I didn’t expect to knock out another Papercut Patterns project so quickly… but when the inspiration strikes, one must sew along with it… meet my new Flutter Tunic (with a little bit of grrrrr)…
Flutter Tunic, front view
This is a garment shape that people either love and shy away from. One of the responses I have had to this is “grrrrrrr” which is apparently manspeak for “sexy“. Not quite the response I anticipated to a loose & simple dress.
I planned to make the Flutter blouse – then I spotted this blue/blue/white splatter print rayon ottoman suiting in my stash… and it just seemed the obvious choice for the tunic. I love this fabric, it’s got a bit of weight to it yet has a nice drape.
Flutter tunic, side view
I added 1.5 inches to the length as it seemed a little saucy… and then cut it off when I finished the tunic – perhaps I’m a hussy at heart after all 🙂 The added length transformed the ‘flutter’ into a ‘feedsack’. On my frame and height, the loose silhouette needs to be balanced by a shorter length. I turned the hem up by 1.25 inches. I’m an un-statuesque 5 foot 4 if that helps with your future Flutter tunic length decisions.
THE PATTERN
The tunic has French darts to provide some shape to the boxy body. The shoulders are dropped, the sleeves are flared and the back hem dips slightly.
Flutter tunic – Papercut Patterns package (in the background is a hoarded silk I’m thinking about turning into a Summer Flutter Tunic…
My fabric is rather ‘busy’ so here is the line art so you can see the detail.
Flutter tunic – Papercut Patterns: line art, measurements and fabric requirements
This is an easy sew… the most work is the bias binding on the neckline, which in this fabric was not at all fiddly and was easy to achieve a nice neat finish. I didn’t have quite enough fabric to cut the strip on the bias… so I cut it on the ‘semi bias’ ie at an angle but not quite 45 degrees… it seemed to work, probably helped along by the agreeable nature of the fabric.
Back neck detail, finished with self-fabric bias binding. Sorry, pattern matching impossibility with this one!
THOUGHTS
- This is an easy garment to make. There are a couple of darts, you set the sleeves in flat (then sew up the side seams all in one go) and the hem only has a slight curve to it. The neckline is finished with a bias strip. You could do this in a contrast fabric or trim as per the pattern envelope.
- I didn’t expect to love this quite as much as I do. It’s one of the strangely fabulous garments to wear. I stitched it up with a sickening ‘sack dress anxiety’ sensation and got a big surprise when I put it on! I’m wearing it out to a work dinner tonight.
- I like the wide neckline with the v-back.
This wide deep neckline is growing on me…
- Yes it is short… however as it is straight there is no ‘oops’ that can happen with the Saiph circle skirt tunic in a sea breeze (which happened once… in front of a bunch of bikies… seriously).
- I can imagine wearing this with leggings, a long scarf and a light, loose wool jacket on colder days. I think it would make a gorgeous summer dress as well in a different fabric.
- I suspect some people will be tempted to add shape to this silhouette with some darts or a belt… however I love it as is. I think the loose shape works in a shorter length. The legs get enough attention without drawing more attention to the rest of my figure. This is definitely ‘all about the legs’ garment for me.
DETAILS
Pattern: Papercut Patterns, Flutter Tunic/Top. I made the tunic in XXS, choosing my size based on bust measurement, no grading for my XS hips. I left the length as drafted, I am 5 foot 4.
Fabric: 1.5m Rayon Ottoman Suiting from Spotlight, Australia. About $15 per metre, I think I scooped this up during a 30% or 40% off sale.
Necklace: Jellystones
Boots: Avani, Duo Boots
Also see: Beautyfull Handmade Tunic & Blouse | High tea & Hydrangeas Tunic & Blouse | Jolies Bobines Blouse
GIVEAWAY
(now closed – thank you for your interest!)
Katie from Papercut Patterns has generously offered to send one of my readers a Papercut Pattern of their choice – anywhere in the world – thanks Katie!
Just let me know the comments below if you would like to be included in the giveaway draw! (giveaway is now closed. Closed on Sunday 6 July, 6pm – Australian Eastern Standard Time). My Sway Dress and Flutter Tunic are from the recently released Chameleon range. The full Papercut Patterns range is available here.
Note: Papercut Patterns provided this pattern for preview purposes. All opinions my own. No affiliate links in this post.
These photos were taken in Port Macquarie, at the end of the ‘eat street’ in the CBD.
This post first appeared on http://www.sewbusylizzy.com
Sew Busy Lizzy 
It’s a beautiful dress. You pull off those unstructured looks so very well. Please count me in for a chance for a pattern. I kind of love of love the one Papercut pattern I’ve tried so far; I think I’d like to try another.
