McCall’s 7193 — My Fave Maternity Top

This top was a flagrant (and only somewhat successful) attempt to regain my sewing mojo during pregnancy. I wandered the aisles at Joann’s on a lunch break, waiting for something to jump out at me. This poly blend did the trick: cute minty color, cute gold foil arrow motif, what’s not to love? I rushed home, cut out the pattern, and then sat on it for weeks before sewing it up.

I used McCall’s 7193, view D. The only alterations I needed to make this into a maternity top were to making a deeper front pleat (I added maybe 2 inches total) and cutting the top longer in front by several inches and tapering up to the standard length at the sides to accommodate a growing bump.

It worked perfectly! This may be my favorite maternity make — it’s easy to wear, it worked from late winter to spring and into summer, and it just looks better than a lot of RTW maternity clothes out there.

The construction is pretty straightforward. I had a bit of a challenge figuring out how to make the front pleat, but honestly, I’m not sure if it was confusing instructions or just prego-brain. It’s a standard pleat, so there’s a good chance that one’s on me. Everything went together smoothly, and the pleated v in front came out looking clean and sharp — not always the case with this style of top.

I also added sleeve tabs, which I totally recommend. I think this top looks much more natural, and accommodates a wider range of occasions and temperatures, with the 3/4 length sleeves. Plus, you get to add a couple of nice buttons, which can make a garment look slightly less homemade if done right. Honestly, making and attaching the sleeve tabs and buttons took as long as most of the rest of the top combined — there are so few pattern pieces that it flies together once you have the pleat completed.

Sleeve tabs, I love you.

One note on fit: it’s a bit tight through the shoulders. While I’m not exactly in a position to talk about standard fit at the moment, I somehow doubt my shoulder breadth has been affected by the pregnancy. (Right? Right?!?) I cut a small, since I didn’t want to be swimming if this ran large, but I’d recommend that if you’re between sizes or on the fence, pick the larger size. I think a medium would’ve been ideal for me, but it hasn’t really compromised how well I can move my arms in this top.

Eh, I’ll admit it: the back is pretty boring.

Bottom line: I recommend this top both with and without maternity alterations. It’s easy to make, it’s got a chic MM.LaFleur vibe depending on the fabric (I would definitely stick with drapey, light fabrics), and it’s a staple garment without being boring. As for me, I’m just stoked that I think I can continue wearing this top beyond maternity wear. Welcome to the closet, my Gold Foil Bump Embracing Blouse!

Close-up for the fabric!