SSE Testers Talk: The Rio Raglan

For this week’s SSE Tester’s Talk, we’re talking all thing Rio Raglan! The Rio is a slim/regular fit top with raglan sleeves, perfect for getting creative with color and prints! The pattern features options for a v- or crew neck, as well as three different length options, including crop, top, and tunic/dress length. Three sleeve options also make this pattern something that can be tailored for a  number of different occasions!

So let’s hear from our wonderful pattern testers, to find out what they love about their versions of the Rio Raglan. 

Melissa Faith

It’s getting warm here in NY so I’m really looking forward to some cute summer dresses for work. I debated for a few days how I was going to make the Rio Raglan just a little bit different...so it could be considered ‘business casual’ for work...but not be too casual. I took a leap of faith and used this blush colored Swiss Dot Jersey from SSE that I’ve been hoarding and added a simple tie to the waist. I absolutely love it! My one regret...not stealing pockets from another design and adding them as well!

This is truly a quick pattern that works up well. You have several options to pick from when deciding what’s just right for you...two different necklines, three different lengths and three different sleeve lengths. I have a true love for V-necks and I nailed this one! (YAY me! My husband didn’t really share in my excitement. He just doesn’t get it. LOL.) My next Rio is definitely going to be in something fun that will be suitable for our upcoming trip to Disney late this fall. I think I am going to try out the cropped long sleeve version and add a little design to it someplace...or maybe even use the Denver Hoodie hack as well!

For reference my only other alterations/changes were that I added 1” for my side waist and graded from a medium bust/waist to a large hip.

Carrie Powell

If I could describe the Rio Raglan top pattern in just three words, they would be 1) easy 2) versatile 3) comfortable!

This great pattern has all that and more.  The simple lines provide a wonderful pallet for some fun hacks as I did with my ‘peekaboo’ on the front raglan seams. After I made my first top, I noticed that I loved the way it fit my body, not too loose and not too tight, so I didn’t have to do any tweaking, which is always a plus!

The directions were easy to follow and the Rio Raglan can be sewn up in no time!  I can see this pattern working well for all seasons, depending on which fabric you choose and style options.

So many fun looks can be made with the Rio Raglan! Don’t plan on making just one, especially when there are all those wonderful fabrics from So Sew English to choose from!

Emily Nguyen

I cannot hide my love for a great raglan pattern like Rio- it just sews up so fast and beautifully, plus the versatility is second to none.

On this Rio I used two hacks to mix it up a bit:

1) I added a center seam down the back bodice to account for my swayback and a bit more definition

2) I colorblocked the shoulders by measuring 3" down from the printed line for lining up US Letter papers (for those of us old school-ers still rockin' the print-and-tape assembly) + 1/4" seam allowance to the top and bottom).

My little one wanted to match, so I used a 1.5" measurement on her shoulder block account for the size difference (she's a 5  on the kids' pattern, I'm a L/XL on the adult's pattern).

Christy Headings

Rio Raglan is the first raglan I found that did not need adjustments! I love the higher neckline… all the raglans I’d found previously had necklines that were either way too wide or so high that I felt like I was choking. This one is the perfect neckline for me!  I’m a sucker for a curved hem but do not like hemming the curves that are too dramatic, Rio has a subtle curve that is easy to get a beautiful hem! Then there is the fit… slim fitting but not clingy in all the wrong places! Plus, it’s such a quick and satisfying sew!

Sherry Root

What a fun pattern. 

I lengthen  it to cover my white legs. 

Added  1/4 inch flange in the arm seam by cutting a strip of fabric the width of the seam plus a quarter inch and double it.  Sewing it in the seam.

It's hard to see but I used the same fabric as the flange and put a binding on the hem.

Belted it and I was off to church.

I used DBP fabric.  Everyone was busy looking at the beautiful print and thought I had lost weight.

Sherrie Broussard

The Rio Raglan pattern is so versatile already and such a great, easy sew BUT I decided to hack it to an oversized top.  (See my inspiration pic) Now I have a whole different look that I can wear tucked in, knotted, side tucked, or belted.

This hack could be a top, a swim coverup, or even a night gown.

This hack is so easy:

1) I went up 3 sizes from medium to 1x.

2) Added 1” height to the neckband.

3) Straightened the sleeves. (See pic)

4) Cut and sewed cuffs with 100% of sleeve width and 4.5” tall. (The end result is a 2” cuff with no stretching to fit)

Easy peasy and sewn in less than an hour!

The fabric I used is super soft and lightweight.

Tiffany Amos

I am super excited to share in this blog all about the amazing Rio Raglan . When I receive this pattern it took me a while to decide rather I wanted a causal look or one thank lean more towards a date night feel . I choose to go with the tunic option just to show everyone how simple this dress can be taken to a night look with just the right accessories. I used a floral dbp for my main and polka dot dbp for my sleeves. I accessorized my look with stockings and heels for a quick date night look . I did quite a bit of grading as well since my measurements are all over the place . This took me for xl bust - to 1x hips and I use the length for 3xl to give myself more length . I hope my look has shown you versatility for a quick dressy look in your future if you need a quick classy sew .

And that concludes our SSE Testers Talk on the Rio Raglan! Tune in next week for our post on the Santa Fe Pattern!