Pattern testing – Grainline Studios Scout tee

The pattern used in this post was provided to me by Grainline Studios in exchange for my time as a test sewer . All opinions are my own. This is a brief description of the pattern testing process for Grainline Studios, other pattern testing experiences with other designers may vary.

One thing I love to do as a sewer is work on test patterns . If you’ve never tried pattern testing , I highly recommend it as a great way to meet other sewers and to gain an inside peek into the world of sewing pattern design. Recently, I was a part of the pattern testing team for Grainline Studio and their extended size range for the Scout Tee.

The Pattern Testing Process

I particularly like testing for Grainline Studios because they really help to create a sense of community among the team of test sewers. Once testing has begun, Jen (founder of Grainline Studios), sets up a group on Slack that we all join so we can share our progress and help each other out if needed. This can be so helpful when working on a test pattern.

When you sew up a test pattern, you’re asked to work through the pattern, paying special attention to every detail. This means checking the instructions for grammatical errors as well as making sure the instructions make sense from a sewing perspective. You then sew the garment without modification and any issues are reported back to the test group so that the amendments can be made to the pattern.

The Review

Lets get into the pattern.

The Scout Tee is a woven t-shirt with a scoop neck and capped sleeves. It has a relaxed fit making it easy to wear and style. This updated pattern has sleeve variations including long sleeves making it perfect for year round sewing.

The simple, classic shape also lends itself to hacking (I really do love a good hack). Simply extending this would make a dress that would become a wardrobe staple quite easily. It would make a great beginner pattern and the instructions are simple and concise.

I used an Ankara fabric from my stash that I now know is a polycotton. Its light enough for this pattern so it works well. Choose a light to medium weight fabric and that will work fine.

This pattern is something that I could make time and time again because of its simple silhouette. One of those palette cleansing patterns that comes together quickly and satisfyingly. Not to mention it being perfect for showcasing great prints.

The Scout Tee is easy to style because essentially it’s a t-shirt, and because it’s woven, there’s the potential to make it the posh t-shirt of your dreams. Here I’m wearing it with a modified version of Simplicity 8389, an easy to sew, elasticated waist pair of trousers. You can easily wear this woven tee with jeans or a skirt and it has huge potential for hacking. I’m definitely not finished with this pattern yet.

Have you made the Scout Tee yet?

Look after yourselves and stay creative!