The Liesl + Co. Chai Tee

Have you made the Liesl + Co. Chai Tee yet? I had our seamstress, Bonnie, make me one six months ago out of a designer jersey to see if I’d like it, and, unsurprisingly, I did!  I liked it so much that I made two more: another for me and one for Rachael!

One of the great things about Liesl + Co. patterns is the separate front pattern pieces for A/B, C, and D cups. The back of the pattern envelope explains how to decide which cup size to use. At first, I found it a little confusing. After I slowed down and read the envelope carefully (note to self!), everything was clear:

• The first table lists the amount of fabric you need for each size. 
• The second table lists body measurements, including only the upper bust, waist, and hip. You then follow the asterisk to the bottom of the envelope, where Liesl explains how to determine which size front to use based on the difference between your upper bust and full bust. Although my bra has a large cup size, the difference between my high bust and my full bust is only 2 ½ inches, which puts me in between the A/B and the C. 
• The third table lists the FINISHED measurements of the top. I may not have noticed the word “finished” the first six times I read the back of the envelope. Now that I understand it, the third table is very helpful! 

Bonnie started making my first Chai Tee with a C-cup front, but she ended up taking it in. She suggested I use the A/B front instead of the C-cup front, which I did for my next two iterations. Though the A/B size fits, I prefer a looser fit. So, next time I make it, I plan to use the C-cup front. 

Because I made a video series about sewing Rachael’s Chai Tee (you can find the links below!), I really wanted to follow the instructions precisely, which is not my nature. I couldn’t do it! In the end, I had to make a couple of changes.

The Liesl + Co instructions have you sew one shoulder seam using the burrito method, then apply the neckband, and then sew the second shoulder seam without using the burrito method. I understand why. Applying the neckband before sewing the neckline closed is easier than applying it after the neckline is closed. But, the shoulder seams have yokes, and I wanted to enclose both yokes, which meant doing the burrito method on both shoulders and inserting the neckband after the neckline was closed. You can watch my video to see how I did it. 

All in all, there’s a lot I love about this Chai Tee pattern. It’s loose-fitting without being boxy, it has different cup-size options, the instructions are clear, and the sleeves are super easy to insert! Use out of one of our fabulous Soy Knits or designer jerseys & learn how to make one (or three!) for yourself with the help of my Chai Tee Sew-A-Long YouTube series!

1: Cutting Out

2: Shoulder Yokes

3: Neckline

4: Sleeves and Hem