One Last Nursing Top Hack

 Supplement 271 - Model#70 - 2008

Hidden 2 way zipper under a flap at the bustline

 

    Hi folks, this is the last nursing top, I promise. The new mother is off to a good start and I've discovered that sewing for babies is pretty fun, too. 

 

The Pattern: 

    Once again I used this close fitting T-shirt pattern as the base for this nursing top. The photo below demonstrates approximately where I cut the pattern apart to insert the zipper.

  

My cutting line may appear to be just below the bust point, but my stretchy fabric made the seam end almost under the bust. The test garment revealed quite a bit of vertical stretch in this fabric. Fabrics with differing amounts of stretch may need the cutting line on the pattern adjusted. Once cut apart both pieces will need seam allowance. This is the seam where the zipper sews in. To get the overlap that nicely covers the zipper, I added 2 full inches to the pattern just half an inch above the original cut. After adding the 2 inches to the pattern I marked the fold line at 1 inch and folded the paper to true the pattern with the fold of the fabric.

 

The Alteration:

    The dual slider zipper installed in the seam allows for an opening as large as you need to nurse a baby comfortably. The 21 inch zipper that I used ended at each side seam so the ends are well anchored. To avoid any stretching out at the zipper seam I did use tricot interfacing on the whole overlap and the adjoining zipper seam. The size of the overlap is really something that can be customized to suit your fabric and the wearer. 

 

The Fabric:

    As I mentioned, my fabric is fairly stretchy, both horizontally and vertically. If you want to use a close fitting pattern like this one from 2008 then I would suggest a knit with stretch in all directions. Your favorite T-shirt pattern may allow for a greater range of knits.

 

Conclusion:

    Well, I'm pretty sure I have established that this is my current favorite for a close fitting, basic, T-shirt. It is easily fitted to your figure and infinitely adaptable once properly fitted. 

 

Alright then, I'll close with a wish for a happy new year for everyone! Thanks for visiting the blog.

 

Ann in Calif.