Parisian Top Sew Along: Choosing Fabric

Welcome to the Parisian Top Sew Along! It’s time to get sewing!! Let’s talk about fabric, shall we??

Fabric type:

The Parisian should be made from a knit with at least 40% stretch. No idea how to determine stretch? Follow this handy guide to determine how much stretch your fabric has. And don’t forget to measure stretch recovery!

I highly recommend using an interlock knit or ponte if this is your first time sewing knits. These knits don’t curl when you cut them and they are a bit sturdier to sew.

What kind of knit fabric?

I prefer to use an interlock, sweater knit or a ponte knit for my Parisians but you may certainly use a jersey knit or a blend. The most important thing is the weight! You don’t really want to use something too thin. If you know the weight of the fabric, aim for something between 8-12 oz. Opt for a fabric on the lighter side for the collar. A woven fabric works fine for the collar.

Make sure it has stretch & recovery!

If you want to be able to put your shirt on and have it keep it’s proper shape, make sure your fabric has a lot of stretch and good recovery. Learn how to test for stretch and recovery.

Fabric inspiration:

Lexi Made: The purple knit is a Ponte De Roma. The weight is about 12 oz. It is nice and sturdy. Sure to hide any lumps and bumps while not being too thick. I used a rayon woven for the collar.
Andrea’s Notebook: The black floral is a sweater knit. It has a weight of about 10 oz but feels rather thick. It was a bit too thick for the collar, actually. Next time I would use a different, thinner knit or a woven for the collar.

Julia Bobbin: Floral skull knit is 8.5 oz. This is probably about the lightest weight you want to use. Much lighter and it will get very thin.
See Kate Sew: This Mustard Yellow Ponte De Roma is also a 12 oz weight.