Pattern Testing: Peek-A-Boo’s Rio Racerback Tank & Dress

We’re a month into Autumn here in the land Down Under. But with temps still 30°C+, coupled with hair frizzing humidity, I welcomed another summer dress sew. The Rio Racerback sewing pattern by Peek-A-Boo Patterns can be made into a tank or a dress and is arriving just in time for those in the northern hemisphere.

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This tank and dress pattern is for knit fabrics and is really quick to sew. There are 3 “base” views in this pattern to choose from: the tank version, the “A-line” tank dress (my chosen option), and a dress with a separate bodice piece with gathered skirt. Obviously all views have a “racer back” tank styling, but to all views you can add a bow across the back and/or gathering at the front neck line. All options also have pattern pieces and instructions for two opening finish options. You can either do a binding finish or add bands.

If you need help visualizing how to do the bindings or bands, Amy has created a video which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djXZOMnhxFE

By the way, isn’t this fabric gorgeous! I have no affiliation but a huge shout out to SEMS Fabric here on the Gold Coast for amazingly fast shipping. Not only was it fast…but they delivered it right to my door! An incredible service for those local to the GC and the Tweeds. This dress was created from their own custom print “Watercolour Splash“

Based on the pattern’s measurement chart, my daughter measures a size 6 for chest and size 8 for length. I am pleased with how the bodice fits her in the front and back and the bands and racerback lay nice and flat. You may notice the front armscye scoops down a bit low in the front. This is due to my blending the sizes inappropriately and Amy ended up including instructions on how to properly blend sizes. She also added a bit more length to the dress options based on tester feedback.

PDF FEATURES –
Layers: Yes
Paper Sizes: the pattern pieces in the PDF are 8.5″x11″ (US Letter). It is formatted so it also prints on A4 sized paper.
“No Trim” Pages: No
Print Shop Size Offered: Yes
Other: The instructions include a print chart of which pages need to be printed based on size and options selected. Instruction graphics are photographs (vs. illustration). There are instructions included on how to blend sizes.

NOTE: This release is an update to a previously released pattern. I have the previous pattern and can say that the new changes create a better fit and thoughtfully wrap up all options into one pattern. It used to be that the flat front option was a separate add-on. The shoulder slope was re-worked to reduce bunching and the waist area is more contoured to produce more flare on the skirt and better fit in the waist. This pattern now also includes separate pattern pieces and instructions for binding vs. band construction. It also adds features Amy is re-working into all her new patterns such as layers and a “print shop” page size. If you have already purchased this pattern, you will be able to re-download the updated pattern from your account.

Even though I use my coverstitch machine almost exclusively for topstitching these days, I was still using just a single needle chain stitch when doing things like bands. This time I decided to up my game and use two needles. I think it creates an amazing finish and a really great pop of detail.

Click here to grab your Rio Racerback! On sale through the end of day on April 5!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was chosen as a pattern tester for the Juliet Dress & Top and therefore given the pattern only for the purposes of the testing. This blog review was unsolicited and opinions and recommendations are solely my own.

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