Butterick 5891 Revisited

B5891 Version B 

Although it looks like it, a simple sleeveless shirt, 
it’s not.

(Frankly describing any pattern with 15 pieces

as ‘easy’ seems a stretch.)

This vest/top appears to be causing problems

for some sewers.

Admittedly, it is more difficult than it might look
but if you can sew a straight line you'll be fine. 

Asymmetry

             is just that.

                                                       More coMplicAteD.     

Some of the 15 pattern pieces have been known to stretch

so stay-stitching is helpful.

(As I had no problem with this I’m guessing

it might have something to do with the fabric used.)

Be sure to keep those pattern pieces handy

so you know what is what and where it goes.


Remember, 
you have to be smart to sew.

Butterick 5891

Note that the underside (‘wrong’ side/back side) of the fabric

is going to show when either the vest/top or jacket/shirt

are open at the neck. 

Be forewarned so you can plan ahead.

I have made versions of this pattern

so many times 

that I feared perhaps I had lost sight of 

what might cause a problem 

for someone making it for the first time.

So, I made it again,

with as much innocence as I could muster.

Discharged a lovely black stretch Poplin,

'Blackbird', from marcytilton.com.

‘Honeycomb’ and ‘Veil’ silkscreens with Jacquard discharge paste on 'Blackbird' poplin

I used the pattern pieces

straight from the envelope

and cut it out exactly as instructed.
(Be sure the readable side of the pattern piece is
'right' side up on the fabric when you cut.)

Then, I followed the directions

for stitching it together step by step,

doing my best to forget anything I knew before 
(which is not so difficult these days ).

All the pieces fit together
perfectly

like an easy puzzle.

The only pattern change I made

was to make the pocket a bit smaller on the lower edge.
I like to tack the pocket down at a spot on the peplum
where it won't show so it doesn't flop.

At step #23, I finished the lower edge of the collar
before I stitched it down.
I pressed the collar 'hem' to the 'right' side of the collar
so that edge would be finished as it is visible
when the vest/shirt collar is open.

B5891 Version C

Someone contacted me with concerns about

the rather acute concave curve

on the jacket/shirt collar.

I have made this jacket/shirt version in

linen, denim and some other heavyweight wovens

navigating this curve with no problem. 

You must be bold with your iron.

Stay-stitch the edge

just inside the seam line and press. 

Use a clapper with the iron if necessary to flatten.

Then fold it under again, back in on itself and topstitch.

See illustration #15 in C/D version pattern directions.

Please don't let any of this keep you
from making this great vest/top
and/or the versatile shirt/jacket.
You will love it and wear it all Summer.


Happy stitching!