One Year of Sewing – Looking Back and Moving Forward
A year-end review of Bian Sew Studio. At the end of March, Bian Sew Studio
New Free Pattern: Petite Babydoll Top
Effortless Femininity
My newest free pattern is here: a babydoll-style top, thoughtfully designed for petite figures (around 160 cm or 5’3” tall). It’s a timeless classic with a fresh, modern twist – lightweight, flattering, and endlessly versatile.
Why a babydoll?
The babydoll silhouette has been a beloved part of women’s wardrobes for decades – and for good reason. It’s airy, floaty, and light on the body, while still highlighting soft feminine lines.
For petite and delicate body types, this style is especially flattering: it doesn’t overwhelm your frame or elongate your silhouette in an unbalanced way. On the contrary – it adds a fresh, elegant, and playful touch to your look.
Fabric & Colors
The babydoll top shines brightest in natural, breathable fabrics like:
Cotton
Linen
Viscose
These materials are especially comfortable in summer. Choose light, pastel colors or tiny cheerful prints to enhance the charm of a petite frame and match the playfulness of the style.
How to Wear It?
This top is surprisingly versatile – you can style it for many different occasions:
With high-waisted shorts, it’s flirty and summery
Add sneakers or sandals for a casual daytime outfit
Pair it with delicate jewelry for a more elegant evening vibe
The key is to keep accessories subtle so they don’t overpower the look – a simple chain, a dainty bracelet, or minimal earrings are perfect.
Download it for free!
You can download the babydoll pattern for free from my website – click the button below and start sewing your very own breezy top.
Happy sewing!
– Bianka | Bian Sew Studio
Not sure where to start? I’ve created a detailed, beginner-friendly sewing guide with clear illustrations to walk you through every step. It’s available in my shop!
Download it now and start creating something special!
Tag me on Instagram (@biansewstudio) or use the hashtag #StrappyTop to show off your handmade beauty – I’d love to see your take on it! Start stitching your dream summer dress today 💛
Sewing Notes
Here are some essential tips for a successful sewing project:
Choosing the Right Size & Fit
- Always choose the size based on your body measurements, not your ready-to-wear size. Check the measurement chart included with the pattern.
- If adjustments are needed, make them before cutting the fabric. Lengthen or shorten the pattern by slashing and spreading or overlapping the pieces, securing with tape.
- For garments, check the ease allowance in the pattern. Some designs include negative ease (smaller than body measurements) for a snug fit, while others have extra room for comfort.
Fabric Recommendations
- Choose a fabric that matches the pattern’s suggested stretch percentage (e.g., 50% stretch means 10 cm fabric should stretch to 15 cm).
- Fabrics with poor recovery (not bouncing back after stretching) can result in wavy seams or a stretched-out garment. To prevent this, select a knit fabric with spandex/Lycra content.
- Preshrink your fabric by washing and drying it the same way you will care for the finished project.
Cutting & Preparation
- Iron your fabric before cutting to remove any creases. Use the correct heat setting based on the fiber content (low heat for synthetics, high heat for natural fibers).
- When placing pattern pieces, ensure the grainline is parallel to the fabric selvage to maintain the correct drape.
- Cut small, precise notches (about 1/8” or 0.3 cm) to avoid weakening the seam allowances.
Sewing & Finishing
- Use a stretch or ballpoint needle for knit fabrics to avoid skipped stitches. If stitches are skipping, try a slightly larger needle size.
- If seams appear wavy, try using a walking foot or adjusting the differential feed on an overlocker.
- Use a stretch stitch or zigzag stitch to maintain flexibility in the seams. If seams crack under stress, check the stitch type and use polyester thread instead of cotton.
- When pressing seams, lift the iron between sections instead of gliding it to prevent stretching out the fabric.
By following these guidelines, you’ll achieve a professional-looking finish and a well-fitting garment or accessory. Happy sewing! 🧵✂️
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Thx!!!!!!