Sewing: Flutter Sleeve Bateau Neck Tops for KCW (Free Pattern)

Summer seems to be speeding by. It's hard to believe it's closer to the end of July than the beginning. The hot, lazy days of summer. I've been enjoying them so much I don't want to see them end. But there is still a lot to look forward to this summer so I won't get too sentimental about it, at least until it's August!

It's the second day of the Kids Clothes Week summer challenge and I feel like I could just keep sewing casual summer clothes for my girls. It's been so satisfying, and quick, and deadline free (except for my own challenges to finish).

This time I've made some Bateau Neck Tops for Scarlett and Tess with a new sleeve variation: the Flutter. This was inspired by a Bateau Neck Top Dana sewed for STYLO 2 earlier this year with a little ruffle on a sleeveless version.

I fashioned a full sleeve so it can be set in just as you would with the original sleeve, with the addition of some gathering (pattern and instructions follow below). I decided to leave the sleeve hem "raw," or unfinished, since that's an option with knits. In fact, I left the hem on Tess's top raw as well because I like the way it curls. (If you prefer a small hem on this flutter sleeve you can easily add a hem allowance to the pattern.)

I love the combination of the boatneck and the flutter sleeve!

Tess is sporting some new floral leggings with her Bateau Neck Top. These were self-drafted and sewn with this floral fabric from Etsy. The aqua polka dot jersey is Riley Blake.

Scarlett's Bateau Neck Top was sewn with knit fabric I purchased from Girl Charlee last year and she is wearing it with some Kid Shorts I made when I attended Dana's sewing workshop at SNAP! conference a few months ago. I love the racer style in the Kid Shorts pattern (which I lengthened a tad) with the binding. And my girls love wearing them!

If you'd like to add Flutter Sleeves to a Bateau Neck Top or Bateau Neck Dress (the dress would be so cute!) click through for the free pattern and brief tutorial. 

BATEAU NECK TOP WITH FLUTTER SLEEVE

• Download the pattern for the Flutter Sleeve. It is sized for 18 months to 10 years, just as the Bateau Neck Top pattern.
• Print out the two-page pattern at 100% (do not scale), trim the margins and tape it together. Check the 1" and 1cm squares to be certain it has printed correctly.
• Trace or cut out the size you are sewing. If you would like to hem the sleeve add a seam allowance at the hem to accommodate this.
• Substitute this Flutter Sleeve pattern for the Bateau Neck Top sleeve from the original pattern.
• You will sew your Bateau Neck Top or Bateau Neck Dress per their pattern instructions, but before setting in the sleeves baste the top of the Flutter Sleeve as illustrated below, and gather it to fit in the armhole (armscye). Pin well and stitch the sleeve to the bodice at the armholes. As per the pattern, stitch the underarm and side seams.
• Leave the sleeve hem unfinished, or if you added a hem allowance, hem if you prefer.
• Flutter away!