Burda Sweater in Black

It's funny how I never think about making basics, but when I saw this Burda sweater (#102) in the Sept '22 issue I immediately pictured it in black, as an elevated basic.

I love the tie feature on the neckline, and wanted a pullover basic black top to wear with my coloured and patterned skirts. So this one became a project on my mind, to complete before the weather warms up! This week was chilly, so good incentive to finally get this underway.

I had this really nice sweater knit in my stash -- it's medium weight, and quite stable, perfect for a comfy squishy sweater. It was easy to cut and sew; it took pressing well despite its poly content, and ended up being a very easy and quick project, just what I needed. It reads as more silvery than black but I can always make another ;)

I made a few changes to suit my style preferences. The pattern has full length sleeves that are quite wide, but I don't like a lot of fabric at my wrists, so I shortened the sleeve to 3/4 length. And then I added length to the body of the sweater, as I didn't like the waist/high hip length of the original. So I've changed the proportions of the sweater quite a bit but kept the bell sleeve shape and most importantly, the tie neckline. 

I sewed this up using a narrow zigzag on my regular machine (I don't have a serger). This sweater knit is super forgiving anyhow, and you can't see the stitches at all (more reason to be careful so I didn't have to try to unpick any stitches!) The neckline feature was actually very easy to put together, you just have to remember to carefully mark the notches on the neckline and the tie so that they go together easily. 

The sizing is generous on this one. I made it in my regular 42 but it is roomy, so if you want a closer fitting sweater more like the magazine photo I would recommend going down a size. Personally this loose fitting shape is just what I was looking for. And that neckline finish adds some fun to the design as well as keeping the back of your neck warm too! Love this comfy top.