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Celebrate Sorbetto Week!
I don’t know about you guys, but it’s officialy that part of the summer (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere) where less is more. Less fabric, less fuss, less accessories. I want garments that feel carefree and make getting dressed a cinch.
For me, this means making a pile of Sorbettos. I have been a long time fan of this freebie pattern, for many reasons:
- It takes about an hour to stitch up.
- It is perfect for stash busting (only 1.5 yards!)
- It is easy to customize.
- It is a major Sewjo boaster!
Just a little teaser of whats to come!
These are just some of the many reasons we love Sorbetto. So, in celebration of this magical pattern, we will be sharing a series of Sorbetto hacks over the next few days. We are calling it Sorbetto week!
To kick things off, today, we are sharing a round-up of links to get you going!
Master the Basics
Looking to dip your toes into the garment sewing pool? Sorbetto is the perfect pattern to get you started. We have a TON of tutorials to hold your hand as you sew this classic tank.
- Pre-washing your fabric is absolutely vital to creating a garment that will stand the test of time. Get all the information you need with this handy guide to pre-washing.
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Assembling your first PDF pattern? Is that pile of paper intimidating you? We’ve got you covered with a PDF pattern tutorial.
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Staystitching is integral to achieving a smooth neckline and perfect armhole.
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Sorbetto gets its flattering shape with the help of darts. Mastering darts is a pivotal moment for every sewist.
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Sorbetto only has 4 seams, yep, you read that correctly, FOUR! This makes for the perfect opportunity to try a new seam finish.
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Are you team facing or bias tape? Having a few tricks up your sleeve might make you a bias tape covert. Learn how to make continuous bias tape, and how to quickly fold bias tape.
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And last but not least, no garment is complete without a perfect hem.
Customize the Pattern
Looking to flex your patternmaking-chops? Try one of these modifications to elevate your Sorbetto.
- Love Sorbetto’s simple line but want to ditch the center front pleat? This tutorial walks you through eliminating it.
- This basic tank also looks amazing with a scalloped edge hem.
- What garment isn’t improved with the addition of pockets? Alternately, try a menswear inspired pocket for a modern touch.
Add Embellishments
Want to add some flare to an otherwise plain tank? Try adding an embellished detail.
- The best part about a couched edge finish is that it can be added to a garment after completion. What a great way to update a tired piece!
I would be lying if I didn’t say that piping is one of my all time favorite trims.
Corded pintucks really give you the creative freedom to play with a variety of fun motifs and designs.
Add a touch of romance to your Sorbetto by creating a lace yoke.
Add some vintage-style embellishment to the shoulders or neckline of Sorbetto with this surface cording technique.
Comments
Tracy
July 5, 2016 #
Okay, I’m really excited for this. I need some shells for the office — the Sorbetto is perfect!
Jennifer O.
July 5, 2016 #
How do you count four seams? I’ve made a few Sorbettos and that seems too few. I am interested to see Sorbetto Week though!
Haley
July 5, 2016 #
Two shoulder seams and two side seams. I suppose you could technically call the bindings seams also ;)
Jennifer O.
July 5, 2016 #
Ah, ok. I counted the bindings and the hem too. It is a quick sew though!
Arianwen
July 5, 2016 #
I love this little top I have made one this series will hopefully inspire me for a few more.
Heide
July 5, 2016 #
I love the Sorbetto top! It is one of my favorite patterns. I love that I can wear it with a lightweight short sleeve cardigan in an AC cooled office or under a thick long sleeved cardigan in winter. There are about ten in my closet right now and I have a long list of variations I would like to make yet!
Jackie
July 5, 2016 #
Would it be possible for the pattern to be released as full-size pieces? For those with large scale printers or wanting to go to an office store and print out rather than piece together?
Emilee
July 5, 2016 #
Love the Sorbetto pattern! But after 2 kids, my past Sorbetto makes are a little snug. Do you think you’ll increase the size range of the pattern?
marijka
July 6, 2016 #
A tank is a great way to learn to tweak your pattern, especially since you know it fit well in the past! Just pin the front and back further away from the center fold; either measure your bust or just wing it and make it out of muslin or an old sheet to test. You can also add a smidge to the shoulder seam if you think you might need a bit more vertical room for larger breasts or back. Baste together to test then, once you’re happy, either tape extra paper to your existing pattern or make a new one altogether. (If you end up needing bust darts to improve the fit or fix a gaping armscye, you might want to start with a pattern that has darts included.) Have fun!
Haley
July 7, 2016 #
I will bring that suggestion to the team. In the meantime I have used this tutorial in the past to help me grade up vintage patterns. Sorbetto is a great base for curvier ladies as it has bust darts.
Bonnie Jeanne
July 6, 2016 #
I just made my muslin Sorbetto and really love it, though I didn’t size it properly because the armscye is very gappy. But, I’m working on figuring that out today because the scallop hem is my new goal. Thank you!
Jean
July 6, 2016 #
Has anyone tried making the Sorbetto in a knit? I would love to try it!
Haley
July 6, 2016 #
Check out the most recent Sorbetto post for a tutorial on how to adapt Sorbetto for knit.
