This is a perfect example of when the stars align! I was in the midst of browsing through Schnittchen’s plus size pattern selection when I was asked if I would like to do a review of the Betty Top. Ummmmm… of course I would!!!
First let’s talk about the company. Schnittchen is a Germany based company that has a variety of patterns designed for women ranging from European sizes 34 to 46 and have recently expanded some patterns, like the Betty Top, to sizes 46-56. The patterns are available as a paper pattern or as a downloadable file. Disclaimer: I received this pattern for free, but all my opinions are my own.
The Betty Top is a simple, comfortable top with oversized shoulders and topstitched facing on the front. The fabric recommendation included sweatshirt material, neoprene, and jersey. This sewing pattern is available as a PDF download in German and English.
Size Range: Eur 34-46 and Plus Size 46-56 (up to 53.5″/106-136cm bust, 56″/114.5-142cm hip)
My measurements:
Measurements: 47″ bust/45″ waist/58″ hip
Body Shape: Pear-ish
Height: 5’7
Bra size: 44DDD
Fabric: Light sweater knit I was gifted by one of my sew sisters from Gaffney Fabrics in Philadelphia.
What size did I make? After verifying my measurements in centimeters, I made a size 52 at the bust and graded to 56 at the hips. The model shown is wearing a size 50 in a scuba fabric.
Changes I made: Chose to omit the sleeves and bind the armholes with self-made bias tape from the same fabric. Love the arm coverage I get with the dropped shoulder.
What was the construction process like? Did the instructions make sense to you?
The pattern comes with detailed sewing instructions and sketches that refer to some of the written instructions. Instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I was able to finish this top in 2 hours after taping and cutting the PDF pattern.
How did you like the pattern’s fit? Do you think that the design works well for your body shape?
The fit was spot on! I thought I was going to have some issues with the hip area but the amount of ease built into the pattern was perfect. Even though it is designed to be an oversized top, I did not feel swallowed in the design.
The hi-lo hem is very flattering to those of us who don’t want to showcase all our glory. The drop shoulder design may be cumbersome for some folks, but it would be easy to alter to your shoulder shape if needed.
Will you make this pattern again? If so, what fit or design changes will you make?
I already have a cropped version in the works on my table as I write this review! This pattern is an easy sew and I know I will be adding a sleeved version in the fall. The facings and the topstitching lend to the design and a clean finish. Next time I plan to play with some contrasting thread color and decorative stitches.
Do you have any advice on this pattern for other curvy sewers? Are there any resources or materials that helped you sew this piece up?
This pattern has the dart placement in the armhole so make sure you mark your fabric accordingly. I suggest you do a tissue fit of the front bodice to make sure the dart is in the right place.
Pattern Rating (1-5, 5 being the highest):
Size range: 5
Instructions: 5
Construction process: 5
Final fit: 5
Overall rating: 5
I love how this top fits me! The hi-lo hem is very flattering for my figure and it’s so easy to pick up and look put together when I leave the house. I consider this pattern a great curvy sew for everyone and a nice addition to my wardrobe. Now to go back to the website and see what other goodies they have.
Until next time,
GariChild
Love this top on you! From the line drawing and the pattern illustration, this is something I would not have been interested in. It looks fabulous on you though and your fabric choice really takes it to the next level! Congratulations on such a successful sew.
Nice job. Love the bold pattern fabric, and it was genius to adapt the drop sleeve line into a sleeveless summer look Sleeved version in that fabric might have been too much going on.
Hey – it looks so much better on you than on the pattern packet! I also am now persuaded to try one of their patterns!
Great Job – lovely colours on you. Love your smile too!
Gorgeous fabric and look for you. Beautifully made!
Just wonderful as is your review. I perked up on moticing that the fabric was from Gaffney’s which is about 12-15 miles from me. Do you think your sewing-sister who sent it to you would be willing to chat with me about Gaffney’s. I do not get around well and do not want to make the trip if they don’t have what I want. Thanks again for a great review.
I absolutely love Gaffneys!!! We do several fabric trips to Philly throughout the year and this is one of my fav shops! You can go on their instagram or fb page to see some of their selection and when they have sales.
Wow! I loved your Sewing For My Curves post, and this one, too, because you radiate warmth and joy!
When I saw this top on the Schnittchen site a while back, I could not tell from the photos or the line art that the dart was in the armhole rather than the side seam. Armhole darts tend to work well for me, so I will take another look at this pattern. This is a great example of how helpful is is to see a real example of a pattern worn by a real person.
Thank you soooooo much. Truly the joys of sewing!!
I think the material you chose, and your decision to make the blouse with a capped sleeve was a great idea. If I hadn’t viewed your finished item, I would not have given the pattern a second look. You sold me.
Well done! Amazing how I love yours and would have just passed the pattern photo without a second glance.
It would certainly be nice if the pattern company provided an actual size chart for their extended size range. I thought perhaps the size numbers corresponded to bust sizes in inches (which would be slightly odd given that they are European and thus presumably draft in metric) but nope, not even that, since their size 46 top has a 41 inch bust.
I don’t have the full size chart on hand, but here’s the size range that I posted with my own Schnittchen review a little while back: “The Plus size range encompasses European sizes 46-56 (42″-53.5″/106-136cm bust, 45″-56″/114.5-142cm hip). The Misses size range encompasses sizes 34-46 (32″-42″/82cm-106cm bust, 36″-45″/91cm-114.5cm hip).”
You are awesome Michelle…Thank you!!
YOU should be the model for this company! Your top fits so much better than theirs. Good job!
Love the top! I had not found Schnittchen yet! Thanx for the link!
Absolutely stunning! I find the dart in the armhole interesting, I often have to do that when adjusting bodices, and feel like I am ‘cheating’ (and should have done a muslin and rotated it to the bust dart 🙄), but maybe it’s a thing?
The Schnittchen top that I made (the Katha tunic) has that armhole dart, too. In the case of the Katha, there’s also a waist dart that when combined with the armhole dart, gives the effect of fitting like less-structured princess seams. Sounds weird, I know, but I actually really like how the fit works.
I love this top on you and your fabric choice! Now I need to check these patterns out.
I love this top on you and your fabric choice! Now I need to check this patterns out.
The cut of the top and the fabric is perfect for you. You look stunning. Possible easy(ish) sew for me so I’m heading to Schnittchen website right now to see what there is. Thank you for a really clear review.
Yes, Very easyish, other than the facings, I was sold at two pattern pieces for a cute top!
You gave life to this pattern. Love what you did with the sleeves and that fabric you chose is a beautiful representation of how much fun you seem to be. I love your version!
WOW…beautiful picture of YOU, and the top is a stunner! Love the short sleeves and how you finished them. Hurry go make a couple more, before summer is over!
Great fabric selection, great fit! I will buy this pattern!
This is so perfect on you! I love the colors, the fabric, the pattern, your details, everything!!!
Lovely top! Nice fit and I like the dip in the back which gives it a unique shape.
Thank you! Thats my favorite detail too!
Princess,
That looks great on you! Thanks for the info, and you have a very pretty yard!
Thank you!!! I will make sure to also pass the yard compliment to my husband as extra incentive to keep up the good work for great pictures…lol
I love it! It’s really good. Thanks for wring the piece…I’m on my way to Schnittchen as we speak!