Thanks so much, these simple loose shapes are growing on me I confess!
Papercut patterns are lovely – I might be addicted.
Ooh, yes please! Gorgeous dress on you too.
Thank you!
Very pretty tunic! You are right, it will look great with leggings and a scarf.
I would love to be entered in the giveaway. My next Papercut pattern will be the Guise trousers😊
That’s my next Papercut make!
Love the dress, love the blog. Would love a Papercut Sway dress, cause i was pretty impressed with the one you made.
The Sway dress is a winner!
Tres chic. It looks great with the black boots. I am so happy to read that I am not the only one to have cut bias strips on not quite 45 degree line 😃! How wonderful to be hosting a giveaway. Count me in😃
Lol as the curves weren’t too tight I decided a sort-of bias might do!
I’d love to be entered in the draw. Your dress looks great on you.
Thanks Deborah!
What a beautiful dress! It really is a sexy dress. Sack dresses are not my thing at all but I love them on other people. You are rocking this one! I’d love to be included in the giveaway. I’ve just seen up my very first papercut pattern and I’m in love!
It doesn’t take much to be seduced by Papercut, from the packaging to the patterns, the garment and instructions… there isn’t much not to enjoy!
Oh my gosh! I love this dress! Yes, please enter me in this drawing!! I’d love to make this dress too–yours is gorgeous!
Consider yourself entered! It’s a great little dress – easy to sew, easy to wear!
That dress is gorgeous! Really surprisingly un-sack-like 😀! I really love the fabric as well… I would love to enter for a pattern – had my eye on the Guise trousers for a while now…
X
It is surprisingly un-sack-like – a nice surprise! I’m planning the guise pants… soon!
Lovely dress and would look great layered. I would love to try a papercut pattern.
So chic! I love this dress and how you have styled it. I have some boots just like that, crying out for a papercut tunic dress! Please put my name in the hat for the draw.
I’m very surprised (in a good way!) at this dress – I wasn’t sold on the style but on you it is super flattering and has a lovely drape 🙂 Great fabric too!
I’ve had great experiences with Papercut patterns & would love to be entered please! 🙂
Gorgeous dress and you look beautiful in it 🙂 I wasn’t sure about this pattern but am changing my mind. Please add me to the giveaway.
I would never have used this pattern but it looks fab on you! Same fear of sack like results. Maybe I should try. Please enter me in the draw
Stunning dress! I love Papercut patterns and would love to win one! Also very jealous of your nice weather.
The closing date is actually my birthday. This would be my icing on the cake. Excuse the pun😝.
On a serious note, It’s a beautiful pattern and would be good to try something new and learn a new dart.
Beautiful dress and gorgeous fabric! And as it turns out, I’m the same height as you -how is that you manage to look so tall and elegant all the time?!
I would love to enter for a copy of the papercut sigma dress or guise trousers, I’ve just made up the coppelia cardy and the drafting is excellent!
What a great dress and I love your fabric. I would love to be included in the giveaway, thanks so much for hosting it.
I don’t think I’d wear this silhouette myself, but I love it on you! I often seem not to like the styling of Papercut patterns, but as soon as I see one on a blog I love it, so I’d love to be part of the giveaway.
I usually shy away from tunic dresses but this looks lovely. I love your fabric. Please include me in the giveaway. Holly
I’d also love a Papercut Sway Dress! Thanks for arranging the giveaway
I’ve been looking at this tunic as a possiblity. Now, seeing it on your 5’4″ XXS frame, I know I could pull it off on my like-sized frame. Please count me in for the draw. Love this on you, and love your choice of fabric.
If I had your legs, yes. As it is, no. Looks lovely on you and the fabric works perfectly. Please include me in the giveaway, I really like Papercut patterns.
You’ve got a half inch on me, so in my mind you qualify as statuesque. 🙂 Your dress is prettier than the sample on the pattern, definitely a winner. I’ve never tried Papercut, so I’d love to be included in the drawing.
I love the dress! It looks great. I’m constantly amazed by what you manage to create. 🙂 Please don’t add me into your giveaway – I can’t sew. I can admire the ability in others though.
Thanks so much Heather – I admire your drive and determination on the triathlon and running front. Even when I was super fit and doing regular bootcamps, I didn’t have that thing of drive.
Count me in
great in that fabric, and looks excellent on you. I wouldn’t mind trying out another papercut (after making 3 or 4 coppelia this month, I need to branch out!)
I love the V-neck at the back, it does make it sexy – you’ve inspired me to try the Flutter Tunic too now! I would love to enter please.
