INTRODUCING THE (FREE!) MONROE TURTLENECK PATTERN
Meet our latest pattern – the Monroe Turtleneck! Featuring drop shoulders, a turtleneck collar and optional three quarter or full length fitted sleeves, Monroe is a super quick and super stylish sewing project.
This top was unquestionably inspired by our (and your!) favourite freebie pattern – the Mandy Boat Tee. Basically, Monroe is Mandy but with the perfect turtleneck. Oh, and she comes in three sizes. The design is relaxed, classic and comfortable and is really the perfect autumn/winter wardrobe staple.
Colette and I love turtlenecks. While some articles might tell you the style is back, we say it never left. There is something innately flattering and elegant about a high neck and I cannot think of a time when a black version hasn’t graced my wardrobe. Cue this photo (and this article) and our naming inspiration…
In one of our pattern planning discussions, we looked at how insanely popular the Mandy Boat Tee has been and got to talking about something that might match Mandy in its wide appeal, but be better suited to the cooler months. Seed planted, watered and confirmed with this RTW inspiration…
The neck is designed to be snug (but not too snug) and long (but not too long). You can wear it upright or folded – whatever you prefer.
Suitable fabrics for the Monroe include stretch cotton, wool or viscose jerseys, lightweight pontis (this!) and knits with elastane, lycra or spandex content.
The boucle stripe (above) is called Brisk Stripes and my plain version (below) is made up in Bosley French Navy.
The Monroe Turtleneck is now available in Size 1 (XXS-XS-S), Size 2 (S-M-L) and Size 3 (L-XL-XXL). All sizes are included in the pattern. You can download the free PDF print-at-home/print copy shop version online or purchase a hard copy (for a limited time) online and in-store for AUD$15.
SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave
Colette and Lisa collaborate to bring you this here Tessuti blog. Follow us to keep your finger on the pulse of new pattern releases, reviews, tips, techniques and a healthy dose of love and appreciation for all things fabric and sewing!
Hi there – love the top but where do you get those great wide-legged jeans from? Great outfit!
Thanks Rada! I bought the jeans in Japan last year
It says you need an overlocker but can you sew it with a standard machine and just use the twin stretch needle to sew the entire garment?
Hi Louise,
If you don’t have an overlocker, you can easily sew this on a sewing machine. Note that the twin needle sewing is only to finish off the hems of sleeve and top, not for sewing the entire top.
Where we recommend to overlock, simply take the seam allowance required (3/8″) and sew with a suitable stretch needle/stitch setting on your machine and for extra stretch you can wind stretchy wooly thread onto your bobbin.
Fab! Thanks so much for the pattern!
Does the pattern give guidelines on what size a person should make for a particular bust size?
Hi Francis,
There’s a bust guide on the product page and the finished top measurements listed there too – https://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/free-sewing-patterns/products/monroe-turtleneck-pattern
Oh wow thanks for this. I just tried a Japanese turtleneck and it didn’t work out. I couldn’t even pull it over my head and my overlocker wouldn’t play nice with me. I’m definately going to try with this one instead. What is the suggested settings on the overlocker if I use a medium density knit? I think my problem was using a thin knit that just wouldn’t go through the feed dogs properly no matter what I tried.
Love this pattern. I have a fabric that I’d like to use, but it stretches more in one direction compared to the other (50% compared to maybe 25%). Do you think this would still work, if I lay out the sleeves so that the stretch will happen in the circumference of the arm? And/or should I widen the sleeve pattern piece? Or would you recommend choosing a different fabric entirely that is equally stretchy in both directions?
Hi Kelly, It’s hard to say for sure without seeing the fabric. We would recommend that you use a knit that has an equal stretch as the sleeves are meant to be tight and the body loose, as well there needs to be enough stretch for the turtleneck. However if you would like to use your knit you could add more width to the sleeve and see if you need it, by quickly baste stitching the sleeve seam up to check fit – if there’s enough stretch you can always remove the excess width added. You may also need to adjust the neckline/turtleneck as instructed on our Instagram page here – https://www.instagram.com/p/BgsDbhnAgmn/?taken-by=tessutifabrics
This looks great for clergy to adapt!
Do you think it would be possible to make this turtleneck without the sleeves?
Yes you can leave off the sleeves, for a drop shoulder sleeveless top.
Hi all, I downloaded the pattern but I only see sleeves for the size 3 version of the garment; are the size 3 sleeves compatible with all sizes of the garment?
Hi Christine. You’ll find the sleeves for sizes 1 & 2 on Sheet #2.