Love Notions Somerset Pattern
I always love a sewing pattern that gives you plenty of options, and the Sommerset pattern from Love Notions definitely delivers.
This pattern combines a flattering top with your choice of shorts or ankle-length pants, creating a mix-and-match wardrobe builder that can easily become a summer favorite. Whether you're looking for a casual everyday outfit, vacation wear, or even a comfortable swim cover-up, Sommerset offers plenty of possibilities.
I recently sewed a version specifically for pool days, beach trips, and water walking mornings at my local community center, and I'm excited to share all the details. Read on or watch here:
Love Notions Somerset Pattern Features
The Love Notions Somerset pattern* includes:
- Knit top with two views:
- Short sleeves
- Sleeveless
- Ruched crossover neckline detail
- Shorts or ankle-length pants
- Option to sew bottoms in either woven or knit fabrics
- Front patch pockets
- Choice of back patch pockets or functional welt pockets
- Elastic waist with grown-on waistband construction
One of the things I appreciate about Love Notions patterns is the flexibility built into the design. You can create dramatically different looks simply by changing your fabric choices.
Imagine:
- Linen shorts paired with a coordinating knit top
- Lightweight chambray pants for casual summer wear
- Rayon spandex for a drapey, elevated look
- Cotton spandex for more structure
- Knit shorts for an ultra-comfortable lounge set
It's easy to see how one pattern can create multiple outfits.
If you'd like to add the Somerset pattern* to your summer sewing plans, don't forget to use code SEWWHITNEY at checkout to save 10% off your purchase*. It's a great opportunity to add this versatile pattern to your collection and start creating your own mix-and-match summer wardrobe.
My Somerset Version: The Ultimate Swim Cover-Up Set
For my version, I decided to go in a direction that is a little more playful than my typical wardrobe.
My goal wasn't everyday clothing. Instead, I wanted a fun swim cover-up and lounge set that I could wear to the neighborhood pool, on vacation, or for water walking at our local water park.
If you've been around TomKat Stitchery for a while, you've probably heard me talk about water walking in the lazy river at my community center. It's become one of my favorite workouts, and I've really enjoyed creating handmade swimwear and cover-ups to wear for those mornings.
When I spotted this fabric, I knew exactly what I wanted to make.
Fabric Choice: French Terry Flip-Flop Fun
The fabric is a See You at Six French terry from Style Maker Fabrics that I purchased from their Selvage Yard section.
If you've never browsed that section, it's full of end-of-bolt pieces sold at discounted prices. Occasionally those fabrics are discounted even further during special sales, which is exactly when I picked up this 3½-yard cut.
The print features bright orange fabric covered in blue flip-flops.
Is it a little cutesy?
Absolutely.
Do I love it anyway?
Also absolutely.
The colors are surprisingly on-brand for TomKat Stitchery, and the print feels perfect for summer, vacation, and poolside wear.
Fit and Sewing Notes
I sewed:
- Size Medium with Full Bust option for the top
- Straight Medium for the bottoms
- Raised the waistline by 1 inch on the top
That's the only fit adjustment I made.
The pattern sews up fairly quickly, and there are no darts in the top. The construction is straightforward, making this a great project for confident beginners who are ready to learn a few new techniques.
🧵A Note About Fabric Weight
My French terry is probably at the heavier end of what I'd recommend for the top portion.
The ruched neckline really shines when made in fabrics with beautiful drape. A lighter rayon spandex or softer jersey will create more fluid ruching than my structured French terry.
That said, for the casual cover-up look I wanted, the heavier fabric worked well and gave the outfit a relaxed, sporty feel.
🧵Shorts Details
The shorts include several thoughtful design features:
- Front patch pockets
- Optional back patch or welt pockets
- Shaped hemline
- Cuffed hem detail
- Elastic waist
The shorts are intentionally a bit longer, which aligns with current ready-to-wear trends.
If you prefer shorter shorts, the length could easily be adjusted before cutting your fabric. Personally, I like the added coverage for a swim cover-up and appreciate the weight the cuff adds to the hem.
🧵Skill Level
I would classify Somerset as an adventurous beginner to intermediate project.
The difficulty depends largely on which options you choose.
If you're making:
- Patch pockets: adventurous beginner
- Welt pockets: intermediate
The neckline construction includes some precision sewing around a point, but overall the pattern is very approachable.
Why Somerset Is Worth Adding to Your Summer Wardrobe
What makes Somerset stand out is the sheer number of combinations available from one pattern.
You can create:
- Sleeved tops
- Sleeveless tops
- Knit shorts
- Woven shorts
- Knit pants
- Woven pants
Mix different fabrics, colors, and textures, and you'll have an entire collection of summer outfits from a single pattern purchase.
That's one of the reasons I continue to enjoy sewing Love Notions patterns. They consistently offer multiple views and styling options that help you get more mileage from your sewing time and pattern library.
Final Thoughts
My flip-flop French terry version may not be the most sophisticated garment in my closet, but it might be one of the most fun.
It's comfortable, practical, and exactly what I wanted for pool days, beach trips, vacations, and summer lounging.
If you're looking for a pattern that can serve as a mini capsule wardrobe all on its own, Somerset is definitely worth a look. The release sale makes this an especially good time to grab it, and the variety of tester versions already out there offers plenty of inspiration for your own take on the pattern.
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