Pattern Description: Frances is a modular knit shirt and dress pattern that offers many style options, allowing you to make a collection of beautiful basics. The body silhouette ranges from a fitted hip-length shirt, a crop top that sits just above the natural waist, or a dress with a half-circle skirt, built inside-seam pockets, and an optional sash. Choose from five neckline options: crew neck, turtle neck, or scoop neck with a high back, medium back, or a low back with ties. Four sleeve options are also given: Cap, elbow, three-quarter, and full-length.

Pattern Sizing: 0-18 and 14-30. I made a size 0, grading to a size 2 at the upper back and waist/hips.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I have sewn this pattern dozens of times so I did not use the instructions.

For the views, I made 3 crew necks and 2 mock-necks, 3 long sleeve and 2 cap sleeve, and 3 standard length and 2 cropped length t-shirts.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This is my TNT fitted t-shirt pattern. It has so many different options to choose from. It makes a great layering basic.

Fabric Used: Minerva Core Range Cotton Lycra Jersey Stretch Knit Fabric in Black, White, and Navy Blue, 1.5m each.

This jersey has really nice stretch and recovery. It also feels very soft to the touch. It has a good mid-weight thickness to it, so it’s not sheer but also not too heavy.

I had intended to do 3 long sleeve tees but I had enough fabric to squeeze out some cropped baby tees as well. The navy I left for later use as I want to combine it with another fabric to sew a baseball raglan tee at some point.

Changes/alterations: For the cropped view, I added 2.5 inches in length so it would sit at the top of my pants with a 3/4” hem. I graded up to a size 2 at the upper back and back sleeve for my broad back.

I didn’t do it this time but it might be time to do a full bicep adjustment, as it does feel tight in that area.

Would you sew it again? Absolutely! I have sewn this pattern so many times and I’m sure I will continue to use it again and again.

Conclusion: I really needed to restock my basic t-shirts for winter. These will be on constant rotation as layering pieces and will replace some worn out items in my closet.

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