Love love love it! And thank you for including my dress and blouse! I’m a little bit addicted to this pattern, just waiting to get the kiddos off to sleep to get back to work on my latest Flutter Blouse… You can never have too much of a good thing! Please enter me in the giveaway 😊
Love this dress and the sway one! If I win the giveaway (fingers crossed) I’ll be making the Waver Jacket x
I would like to be included in the drawing.
This dress looks fantastic on you! I’m usually all for fitted bodices and circle skirts, but after making a shift dress recently I’ve found I quite like the loose fitting styles on me too, and this looks like a great choice. Count me in for the giveaway 🙂
This silhouette looks so great on you Lizzy, you’ve got the elegant stature for it! I’m never to sure about it for me but definitely agree that these kind of styles need to be shorter to balance out the shape. Love that deep neckline, you’ve made me look twice at this pattern!
I thought this looked weird in the pattern picture, but your version is gorgeous. I love the style and it looks great with boots. I’m pleased you went with the dress version!
I think you’re right about sack dresses needing to be short and I love the drapiness of the rayon. I’d love to be included in the giveaway as I’ve banned myself from buying any new patterns at the moment
I think the sleeves and the v-back really make this a stand-out dress! I love all 3 dresses in the new releases by papercut! Would love to win 🙂
Your dress looks fab! Very chic in a slightly understated way, absolutely love it! I would love to win a papercut pattern.
Cheers, Annemarie
You look lovely! That fabric is perfect. And although we are the same height, we are most definitely not the same size. Curses. But….I would love to try it as a blouse. Please count me in.
Papercut patterns can do no wrong in my book – every pattern they’ve brought out so far has been contemporary and a little edgy. I wasn’t sure the Flutter pattern was for me with its flared sleeves, but as soon as I saw your back view with that wonderful deep V, I was sold. Great fabric choice, it looks to have the perfect amount of drape and those legs *swit swoo*
This tunic looks amazing on you – I think I would look rather second trimester in it (not a good look at my age!), but I rather like the idea of the blouse length. I keep looking at the Papercut Patterns, and am so tempted…
I’ve just finished a Copellia cardy today which was my first Papercut Pattern. I think I will have to give some others a go. Love the dress on you, not sack like at all! Pips xx
Oh yes please! What a lovely tunic. My favourite style!
Very Chic…and please enter me in the giveaway. Would love to have this pattern.
Great job on the dress & please enter me into the drawing- thanks!
lovely dress, the fabric is fantastic. I would like to entered in the draw please!
I’ld love a chance to won one of these patterns! Thank you!!
Ooh, yes please! The dress looks gorgeous on you, too xx
Love the fabric! It may be a simple garment but it certainly doesn’t look casual on you. Not sure this silhouette would suit me though, but there are definitely other Papercut patterns I would love to give a try so please enter me in the giveaway!
Love your flutter tunic 😊. Love Papercut patterns, thanks for a chance to win!
Oh, I love both of your Papercut dresses, the choice of the fabric is beautiful.
Definitely would like to participate in the giveaway.
I’ve been obsessing over the sylphide dress–it’s so gorgeous!
Your flutter sleeves are lovely, I’m not surprised you got a “grrrr”!
Very cute! I’d love to enter the giveaway – the Rigel Bomber is calling my name!
Gorgeous dress! I would love to be included in the giveaway!
That’s a great dress! Please include me in the free pattern giveaway!
Great dress! Please enter me in the giveaway so I can make one.
It’s lovely. Agree, this style is all about the length. I made something similar recently and it was tempting to lengthen to a “comfortable” length but longer just looks frumpy. Short short short. You’ve hit it spot on.
Thanks Debbie – I think the length of the boots helps too! I’ve just made a second and my boots finish well before my knee and it looks much shorter! Although I’m waiting on a new pair of boots which will solve that problem 🙂
Wow, you look fabulous in this dress! So much so that I will definitely be purchasing the flutter tunic pattern to make my own (unless of course I win your giveaway then I won’t need to buy it 😉)
I’ve never tried their patterns. I would love to win. I like the fabric you chose for your dress.
How do you make Spotlight fabric look so good? 🙂 Please enter me into the draw (Bellatrix, Saiph and Sigma are all on my hit list!). Thank you!
LOL – I think it is all about just picking the right fabric for the right pattern. I steer clear of polyesters, poly cottons, most of the poplins – their lawns, linens, voiles are good – and most of their rayons. I do particularly love this range – I just wish more of the fabric had a black background, I’m not great in white.
I love your tunic. I’ve never tried a papercut pattern but I would love to win one.
I love your blue and black and white! Very sleek tunic. I’d love to be included in the giveaway.
What a beautiful dress! I would never have looked twice at the pattern if it weren’t for your version. Please include me in the giveaway. I’ve had my eye on the sigma dress for awhile.
Beautiful dress! The V-back is very chic, and I think this length looks great on you:-) Please enter me into the giveaway draw, I would love to try one of the beautiful new Papercut patterns.
Nice job, this looks great on you! I would love to win a pattern, I haven’t had the chance to see a Papercut pattern yet. 😊
Oooh I just bought a silk cotton that is nearly identical in pattern to your suiting! In fact at first I wondered if it might be the same. I would love to be entered in the drawing and might actually make this pattern, I think it would look lovely as a summer dress in my floaty fabric!
Well, now I want this pattern too. You + Papercut seems to be a winning combination! Add me into the drawing, obviously 🙂
Beautiful on you! I have never sewn a Papercut pattern but the uniqueness of the styles intrigues me. Count me in for the giveaway!
I’d love to be included on the giveaway 🙂 I’ve always loved their designs, but have yet to try any out. I’ve always been intrigued by the Clover dress. Thanks so much!
I would never have considered this pattern but your version looks great. Count me in for the draw please!
I’d love to be entered in the give-away! I’ve been lurking the Papercut website but haven’t had the nerve to take the plunge. This could help!
I have looked at this pattern before and didn’t think it was for me but seeing your dress has changed my mind completely – it looks great! I could see it working well with leggings and a scarf too. Please count me in as well. 🙂
ooh please enter me into the giveaway! I do love papercut patterns. And this dress looks lovely on you.
Please enter me 🙂 I love your tunic looks lovely and stylish!
Enter me too!
Please include me in the giveaway 🙂
Would love to give this dress a try. Have struggled with the fear of sack like dress but this looks gorgeous on you. Please count me in for the give away.
Beautiful dress! Especially love the back neckline. Oh yes please include me in your giveaway! I haven’t sewn any paper cut patterns yet. I’d love the chance to give one a go. 😀
I’d love to be included! Such a great tunic — the length is perfect on you!
I wouldn’t have given this dress a second glance based on the line drawing, but it looks fantastic in real life! I’d love to get this pattern and make it up for myself!
Forgot to let you know I’d like to be included in the drawing!
no worries!
please include me. as a Papercut lover I will. use this pattern
Id pick the flutter tunic since I already snagged the swat dress.
I think this looks so great on you! I tend to stay away from this silhouette but you just never know when something is going to work! Count me in for the giveway! Thanks. Bonus that Hubby likes it! 🙂
I’d love to try a pattern so put me in for the giveaway. You make their patterns sound so enticing.
I haven’t tried their patterns before, but I have to say that I love their yo yo dress/skirt pattern.
I’d love to be entered in the giveaway, and the tunic looks great on you 🙂
This dress looks absolutely lovely on you, and that fabric is stunning! The length is perfect too – I can imagine any extra length would have dragged the look down.
Don’t enter me in the giveaway – I’m on a big 4 roll at the moment!
When I put it on longer… it just looked enormous and sacklike – legs can be helpful at providing physical as well as visual balance it turns out!
The dress looks great on you especially with this fabric.
Please entre me in the giveaway. I’d love to try Papercut Patterns.
You look great in your new tunic. It’s simplicity is so chic. Loving this style but I’m only dropping by to say ‘fab make’ but not to enter the giveway. Good luck to the entrants.
Thanks Maria!
Long live the sack dress I say! Looks great and I would totally give this pattern a whirl…maybe not in ponti though.
Not ponti! *faints* 😉
I do love a great tunic! Perfect fabric choice!
The fabric suits the pattern beautifully, you do it justice in every way. Would love a chance to try their patterns.
Fabulous frock. You look…. grrrr… amazing. I definitely need this pattern in my stash. I’d love to win one… pop me in the draw.
Thanks Anna… this pattern could make another appearance at Melb Frocktails!
Your dress looks fab! Way better than the line drawings give the impression of, has made me look twice at that pattern now. Would love to be entered into the draw.
Honestly, I think your version looks definitely better than the one on the cover – the sleeves are much better! It’s probably due to the fabric, which I love!
Love this tunic.Your fabric choice has the perfect amount of drape for this style. I like the french darts too. I would love to try a Papercut Pattern so pop me in the draw please.
Looks like a very comfortable & chic dress! A light, flowy linen would make it a great holiday dress, me thinks. Count me in for the draw; I’ve had my eye on the Sigma dress for a while, I’m thinking polkadots.
Beautiful dress! You look gorgeous in it. I would love to try Papercut Patterns.
