The Sew and Tell Project

If you’ve been following me here at the Sew and Tell Project, you might have noticed that raglans are my favorite style of shirt. What’s not to love about sleeves that are sewn as a straight line? I don’t mind a traditional set in sleeve, but raglans are a quick and easy sew for me. When I saw the testing call for the Riviera Raglan from New Horizons Designs pop up in my Facebook news feed, I signed up right away. I have my measurements (plus the measurements of my kids) stored in my phone so they’re always handy! I’m so glad Terra chose me for this awesome pattern. Let me tell you why you need the Riviera Raglan in your life

This is the most versatile and option packed shirt I have ever sewn! Terra really loaded this pattern with enough neckline, sleeve, and hem options to make everyone happy! Here are the different options:

Neckline: Crew Neck, V-Neck, Henley, Slit Neck, or Hood

Sleeves: Tank, Short Sleeves, 3/4 Sleeves or Long Sleeves (The long sleeves can be hemmed or cuffed. Regular and thumbhole cuffs are included.)

Raglan Option: Regular or High Cut

Hem Options: Shirt, Banded, Tunic, or Handkerchief Hem

Look at those options! I was a bit overwhelmed at what to choose so I’m glad I was assigned which versions to sew.

My first version I made was a tank version with a crew neck, high cut sleeves, and banded bottom. A tank style raglan is genius! I love this cut and I anticipate wearing this shirt all the time this summer. I already have plans for two more tank raglans as soon as I get some free time!

The only modifications I made to this tank was to cut a size smaller than my measurements for the bust and grade out for the waist and hips. I also cut on the shirt hem line and then added the band because I wanted my shirt a bit longer. After cutting a smaller size in the bust, I do feel the armscye is a bit tight, and I plan to cut my next tank without that modification. For this tank, I used a mystery knit from the Joann red tag sale and purple cotton lycra from Peekaboo Pattern Shop. I love the solids from Peekaboo, and the stretch and recovery is needed in the arm bands.

I love the high cut sleeves. They add a fun twist on a traditional raglan while maintaining the same ease and quickness that sewing a raglan is known for.

My second raglan I made was a short sleeved hooded version with a band. I used a soft lightweight french terry from Girl Charlee for this one and lined the hood with cotton lycra. In hindsight, I wish I had left the hood unlined as it is a bit heavy.

This fabric is super soft and will make a great top for over the swimsuit I’m sewing for those trips home from the pool. I love how the hood overlaps in the front. It is a bit hard to see with the busy print I chose, but it adds some visual interest and detail to the neckline.

Overall I am very impressed with the Riviera Raglan. The directions are clear and concise, and the included pictures were helpful for finishes I hadn’t tried before such as the henley. I made a third raglan with the henley neckline. I was nervous as I had never done a true henley collar before, but the instructions were easy to follow. Each step was clearly pictured, and my finished henley looked awesome. However, I ran out of time for pictures with the rainy, dreary weather we’ve been having.

I also love that New Horizons Designs offers their patterns in layers. With the various neckline options and sleeve options, there are several lines on the front pattern piece, and it is much simpler to follow the right one when you print just the size or two you need. If you are looking for a basic raglan pattern packed full of options, the Riviera Raglan is just what you need. Make sure to hop over to our Facebook page and share your creations when you’re done!