken on and off when undressing. Again you can choose a complementary or contrasting colour according to your fabric print to add your own personality to the garment.

The elastic gathering around the centre of the top is really pretty and compliments the details on the sleeve perfectly. It cinches the garment in at the waist creating a lovely silhouette. You will need to be mindful if you choose a directional print and how this would look gathered. All of the fabric designs which we used were tossed prints, however you may need more fabric if your print is directional and you need to pattern match the seam at the back.

The pattern comes sized in ages 3-8 years old. We opted to make the 8 year old size however these are a little large and have plenty of 'growing room.' Make sure you measure the child who is going to be wearing the garment first to get the correct sizing as this may not correspond with the age of the child. While the pattern was easy to read, the garment was also fairly easy to construct and would be advisable for an advanced beginner.

In conclusion, this really is a very pretty top. I love the romantic feel it conveys and the fact that you can really add your own personal twists with the sleeve ties and button at the back. If we were to make it again, we would definitely double check the measurements against the age sizing, but as it comes out larger than expected it just means my daughter will get a little more wear out of it as she grows in to it.