Thursday, February 25, 2016

Updated Lane Raglan testing

I have been sewing for almost two years now, but I've only recently discovered sewing groups on Facebook. Many indie designers have groups so that sewists can come together and show off their creations and ask questions. It's been really helpful and inspiring!

Lane Raglan sewing pattern

One group that I recently joined was the Hey June group. All of Adrianna's patterns are ridiculously popular. She even scored 3 spots on Indiesew's list of 10 most popular patterns in 2015! My first HJ make was the über popular Lane Raglan.

I used a double knit rayon/spandex that I picked up at Joann. I'd bought it because I needed some basic white for a neckline binding, but of course I got more than necessary so I could try something else with it! The fabric is so nice and cozy. It's the perfect comfy weight that's right between a sweatshirt and t-shirt.

Here are the stats for Lane #1
Original pattern
Size: small graded to medium in the hips
Long sleeve with bands
Banded hem

Long sleeve Lane raglan

As I said, I am really pleased with how it feels. The one issue I had was some extra bagginess near the armpit. It wasn't exactly in the arm crease, but right on top. It seems like others have had the same issue, and luckily I was given the opportunity to test the new updates to the pattern!

Lane #2 was made with a very lightweight knit from Girl Charlee. It wasn't the easiest to work with, particularly the neckband. It kept rolling up, so I ended up cutting a new one and made it slightly thicker. I also starched the heck out of it! The fit was much better. The bagginess on top of the bust had disappeared, and the overall shape was curvier. I think I had some issues serging this one, and may have used a wider seam allowance than calls for because I was sewing really late at night!

There were still some changes to be made to the pattern, however, including slimming down the sleeve.

Lane #3 is the final version of the pattern and the photo at the top of this post. It turned out to a really comfy shirt. It turned out a little different than I expected, but I think that's because I chose a heavier French terry for the body. It is the prettiest olivey/pea green (it was listed as 'Green Tea'), and the loops on the back are really big and soft. I got the last yard of it and have been saving it for just the right project! The sleeves are cotton/Lycra and have this cute holey, pseudo-eyelet texture. Not really sure the formal name of such a thing. Both fabrics were from Urban Rag Trader on Etsy.

What I like about this updated pattern:

  • The sleeves are slimmer 
  • Top is more fitted
  • The body skims and is not clingy or too big 
  • The extra fabric from on top of the bust area is gone 
  • Option for curved or banded hem
  • Options for elbow-length, ¾ or long sleeves
  • For those needing to make a FBA, there is a separate front piece just for you!


Details for Lane #3
Updated pattern
Size medium graded to large at the hip
¾ length sleeves with serged hem
Curved hem, serged

For comparison's sake, here are some side-by-side shots:

Lane raglan comparison front view

updated Lane raglan sewing pattern comparison

Each of these shirts fits a little differently, but I like them all! It is a really easy project, and is quick to make. I have loved using my serger for knits! I definitely recommend this pattern for anyone, including beginners, because it is simple and there are so many possibilities to change it up. I'd love to make a hoodie version and one with short sleeves. You can read more about the updated version on the Hey June blog

If you've already bought the Lane, you can get the updated version by checking into your account--it should be there! If you have not bought it yet, what's keeping you? 

Buy the Lane raglan here. Bonus: it's on sale until 2/29/16, no coupon necessary! 





2 comments:

  1. Awesome post! thanks for the comparison pictures, they're really great!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post, the comparison pictures are so helpful. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete