In these photos, the blue top is the cropped Zoey in a size 4. The cream one is a full-length Sommar in a size C. My bust averages 33" and my waist 29". Both tops are made with rib knits from iSee Fabric (use my referral link to save $5!). I added trim to the front of the cream Sommar, it is not part of the pattern. The shorts are Landers.
Size Charts
Sometimes, one pattern might work better than another simply because of the drafting block. Zoey is available in 0-18 or 14-32, bust 32"-59.5". Sommar comes in sizes A-P, or bust 28"-58". Here are the size charts for the Zoey and Sommar:
Zoey 0-18
Zoey 14-32
Sommar
Views
At first glance these patterns are super similar, but they do offer different looks. Zoey is a crop top, tank and a dress, and with the free neckline expansion you can have four neckline cuts as well. That's a lot of options!
Sommar is only a crop or tank, with only one neckline view. The main advantage of Sommar is that it comes with a built-in shelf bra option. There is no shelf bra for Zoey.
Fit
I find the fit of these tops to be close enough to call them "the same". I can't see myself using fit as a reason to choose one over the other. I would make my choice based on what kind of neckline I wanted, or if I wanted a shelf bra.
My bust and waist measurements don't usually fit neatly into a size chart (not since three kids) so I often end up splitting the difference and making a size in between. I also take the stretch of the fabric into account. The blue rib knit is a bit stretchier than the cream (it seems to be maybe a rayon blend instead of organic cotton). I could probably make a variety of sizes in either of these patterns but I'm happy with these.
Worth noting is that I think Sommar is drafted with longer straps, or to be lower cut. It's super easy to adjust the straps how you want, but as-drafted I wore my Sommar around a while and found my bust spilling out of the top. I went back and shortened the straps 3". And for the sake of transparency, it's possible I shortened my Zoey straps. I made it last year and therefore have no memory of what I did!
Construction
The construction method of these two is the same. The bodice is assembled and then binding is applied to the neckline, then binding is used as straps. I find this method pretty fiddly and annoying, to be honest, and I even have a coverstitch to make it easier. The results are nice, so maybe I'm just being a cranky old lady about the sewing.
Verdict
I like them both! I'm not sure one person needs them both, however. I received the Sommar for free after applying to be a tester for it. If you are comfortable hacking patterns, then you could add a shelf bra to the Zoey without much trouble. It has way more options so it gives you more bang for your buck. If I could only recommend one, it would be Zoey.
Have you made either of these patterns yet? Are you rocking crop tops as much as this old mother of three?
