The Scout Top: No 1-Hour Project

If you’re looking for a fun, trendy sewing pattern to cut out and sew in under an hour, the Scout Top by Merchant & Mills isn't it. Seriously, It’s not. The Scout Top, which you can also make as a dress, is timeless, detailed, and a joy to make because it demands accuracy and care. I have no doubt that I will still love and wear this shirt years from now.

Here’s what I’ve learned about Merchant & Mills patterns: They will hold your hand the entire way, but they will not skimp on technique and quality. In the end, you have something you’re proud of despite the blood, sweat, and tears (kidding, of course 😅). This also makes Merchant & Mills a great choice for people who want to elevate their sewing skills. After seven glorious years of sewing, I even got a few firsts checked off with Scout:

1. My first hang loop (Such a cute detail!)
2. My first tie (I’ve now had enough hand-sewing to last a lifetime)
3. My first half-button shirt (A little trickier getting the button placket just right, but I’m proud of my result)

My version is made out of Neon Neppy 100% Cotton in Charcoal. If you read Summer Superlatives, you know that this fabric is a personal and customer favorite for its cheerful little neon specks and beautiful, soft hand. I opted for subtle textured buttons that were a clearance find from JoAnn (You are always in our hearts, JoAnn). I chose the top version because I felt it would be more versatile in my wardrobe. A collared top is one of my favorite ways to look smart while really putting in very little effort. What can I say? It’s a holdover from my corporate days.

I don’t preach perfection, and in my own sewing, I err on the side of adventure. So, what went wrong with Scout? The technique some call “stitch in the ditch,” where you sew on the right side of the fabric and hope to catch something on the back, rarely comes out clean for me. Yes, this is an accuracy error, so no one, including me, should be surprised. I most often see this method for button plackets and waistbands. I’ve learned to just hand-sew the little gaps that appear on the wrong side. No harm done. I also skipped the uppermost button since I couldn’t get it to sit just right. I can always add it in the future!

I’m absolutely thrilled with this top, but what did I learn? Even when I sew consistently, I can get into an easy-to-sew rut. Maybe I’m building my wardrobe, sewing for the store, or following cool trends (which I also love), and there’s nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, though, a juicy project with a little challenge keeps me in love with sewing.

Happy Sewing,

Mariena