The Megan Nielsen Rowan pattern has been in my pattern stash for a while now but I’ve been so into sewing wovens lately that I had mostly ignored my knit projects. I finally decided to dive into it and loved my first one so much that I made 2 more immediately after. I find myself reaching for simple knit tops a lot more lately so this top will definitely be in my regular rotation.
Fabric and sizing for the Megan Nielsen Rowan
For my first version of this top, I used my all time favorite knit – the bamboo/cotton rib knit from Stonemountain & Daughter. It’s such good quality, holds its stretch for years, and comes in amazing colors. I made another version out of the wide version of the same bamboo/cotton rib knit. The wide version is much softer and has more drape. For my last version I used a rib knit that I got a discount store for $2.99 a yard. It’s not the highest quality but I still think the top turned out great.
My size is somewhere sizes 4 & 6 for this pattern. I ended up making a size 4 and then grading out the waist to a size 6. I didn’t want the top to be baggy in the shoulders and figured that was the easiest way to get it to fit. Typically in other t-shirt patterns I will make a 0 or 2, but this pattern is very fitted. I don’t like my clothes skin tight hence why I sized up.
Sewing the top version
For some reason knits always intimidate me before I get into them, but once I start sewing I remember how dang quick knit tops can be to sew. My biggest struggle with knits always ends up being wavy hems. I’ve outlined some of my tricks for hemming knits in this post if this something you also struggle with.
The top version is really only 4 main pattern pieces: front, back, sleeves, neckline. I’ve only made the top version so far, but the bodysuit version does have a few more pieces and steps. It essentially extends the bodice and then requires that you add crotch snaps.
Final thoughts
I feel like casual knit tops are what I gravitate towards the most now that I’m working from home full time. Even though I’ve already made three versions of this top I could totally see myself making more. I still haven’t tried the bodysuit or the mockneck, so those might be next on my list.