I love your version of the dress! the drape of the fabric make the sleeves look more normal to me. I’d love to be entered in the draw! I’ve only been impressed with everything I’ve tried from papercut
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Love this fabric, it looms great on you. I would like to be in the draw to win a paper cut pattern!
I would love to be entered in the giveaway! I’m putting the finishing touches on a fully lined Papercut Sigma dress right now that will be the perfect play dress.
Oooh, I really love that pattern. I like a tunic but they are usually NOT sexy at all….I love the back on this one. Thanks for the chance to win!
I love Papercut Patterns. Please include me in the giveaway drawing.
Always amazed at how a pattern can change according to fabric. Love your version. I would love to be included in giveaway. Thanks!
Great version of the flutter tunic/dress. I fell in with the pattern as soon as I saw it, now I’m just waiting for the right fabric to come along. I recently treated myself to a couple of their beautiful paper patterns, but would love to go in the draw too.
I think I would be one of the ones to add shape with a belt but if at home let it flow loose for coolness factor up here in NQld. Please enter me in the draw, thanks for the opportunity.
I’d love to be entered in the giveaway too! This is exactly the sort of dress I love to wear and I have a RTW in my wardrobe that I’ve promised myself to learn to make one day. Looks like you’ve just found me the perfect pattern! 🙂
It definitely is sexy! Especially from the back, looks great on you, much better than on the pattern photo. Please count me in the draw!
I think this ended up sexy in a very sophisticated way. I love that this has a little shaping. It’s gorgeous. Please count me in for the draw…I’m very tempted by this pattern!
I was not so keen on this initially but your version def talked me into it – that fabric really makes the most of the pattern. I’d love to be in the draw, I can never get enough Papercut!
I think it’s one of those patterns you need to give it a try. really nice to wear, I’ve worn this version a few times already – great for work with leggings!
The dress looks beautiful on you. I think it’s a shape not everyone can pull off, but you do it very well. Also I’d love to put my name in the giveaway hat.
I’m right with you in thinking that this looks fabulous without a belt! The length looks great. I’d love to be included in the giveaway.
Count me in! Love this look. It is great on you and I would love to make one too.
Oh, this looks so perfect on you! The simplicity of the shape, paired with fabric perfection has made a really chic, sophisticated little dress!
I can never turn down the possibility of adding to my papercut collection, so please count me in!
Wonderful dress, I especially love the back, would love to try the sway dress if I am lucky enough to be drawn x
Hi, thanks for the pattern review. I think you’re dress came out great! Sometimes these looser feeling dresses end up looking super chic. Please count me in for the papercut giveaway!
Your tunic looks brilliant. I love that the facric makes it look like you pattern matched, but didn’t have to. If I win I’d pick the sway dress pattern.
I just made the Sway dress (saw you did too!) and I LOVED how it turned out. It was my first Papercut pattern, so I’d love to win the giveaway and try out the Coppelia!
I haven’t used any of their patterns yet, I’d love to enter the giveaway! Your dress turned out perfectly it seems, I’m not sure what I’d want to try out though.
This is gorgeous! I’ve yet to try a Papercut pattern myself. Thanks for the giveaway!
i really like your dress…seems so effortless… If I do win the giveaway I might be giving it a try. Please count me in it and thank you:)
Lovely dress! Thanks for the intro to these patterns also.
I love this dress! I’d love to try either this pattern or the Sway Dress!
I love this! Please include me x
Hello, I have just found your lovely blog via instagram. Both of your new Papercut dresses are gorgeous and would love to try one of their patterns. Thanks for the inspiration!
You look lovely in your new dress!
I’ve never tried a Papercut pattern but would love to have the opportunity to try. Thanks to you and Katie for hosting such a great giveaway
It’s a lovely dress on you. I love that splatter fabric. I think you can carry off the short length and that length gives it balance. I’d love a chance to try a Papercut Pattern!
Wow – it’s just stunning. I love papercut patterns. Thank you for the chance to win one.
I love this dress on you and the fabric is great! I would love to try a paper cut pattern, I like the look of the Anima pants. 🙂
Oh me too! I have been very tempted by those!
I would love to try one of these patterns. The dress looks lovely on you, and I love the fabric. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Yes please for a chance to win a pattern. I like the Clover and since I’ve seen your Sway, I like that too. Thanks!
I’ve got the Clover dress – another pattern I need to make up!
I’d LOVE a chance to win, thank you! This dress looks so great on you!
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So pretty! The back neckline is especially nice.
It’s great, just a little unexpected!
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I love the cut of the back on this! And the way you’ve styled it with the high boots is pretty perfect 🙂
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