Jean
July 6, 2016 #
Thanks! I have my fabric so will give it a try.
Vanessa Smith
July 6, 2016 #
I too am a plus size curvy girl. I have purchased several of your plus size patterns and love them. It would be nice for the top to be in larger sizes.
Haley
July 6, 2016 #
Hi Vanessa! I will bring that great idea to the team. Thanks for the feedback!
marijka
July 6, 2016 #
It also sounds like bustier women and plus-sizes might also appreciate bust darts…
AndiRae
July 6, 2016 #
LOVE the picture has a dress version! Over the holiday weekend I had INTENDED to make a Sorbetto maxi dress, no pleat, with side slits (with a matching cocoon shrug for the too-cold office AC). Alas, other stuff came up. But it’s still on my to-do list for this summer.
Mimi
July 6, 2016 #
Any plans for sorbetto with a cap or petal sleeve????
Haley
July 6, 2016 #
Hi Mimi! none of the tutorials we have lined up include a sleeve for Sorbetto, but I love this super cute sleeve tutorial from Gertie. This modification would be perfect for Sorbetto!
Dana
July 6, 2016 #
I’m excited for sorbetto week. I have some fabric ready to go when I get back from vacation. I’d love to see a sleeve hack too.
WheelyBad
July 6, 2016 #
I’m looking forward to trying Sorbetto, I think the 18 would fit closely but it doesn’t look a difficult pattern to grade up slightly, time to raid the old sheet stash for a toile to check. Tempted to try in a jersey as that would need no grading. Off to check my stash but if nothing there I’ll just have to buy more fabric… oh what a shame that is (not!) Thank you for a lovely free pattern.
Lucy
July 6, 2016 #
How about a pattern hack for adding sleeves? It would be soooo useful to have the option!
Haley
July 6, 2016 #
Check out this sleeve tutorial. It would be the perfect addition to Sorbetto.
Jeanette
July 6, 2016 #
I downloaded your Sorbetto pattern many months ago because I ADORE it. Earlier this week, I printed the pattern, and today when I saw your celebration post, I decided to cut and paste it together immediately. I still have to make a mock-up and do that dreaded SBA, but I am SO excited to be making my first digital pattern. I can’t wait to wear my new Sorbetto.
Haley
July 6, 2016 #
Yay! It is a great pattern with so many possibilities! Glad you love it!
Elena Beltran de Lubiano
July 6, 2016 #
Me too, I was expecting a sleeve hack!
Haley
July 6, 2016 #
Check out this really cute sleeve tutorial. We won’t be featuring a sleeve tutorial this time around but we will keep it in mind for the future.
Janie Zekkou
July 6, 2016 #
Thank you! I’m hoping to make this top in the next couple of weeks!
Patricia Clements
July 7, 2016 #
I just printed my copy of the pattern. I am thinking of making this top to wear with my A-line (adapted from a 1970’s skirt pattern) maxi skirt. How does that sound? I have tons of fabric to go with the skirts but am not too good at choosing a good top to wear with the 7 skirts I have made. Would the Sorbetto work?
Haley
July 7, 2016 #
Sorbetto sounds like a great option for that! It is such a chameleon pattern and I think it would look stunning with your new skirts!
Kathy Davis
July 7, 2016 #
Okay, I’m new here. And I’m now sufficiently intrigued with the Sorbet pattern to venture out and ask, “Hey, what about the bigger girls?” I would, by the pattern sizing guide, wear a size 22. How can I “size this girl up”, so I, too, can show off my mad skillz??? ;)
Haley
July 7, 2016 #
Hi Kathy, I hear you regarding the more limited size range of this pattern, I would check out this tutorial. It is super helpful for adding room to a pattern.
Sien
July 8, 2016 #
I love the Sorbetto! It is the first pattern I ever made and also one I regularly recommend for beginning sewers. The simple lines and clear instructions make it such a good project to gain some confidence. I love making it in those cute cotton fabrics that you buy because they have a fun pattern, but never know what to do with.
Becky
July 8, 2016 #
I have made a couple Sorbettos as gifts, but have yet to make one for myself. Sorbetto Week is PERFECT timing for me because I recently came to a great realization about my (impossibly long) sewing queue and my (very limited) sewing time – I can work on my large, time-consuming makes a couple hours over the week, and then concentrate on faster makes during my weekends and really build up my wardrobe. Yay!
It’s wonderful to think I could have a new Sorbetto by this time next week, and thank you so much for showing us new ideas and options for the pattern. I’m loving Katie’s breezy version posted today as my top priority to make, but I am enjoying all the variations very much!
Kirstin
July 10, 2016 #
Booooookmarking this whole series!
Debbe
July 10, 2016 #
I didn’t have enough fabric so I have to put a center seam in the front. Do you have any good suggestions/hacks on how to incorporate the cf seam? Would love to try a new sorbetto! This will be my third. Thank you for any suggestions you can give me!
TracyKM
July 16, 2016 #
I just printed the test page and my square is about 3 7/8″. I’m using Windows 10 and I don’t see anywhere in the print dialogue box to adjust the sizing (none of the old Shrink to Fit or Print Actual Size). Is this close enough?