M4M Pepper Puff Sleeve Top | Sewing Pattern Review

Sharing is caring!

I love a good, versatile top pattern that works for all seasons. Here is my sewing pattern review of the M4M Pepper Puff Sleeve Top.

Previously, I had tested the Sylvia Dress by Made for Mermaids. Now I’ve got the opportunity to test a new top – the Pepper Puff Sleeve top.

The Made for Mermaids Pepper Puff Sleeve Top is on sale now until Sunday, November 15, 2020. Get it here. 

About the M4M Pepper Puff Sleeve Top

The Pepper top is a versatile pattern as it has many options.

There are 2 main body shapes – a slim fit, which would be like a regular shirt. It also has a banded puff option that has gathers around the bottom and a choice of a tall or short band.

There are 2 lengths – a high hip and a top length which is a little longer.

As well, there are 4 neckline options. I love having options when it comes to necklines. They are scoop, v-neck, mock turtle neck and boat neck.

Also, there are 3 sleeve options: short, half and long. All the sleeves are gathered at the top, creating a puff at the shoulder seam. The sleeves also have a cuff. The long-sleeved version has the option of a tall or short cuff.

That’s a lot of options! I love a pattern in which I can make so many different tops, but all slightly different. I feel that patterns like these are a really good value.

Fabric Options

This pattern is drafted for knit fabrics that are light to medium weight. It should be able to stretch 40%. You also want a fabric with good drape and recovery.

Be careful of some waffle knits and rayon spandex as they don’t always have the best recovery. These fabrics tend to “grow” and distort the look of the garment when it comes to certain patterns.

M4M Pepper Puff Sleeve Top Sewing Pattern Review

The pattern pieces in this top are pretty straight forwards. There are 3 main pieces – the front bodice, the back bodice and the sleeve. There is also a neckband piece as well as a cuff for the sleeve. If you choose the puff option, there will be band pieces as well.

You can use a regular sewing machine and/or a serger to make this top. A coverstitch machine is optional. I used my coverstitch to finish the neckline, as well as to hem it. A regular sewing machine works just fine, however.

Perhaps one of the most prominent features of this pattern is the puffy sleeves. There are gathers at the top of the sleeve, as well as at the bottom before the cuffs are added. The banded options also have gathering along the bottom. The sim version does not.

The standard way of gathering is to use a sewing machine. A full explanation is provided. I personally prefer using my serger to gather.

One thing I like about this pattern is that it has shape. It is not a boxy top so I feel that it is more flattering and fits better.

The sewing instructions are quite straightforward. Other than the gathering, it just follows the basic garment construction.

During testing, I was assigned the slim, boat neck version. I never really considered myself to be a boat neck person but I quite liked it. Sweater knit and drapey fabics like single or double polyester are my fabrics of choice. I can’t wait to make more versions.

Don’t forget that the M4M Pepper Puff Sleeve Top is on sale not until Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Want to remember my review of the M4M Pepper Puff Sleeve top? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.