Velvet Grainline Scout Tee
Ok, I think the technical term for velvet made from cotton is velveteen but that just doesn’t seem as cool as velvet so I’m gonna go with that. Just say it – veeeeeeeelveeeeeeet. It just sounds fancy!
By the way, this since black fabric is notoriously hard to photograph I lightened these pics a bunch, so no, I am not that pale, but I am close…
The Goal: I just had this urge to make something out of velvet. Maybe because I think it’s kind of festive for winter? Or maybe because in the beginning of this year I set a goal to sew more solid color tops to go with a wider variety of bottoms. But as most of us have experienced, prints are just so much fun that solids are a little boring. I think the texture and shine from the velvet pile satisfies my need for “fun.”
The Pattern: The excellent Grainline Studio’s Scout Tee. You can see my first version where I go into more depth about why I really like this pattern.
The Fabric: Cotton velvet(een) bought locally at The Common Thread (also where these pics were taken!)
So, having never worked with any kind of velvet before I was pleasently surprised with how easy it was. I read that silk and rayon velvets are much more finiky. This cotton velvet was easy to cut even with all the fuzzy bits flying everywhere. I used a walking foot to sew because I worried that the thick pile would make it difficult for the top layer of fabric to glide under a regular foot. That worked great!
I think the best part of this fabric is that it is totally machine washable. Some fancy silk velvets are dry clean only. It does get wrinkly, though. I just lightly iron it on the wrong side to smooth it out.
The Changes: None. For real. I made a straight size four.
The Results: I loooove velvet! I want velvet everything now – shorts, jackets, dresses, pants, coats, non-stop velvet all the time! I think I may have found a new sewing obsession.
If you’re wondering if the velvet is too stiff or heavy or hot to wear as a t-shirt, it’s not. It’s a very comfortable top and this pattern works well with this not-very-drapey fabric. I love that I can wear this top in the day with some jeans or dress it up at night or for a party with a cute skirt. I’ve already worn it multiple times this week. SO MUCH VELVET!!!!!!!!! Ok, that’s enough excitement for today.
Ooohh, I’m loving velvet right now! This looks truly adorable, and really seems versatile (like you said). Yay!
thanks sue! velvet for the win!
I’ve watched too much tv in my life… All I can think of is George Costanza saying: “I would drape myself in velvet if it were socially acceptable.”
Super terrific shirt! Awesome use of velvet to make a totally wearable top.
lol, that makes me think of “i don’t want to be a pirate!!”
thanks kathy!
I love it! I just made my first scout tee, and I love love love it! A velvet version might have to be in the works for next winter!
that shirt is addictive. i have a friend who has made four, all very different versions from the same basic pattern.
So festive! I love it!
thanks tiffany!
What a super idea to try velvet for a T-shirt! Very creative indeed…J
awesome, I’ve had my eye on some sparkly velvet for a similar top or dress, I love how yours came out!
Pretty! I love the contrast of fancy (fabric) vs. casual (tee shirt).
thanks! me, too!
This is kind of off topic but did you see the gown Miss America wore last night? It had a velvet bodice. The dress was a little scandalous but it was a knock out!
Okay, back to your velvet top. It looks great! It got me thinking – what if I made some undies with velvet (stretch of course)
omg, yeah! i didn’t watch the whole show, it was on mute but i did walk by the tv and go – whoa! fuschia velvet with long sleeves and a chiffon layered big skirt! yeah, it was a little low cut but compared to all the other semi-bland wedding-type gowns i was blown away. i’d totally rock that! you know, if i had a place where something like that.
i’ve never used stretch velvet but i imagine undies made from it would be festive and sexy 😉
Really adorable! This thing is screaming for one of those crazy sparkly bib necklaces (but is obviously awesome w/ just a pair of jeans). I, for one love the word velveteen. It reminds me of The Velveteen Rabbit.
YES! bib necklace!! or maybe a detachable collar.
aww, i liked the velveteen rabbit. fond memories…
This is so cute! What a great idea to use an unusual fabric in a basic silhouette! And that’s got me thinking… I think I’m about due for a new Scout Tee!
This looks fab and is quite the winter treat to wear, I imagine. Love it!
This is cute. I think I want to make a million of these for next summer. I like velvet too. (Stretch velvet leggings… so soft.)
I love velveteen but never tried to sew.. Sound exciting.. Great top x
This is perfect, and bonus festive-ness! I’ve already made 3 Scout tees, it is such a more-ish pattern. I had promised myself no ore versions but the velvet is excellent…Just when you think you’re out, they pull you back in!
Oh I like this T and I didn’t realise cotton velvet was available. The only velveteen I’ve seen here in NZ is synthetic stuff – not nice. And cotton wouldn’t be hot either ….. hmmmm you’re making me think!
PS very interesting post about pattern drafting etc.
Oh, now you’ve gone and done it! I’m already crazy for this pattern (have a bunch) and now I need velvet!! Love the top.