When I first saw this fabric Minerva Exclusive print on demand fabric, I was immediately drawn to it. It reminded me so much of Japanese shibori dyeing. I’ve always wanted to try that technique myself, but haven’t gotten around to it yet, so this felt like the next best thing.

I got a small amount in a knit, and in a woven (something else coming soon!). Originally, I had plans for something that required a little bit more fabric, so this pattern was perfect.

After considering a few different options, I landed on the High Neck Asymmetric Top by Ellie Threads (from Etsy). It’s a very straightforward pattern made for knits, which made it a great match for this project.

There honestly isn’t a ton to say about construction because it’s so simple, in a good way. The pattern consists of just two main pieces, a front and a back, with elastic added at the sides for the ruching. In fact, I think hemming and finishing the armholes took longer than assembling the garment itself.

Sizing was interesting. I typically wear a medium, but based on the size chart, I probably should have cut a large. I went with the medium anyway, and it ended up fitting perfectly. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re choosing your size.

One thing that does vary depending on fabric is the neckline. In the product photos, it looks more structured, almost like a mock neck. With this fabric, though, the softness gives it a more relaxed, drapey feel, almost like a mini cowl. After looking through customer photos on Etsy, it seems like that’s a common outcome with softer knits.

For finishing the neckline, I had to slightly adjust the instructions to tack it down more securely. If you skip that step, the underside can show, which is especially noticeable with fabrics that have a distinct right and wrong side. Along those same lines, thread choice matters more than you might expect. I used black thread in my serger without thinking much about it, but depending on how the neckline falls, you can occasionally see little bits of it peeking through.

The fabric itself is incredibly soft and easy to work with, which makes me want to use it for more basics. I’m also curious to try this pattern again in a different knit, something with more structure to see how it changes the neckline. I could see this working really well as a transitional piece in a thicker fabric, or even looking really striking in a stretch mesh.

If you’re into pattern hacking, this would also be a great base for a bodycon dress. The shape is simple enough that it could easily be extended and modified.

Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out. For an experienced sewist, this is a quick and approachable make, and it’s flexible enough to experiment with as you go.

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