Welcome the Twin Set for Knits

We know you are going to love Twin Set Variations for Tabula Rasa Knits, especially as we move into layering for Fall weather!  This new pattern provides the templates and pattern pieces to create a sleeveless Tank Top and two styles of cardigans – a center front closing Tailored Cardigan with optional collar and split cuff and a loose Waterfall Cardigan with optional front extension for a snap closure.  We love them both!  We hope the new Twin Set samples in our Photo Gallery will inspire you to get sewing your own twin sets.

Digital or Print?

And there’s more exciting news!  Twin Set Variations is the first pattern we are releasing in both print and digital versions right from the start, so you can choose the format that is most convenient for you.  At the same time we are adding a digital version of Tabula Rasa Knit Tee & Tunic, the core pattern that you need to work with Twin Set Variations, as an alternative to the print version.  Order your Twin Set Variations here.

If you prefer your patterns printed on tissue and ready to go right out of the envelope, put the print version in your cart and we will mail your pattern with tissue and instruction book.  If you are fan of downloadable patterns, or maybe an international customer, select the digital version for your cart and you will receive a link to the download files in your receipt.  You can read more about what is included in our digital patterns in our Digital Pattern FAQs.  An important reminder – if you are purchasing digital patterns, be sure to create an account on our website so you’ll be able to access your digital patterns to download again at a later date.

Which Cardigan Style?

The Tailored Cardigan features a jewel neckline and optional collar and split cuff; it works best with very stable or heavy weight knits or sweater knits.  To make a tailored cardigan, you will use templates to extend the center front for an easy turn back finish and to modify the back neckline to match.  Combine the modified Tailored Cardigan front and back with your existing straight or flared side panel and knit sleeve.  We also include directions to help you modify the sleeve and side panel patterns to create a bit more ease in the cardigan for layering over a tank top or tee if you prefer.  The standing collar is loose fitting and matches the angles and width of the split cuff.

The Waterfall Cardigan features an open cascading front and lengthened hem that gets longer in the back; it works best with soft drapey knits that look good on both the fabric’s front and back sides.  To make a Waterfall Cardigan, you will use templates to extend the center front and to lengthen the hem on the side panel and back pattern pieces.  Again, you will rely on your existing sleeve and straight or flared side panel, or modify them slightly for more ease.  In addition, there is an optional front extension template to add to the front when you’d like to be able to cross over and close the fronts with a snap at the shoulder.

The Tank Top

Every twin set needs a shell to wear underneath, so we have included a sleeveless Tank Top as an alternative to your basic Tabula Rasa Knit Tee.  To make the tank top, you’ll use templates to modify your existing front and back patterns for a lower scoop neckline and slightly narrower shoulder, and add the new Tank Top Side panel, choosing flared or straight like your tee.  Because of the great variability in personal preferences for a sleeveless top, we strongly encourage you to make a mock up of the tank top and take the time to finesse the fit of the new side panel and armhole to your satisfaction; e.g. you may prefer a closer or looser fit in the armhole.

The neckline and hem for the tank top are finished in the same way as a Tabula Rasa Knit Tee, so you’ve already mastered those techniques!  Finishing the armhole is a blend of the knit neckline binding technique and the steps we follow to finish a Tabula Rasa Vest with an “extended shoulder.”  Here are step-by-step illustrations to get you started, shown in a lightweight blue ponté tank top Carrie wears with her Brushstroke Ponté Waterfall Cardigan.

Apply strips of knit binding to the underarm edge of the side panel:

• Fold binding in half the long way, wrong sides together, and press.
• Stitch binding to underarm at the 5/8″ seam line with raw edges together.
• Trim seam allowance to 1/4″ with a serger or zigzag stitches, cutting away the excess.
• Press seam allowance to inside.
• Top stitch seam allowance to underarm about 1/8″ from the seam.
• Insert side panel into body of the tank top, but do not finish side seams yet!

Apply strips of knit binding to the armseye and shoulder:

• Fold binding in half the long way, wrong sides together, and press.
• Stitch binding to armseye at the 5/8″ seam line with raw edges together, starting and ending below the point where the side panel meets the front and back.
• Finish side seams and seam allowance around armseye, trimming seam allowance to 1/4″ in the armhole area, with a serger or zigzag stitches.
• Press seam allowance to inside around armhole.
• Top stitch seam allowance to armseye about 1/8″ from the seam.

Voila!  A sleeveless Tank Top is ready to wear with or without a cardigan.  Because it will fit you perfectly through the bust and you can control the amount of coverage in the neckline, shoulder and armhole, you’ll want one in every color next summer.  Order your Twin Set Variations today to take advantage of our introductory flat shipping rate of $3 for the paper format of Twin Set Variations and additional patterns (and only $10 for shipping if you add a kit or fabric).

We hope you enjoy adding this Twin Set to your knit top wardrobe.  As you #sewsuccessfully with #fitforartpatterns, be sure to post your photos with our hashtags #twinsetvariation and #tabularasaknits. We can’t wait to see what you create!

Happy Sewing, Carrie