Style Arc Rae Tunic review 2

As you can probably tell if you go through my previous posts, I don’t use patterns super often. But I do occasionally love to buy and sew up a pattern. Usually it happens because I see a pattern I just really like and immediately have the fabric and resulting garment in mind.

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I came across the Style Arc Rae Tunic pattern as I was scrolling through sewing patterns on Amazon. As soon as I saw it, it went straight in the cart. It just looked like something I would wear over and over again on those days where I want a casual, loose fitting shirt.

And as soon as I saw it I knew I had to make a linen version. Linen isn’t one of the fabrics Style Arc recommends for the pattern, but I had to give it a try. I got this Robert Kaufman chambray-blue linen/cotton blend off of Amazon for the project. Isn’t it just gorgeous?

Style Arc Rae tunic review1

I must admit that as much as I love this fabric, currently it is a bit stiff for my liking with this style. But I expect that after a few more washes it will probably soften up a bit.

Sizing

When I measured myself according to Style Arc’s sizing chart (HERE), I measured a size 12 in the upper body and a size 14 at the hip. Because I would prefer a looser fit with this style of shirt anyways, I decided to just cut a straight size 14. And I do think the sizing worked out great for me. I liked the fit all around.

Style Arc Rae tunic review 3

Sewing it up

I also loved how simple this top was. There were only four pattern pieces. The front and back (with sleeves cut as part of the body!), a neckline binding, and a fabric loop for the button and loop closure at the back. You can also eliminate the button and loop closure if you want and just sew up the whole center back seam, which will simplify the top even more. You should definitely measure to make sure your head will fit through before eliminating the closure if you’re using a non-stretch fabric, but I can get mine on no problem without undoing the button/loop.

style arc rae tunic pattern pieces

This top was super simple and fast to put together. There aren’t many seams and it came together really quickly. I will say though that the instructions were pretty vague. The instructions for how to insert the neckline binding was impossible for me to understand and there was no instruction at all for how to put together the button and loop closure. This wasn’t a big issue for me because I have some experience sewing, so I just sewed up the binding and the button/loop the way I wanted to. But I wouldn’t recommend this pattern for an absolute beginner because I think the lack of detailed instructions would be frustrating.

I also decided to use french seams on this top because I felt that the loose fit might make some seams visible as I wear/move in the shirt. So I wanted a really nice finish.

Style Arc Rae Tunic Review 4

All in all, I’m really happy with how this tunic came together. And I’m super excited to see how this beautiful linen blend fabric softens and ages with wear!

Style Arc Rae Tunic review 5

Conclusions

Did it turn out as expected based on the pattern envelope?

  • Yes! I think it looks pretty much just like the photo on the envelope.

How challenging is it to sew?

  • I would say that this is an easy sew. However, based on the lack of detailed and clear instructions I would recommend this pattern only if you’re at least an advanced beginner and comfortable with bindings and turning fabric loops.

Would I sew it again?

  • Absolutely! I think I probably will sew it again except next time I’ll probably lengthen it to a dress. Wouldn’t this shape just be adorable as dress?!

Overall rating

  • I would give this pattern a 4/5

 

I hope you enjoyed hearing my thoughts on the Style Arc Rae Tunic and might give this pattern a try yourself! If you want more reviews, DIYs, and sewing tips and tutorials, I would love if you subscribed to my email newsletter!