Pattern Review – Simplicity 1461 Tunic
I have a golden rule when it comes to sourcing second-hand fabric from thrift stores – always buy fabulous fabric no matter what form it comes in. At the Burlingame Goodwill Outlet store, I rescued a beautiful ikat scarf that wasn’t large enough to make a garment but could be mixed with other fabric, like this button-down shirt. I’ve used this handy refashion hack many times when I had to make do with a shortage of fabric.
I chose Simplicity 1461* because the center panel of the tunic made a great focal point for the scarf. The last thing I need is another tunic, but I’m hopelessly addicted to them. Tunics are comfortable to wear when my weight fluctuates and impart a boho-chic vibe I adore. When I want to look dressy without trying too hard, I throw on a tunic with skinny jeans and boots.
Simplicity 1461 view D is a simple, straightforward pattern to sew. I don’t sew princess seams often, but it’s almost like straight line sewing with a bit of ease around the bust. If you are new to princess seams, check out this Itch to Stitch tutorial.
Everything was coming along beautifully until I decided to hack the back.
The back of the pattern has 2 panels with a center seam. I thought it would be smart to add another scarf panel with princess seams that mimicked the front. How cute would that be? With my basic pattern drafting experience, I knew I could easily extend the front of the princess seam to the back.

I’m 1″ off on both sides!
I got overconfident with my pattern drafting and didn’t do a reality check with the front. My hubris got the best of me when I sewed the shoulder seams and saw the princess seams didn’t line up. The back panel was 2″ larger than the front panel!!! I intended to make a seamless center of ikat from front to back. Instead, I have this ugly jog of seams on the shoulders. I could recut the ikat panel, but I didn’t have enough black fabric for a do-over. That’s the bummer about refashioning – you can’t run to the store and get more fabric when you mess up.
Here’s a view from the back. Wouldn’t this look lovely if the center panel was 2″ thinner?
I encourage my son to see the bright side when something seems bad, and it would be hypocritical if I didn’t do the same, so here goes:
- I love the fringe sleeves.
- I like the front slash of the neckline that’s finished with a facing and topstitched with a 1″ seam allowance.
- The pattern is easy to sew. View D looks like the simplest pattern, but the other options have some interesting necklines and trim I’m eager to play with.
- The fit is perfect. The pattern has separate pieces for B, C, D cup sizes for misses and C, D, DD for plus sizes. I’m an A cup, and the B size was spot on.
- The top is easy to pull on and off. No buttons, zippers or closures to get in the way.
- The fabric is made of scrumptious cotton. The scarf and shirt have a high thread count, and it was a pleasure to sew.

At least the front is cute.
The main take away with this project is to measure twice and cut once (such a cliche but so true!). I’m not sure if I want to keep this shirt. Most people probably won’t notice the mistake, especially if I grow my hair longer, but it will always bug me when I wear it. It’s like a canker sore – you try to ignore it, but you know it’s there.
What do you think? Is this a keeper?
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I say to keep it. It is a very pretty top. I really like it and someone who sews is not going to notice the mistake. I know that it will be in the back of your mind but I am sure you will get a lot of compliments on it. I made a top that was not supposed to have a seam on the front and I cut it out wrong and there is a seam. I know it’s not supposed to be there but I have worn it anyway and have received many compliments. Know one knows is isn’t supposed to have a seam on the front. So again I say to keep it. JoAnn
Thanks JoAnn. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so it’s hard to for me to let go of this mistake. I just have to learn to embrace it as a “design detail.”
Whaou ! It is so nice !
Thanks Liochka!
I am not a sewer, but really enjoy your blog when you post. I would keep it, but I also struggle with being a perfectionist when I craft (so I completely understand if it bothers too much). But I do think it is adorable! I also love the fringe sleeves.
Thank you Wendy. I love the fringe sleeves more than I hate the weird seams, so I guess I’ll keep it.
Just like you said… most people won’t notice. Give yourself a break… it’s beautiful. I’ll bet when you wear it people ask you where you got it! Am I right? Just remember the satisfaction you got/get when people ask that and you can truthfully tell them you made it. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s lovely. And remember your answer should be…. I meant to do that! LoL… have a great day!
I wore the tunic out and about shortly after posting. No one asked where I got it, but then no one noticed the shoulder seam either, so I guess it’s a good thing.
Oh, definitely a keeper; it looks so cute on you. If you can salvage two narrow strips of the black fabric and applique the strips over the shoulder seams, the mis-match might not bother you so much. It would look like intentional trim.
That’s a great idea!
I love it! I might have to pick up that pattern
Thanks Daphne. This pattern has really grown on me.
I love these patterns