Do you need some additional help putting together our Akira pattern? This sewalong will take you through the pattern construction with step-by-step photographs and in-depth instructions. You’ll find loads of helpful tips and extra details beyond the instructions provided in the booklet. We hope that with this little extra guidance the sewing process will be a breeze from start to finish!

Akira is a soft-tailored and versatile two-piece pattern collection that offers four great-looking variations: a belted wrap top and a tie-front cardigan with pockets in two lengths paired with drawstring pants or capris. The Akira Collection offers stylish and effortless clothing choices for everyday wear or to wrap up in at home.

In this sewalong, we will be making the Akira wrap top. The Akira wrap is loose-fitting with an open wrap-front, short cut-on sleeves and a tie-belt. It has a shorter length than the cardigan version and measures approximately 31 1/2” from shoulder to hem. For this project, we chose to work with our medium weight IL019 PRESTIGE Softened 100% Linen. With its smooth look and tighter weave, this linen is neither sheer or heavy, but just the right in-between weight you will need for these breezy top.

If you wish to complete the look and make one of the pant versions, please check out our sewalong for the Akira capris HERE.

We’re so glad to have you join us for this sewalong! Follow our step-by-step instructions and make your own Akira capris in our fine linen!

Materials

Medium or heavy-weight woven linen of your choice, at least 55” wide. For this project, we chose to work with our new medium-weight IL019 PRESTIGE Softened 100% Linen.

Browse our selection of linen fabrics and find the color that inspires you for this project! Please refer to the yardage table in the instructional booklet to determine the required amount of fabric. For size 4 kimono pictured in this tutorial we used 2.5 yards of 55” wide linen.

Matching all-purpose thread.

Tools

Scissors, pins, ruler, chalk, measuring tape, fabric marker, sewing machine

Difficulty

Beginner

Sewing Time

3-4 hours

Pattern

If you don’t have your copy of the Akira pattern yet, you can order it from our shop.

Akira comes printed on crease-free, professional quality rolled plotting paper with only the sizes you requested printed in vibrant colors. Which means less clutter for easier cutting. Accompanied by an illustrated instructional booklet with easy to follow diagrams and all necessary information about yardage, sizing and supplies. You will also receive a complimentary pattern storage tube and a pattern hook.

Akira is available in Ladies single sizes 2 -24. The size chart is provided in the instructional booklet. Akira wrap and cardigan are designed with ample ease and are relatively easy to fit. We recommend going with your bust measurement as a base for picking up the right size for you.

All seam allowances are already included and are ½” unless otherwise noted in the pattern instructions. Refer to the cutting layouts for your size and view and remember to transfer all the notches and marks to your fabric.

Steps

Note: Prewash and dry your linen fabric in the same manner you would your finished garment. This will soften your fabric and eliminate further shrinkage.

We will use French seams for the shoulders and sides of our wrap jacket. French seams are a great way to finish raw edges and to give your garment a clean, professional appearance. We talk about this great technique in detail in this tutorial.

1. Pin the shoulders and sides of the front and back body pieces wrong sides together. Sew a scant ¼” seam. Clip as needed in the curves of the armhole to release tension.

2. Turn the garment wrong side out and neatly press the seamed edges. Sew another seam a full ¼” along the shoulders and sides to encase the raw edges. Press the finished French seams towards the back of the garment.

3. Hem the bottom and sleeve openings of your wrap top. Turn 5/8” to the inside and press. Turn again 5/8” and press. Edgestitch as close to the folded edge as possible.

Next, we’ll sew the belt and attach the belt loops.

4. To sew the belt loops, start by placing the belt piece wrong side facing up and turn each of the short ends ½” towards the wrong side and press.

Then fold the belt in half lengthwise with right sides together but do not press yet. Sew a 1/2″ seam along the long raw edge.

5. Turn right side out and press neatly. Topstitch around the three seamed edges 1/16”.

6. Prepare the belt loops: Secure the raw edge of the belt loop piece F with an overlock stitch on one long side as shown. Fold into three equal sections along the length and press. Edgestitch the long sides 1/16″. Cut in two equal pieces.

7. Mark the positions of the belt loops to the side seams as indicated on the pattern.

8. Lift the belt loop upward, tuck under the ¼” seam allowance, and pin in place at the top belt loop marking. Secure with a ¼” seam.

The finished seams will be hidden under the belt loop.

9. To sew the neckband, fold your fabric in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press. Unfold and turn the seam allowance of one long edge 1/2″ and press.

10. Place the garment wrong side facing up and the neckband with the right side facing down. Align the unpressed edge of the neckband to the neckline of the garment, match the notches and pin in place.

Note that the bottom edges will extend down 1/2″ beyond the finished hem.

11. Sew together with a 1/2” seam.

12. Press the neckband away from the garment and the seam allowances towards the neckband.

13. Fold the bottom edges of the neckband at the crease right sides together. Sew a 1/2″ seam for a clean-finished hem. Clip the corner to reduce bulk and turn right side out.

14. Turn the garment right side out. Fold the neckband at the crease. Align the unsewn folded edge of the neckband over the previously sewn seam. Pin in place as needed.

15. Sew a 1/16” topstitch through all layers of the neckband.

Congratulations! You have now successfully completed your Akira wrap! Thanks for sewing-along with us!

We can’t wait to see your beautiful versions of our Akira pattern collection. Don’t forget to share your pictures and tag your creations with #FabricsStoreAkiraPattern hashtag.