Some patterns are meant to be sewn together and then worn together. Treat them like peanut butter and jelly—tasty on their own or combined!

The two new Seamwork patterns are designed to complement each other, just in case you want to make a matching linen set or a monochromatic outfit.

Meet the Katiusca Tank Top

If you’re looking for a project that’s quick to sew, doesn’t take much fabric, and won’t go out of style, make the Katiusca tank top. This top has narrow straps for an easy fit and deep, airy side vents that pair well with high-waisted pants.

It’s also a scrap-busting pattern. Katiusca has a panel at the bottom that looks really cool with a contrasting color or print. If you want to keep the front of your tank top the same color, only use a contrasting scrap on the facing inside of the panel.

If you want to meet this pattern’s namesake, read this article that Katiusca wrote, What’s in a Pattern Name?

Franki is wearing a size 16 Katiusca top shortened by 1” with 2” added to the strap length, the dart lowered 1/2”, the front and back neck widened by 3/4”. Her measurements are 43 1/2”, 38 1/4”, 48”, and she is 5’6”.

Michelle is wearing a size 2 Katiusca top with the dart tip and armhole lowered 1/4” and 1” added to the strap length and hip sweep. Her measurements are 34 1/4”, 29”, 37 3/4”, and she is 5’6”.

Fabric & Fit

Fabrics to shop: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics such as shirting, chambray, lawn, voile, rayon challis, rayon crepe, Tencel, poplin, Tencel twill, and silk crepe. This design looks best in fabrics with some drape or a soft body.

Fabrics to avoid: Avoid heavyweight fabrics as the straps will be too small. Also, avoid very crisp fabrics, like chiffon, because they will create a harsh silhouette with this design.

Fit: This tank top is fitted at the bust with a more flexible fit at the waist and high hip. When selecting a size, pay most attention to your upper and full bust measurements.

Meet the Max Pants

The Max pants are so fun to make, with a versatile design that you can sew over and over in different fabrics. They have a breezy tapered silhouette with inseam and patch pockets. The elastic waist back gives you a streamlined look from the front with a flexible, comfortable fit at the back.

Michele is wearing size 6 Max pants with the inseam shortened 1" and a small thigh adjustment. Her measurements are 34 1/2", 29", 37 3/4”, and she is 5'6" tall.

Franki is wearing size 16 Max pants with the rise and inseam shortened 2". Her measurements are 43 1/2", 38 1/2", 48”, and she is 5'6 1/2".

If tapered pants aren't your style, check out the member bonus for the Max pants, which adds a wide-legged option.

Fabric & Fit

Fabrics to shop: Look for medium-weight woven fabrics such as cotton twill, linen, linen blends, denim, chambray, and rayon twill.

Fabrics to avoid: Avoid very lightweight or heavyweight fabrics, as they generally don’t work for loose-fitting pants. Instead of a rayon challis, choose a more sturdy rayon twill. Instead of canvas, look for cotton twill.

Fit: These pants are semi-fitted at the waist and hip, with a breezy, tapered fit in the legs. When selecting a size, pay most attention to your hip, inseam, and crotch measurements and blend sizes as necessary.

Some Extra Help

If you want to make either (or both) of these patterns, here are some ideas for styling and coordinating.

• Sew a semi-coordinating set. Have fun with two different scales of a similar print, like this gingham and check set Franki is wearing.


• Make a monochromatic look. Pick three colors from the same family and sew one for the Katiusca bodice, one for the panel, and another for the Max pants.


• Pair the Max pants with another breezy top and tuck it in to make a faux jumpsuit. This would work well with Bo, Madhu, or the Siahra dress hacked into a top.

Here are some sewing resources to help you along the way.

• 
  How to Fit With Confidence: Get comfortable fitting your me-made clothes with this fun, helpful video class.


• 
  Make Your Own Textiles: In this class, Sienna uses the Quince jacket pattern to show you how to dye fabric and practice surface design with basic block-printing. Would Quince pair well with Katiusca and Max? It definitely would.


• 
  One Pattern, Three Fabrics: This article has three inspiring fabric ideas that would work well for the Max pants—all from our friends at Blackbird Fabrics! (If you’re a member, remember you get a discount shopping at Blackbird.)


• 
  All About Lyocell & Tencel: What is Lyocell, and is it sustainable? By Michelle Brown Colistro.


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  What is Twill? How to sew with twill fabrics.


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  How to Sew with Rayon: What is rayon, where did it come from, and what is it good for? By Saki Jane.


• 
  Remnant Revivals Part One: Collect Your Scraps. How to be intentional with your fabric scraps—and store them with care. By Christi Johnson.

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