A review of the Freya top by Tilly and the Buttons
The Freya top (and dress) pattern by Tilly and the Buttons is one of my most made patterns. In this blog post I am going to talk all about the top version and share some of my favourite versions too.
The Pattern
The Freya pattern comes from the Tilly and the Buttons book ‘Stretch!’ by Tilly Walnes. Stretch! is a fantastic book with a range of six patterns all designed to make you comfortable with sewing with knit fabrics.
The Freya sweater and dress is a close-fitting sweater or A-line dress with a range of options to choose from. There are three different necklines available: a mock neckline, roll neck and cowl neck. There are also three sleeve lengths included and there’s a tutorial for adding a cute ruffle too.
My favourite variation of this pattern is the classic mock neck sweater. I have made 10 of this version to date! In this blog post I’ll talk all about how I find the sizing and construction of the pattern as well as sharing 9 reasons I love the Freya top so much.
Fabric
Fabric suggestions for the Freya include light to medium weight sweater knits, rib knits, jersey or ponte di roma. At least 25% stretch is needed as the Freya has negative ease built in and is designed to be close fitting.
My favourite choice for the Freya is a cotton jersey. It’s stable to sew with, you can get it in such fun prints and patterns and it’s breathable too. I have however recently been delving deeper into the world of alternative lightweight jersey fabrics. In future I would love to try a Freya top in a viscose or bamboo jersey as I think they would be really comfortable and give a slightly more drapey finish than a crisper cotton jersey.
Sizing and adjustments
My measurements are bust 32 waist 26 hips 36 inches. This puts me as a size 2 for the Freya top for both bust and waist. The size 2 hips measurement is 35 inches. I don’t find I need to grade out for the hips measurement as the fabric is stretchy and so the size 2 hip measurement seems fine to me too.
In terms of adjustments, I lengthen both the bodice and arms of the Freya by 1.5 inches. I have a long body and arms and I like my Freya tops to be nice and cosy!
Construction
One of the reasons I love the Freya top is that it is such a speedy and straightforward sew. I would definitely recommend starting with this pattern if you are new to sewing with knit fabrics.
There are only four pattern pieces for the Freya top: front bodice, back bodice, sleeve and neckband. The neckband for the Freya is particularly suitable for a beginner sewer. As the mock neck is a stand up neckband, there are no issues with trying to get the neckband to lie flat. It goes in very easily with just a little stretching to fit the slightly smaller neckline.
The pattern instructions are, as ever with Tilly and the Buttons patterns, very clear. Colour photographs are included throughout of all the individual steps. Lots of extra tips are included too.
I also like how the pattern instructions include a step for stabilizing the shoulders of the top, to prevent them stetching out with washing and wear.
Reasons I love the Freya top
- It is such a speedy sew. I’m not a super speedy sewist and this is one of the few patterns that I can cut out and sew up within an hour or two.
- It’s a great palate cleanser. If you are looking for a nice easy sew to follow a more involved make, the Freya top is perfect. The construction is straightforward and the neckband goes in easily.
- You can have fun with your fabric choice. The Freya is such a classic, simple shape that it lends itself really well to fun, bold prints.
- It’s perfect for layering if you make it in a plain colour. I love layering my Freya tops underneath dresses in winter. Using the Freya top as a layering piece means I can keep wearing some of my summer dresses right through winter too.
- It’s really cosy. With the stand up neckline and long sleeves, it keeps you nice and warm if you feel the cold like I do.
- It goes with everything. I love wearing my Freya tops with skirts, pinafores, jeans and trousers.
- You don’t need too much fabric. I can easily fit the Freya top into 1.5m of fabric.
- It’s really versatile. There are so many variations to choose from: three different necklines, three different sleeve lengths and an A-line dress version.
- It’s really hackable. I have seen some amazing hacks, including adding a gathered skirt to the Freya top to make a fab dress or using the A-line skirt of the Freya to combine with a different jersey top pattern for a different neckline.
Summary
The Freya top has to be up there as one of my all-time favourite patterns. It is easy to sew, super versatile and really stylish too. I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my versions of the top. I’m sure there’ll be more in my future too.