Make your own easy top

The Spring Top Pattern

I never made a top before and in the past few days I have made two. It is addicting! You see, a while ago I decided to rummage though my "summer" clothes in storage as I couldn't find anything to wear. Well, that was when I found out I didn't have summer clothes in storage. Consequently, I needed more!

This has been modified by making the top longer and omitting the sashes in the back.

At any rate, this time I made my own pattern that is easily reproducible, so I thought I would share the steps with you.

What you need:
1. About one yard of fabric for the outside and another for the inside lining. I used an old curtain for the lining of this one. The fabric for the outside was given to me, so this was basically free to make.
2. 16 Inches of thin elastic (I used 1/2 inch)
3. (optional) 40 Inches of lace trim


I bought a shower curtain from the dollar store and have been using it to make patterns. You could do this so you have something to use again, or you could just be super careful and cut the fabric using these measurements. I am roughly a small/medium. Just add a little if you are a size larger. Remember, since the front is made with elastic, you can adjust the size there.

So, from the top to the bottom, measure 28 inches. The front panel is 23 inches wide while the back panel is 17 inches. I cut the straps at 4.5 inches, but kind of wish I had made them a teensy bit wider. It is up to your taste. From the top of the shoulder to the neckline is 6.5 inches in the front and 6 inches in the back. I have given generous seam allowances (about .75 inches per seam). In order to get the best fit, I try the top on several times while sewing so that I can go back to make adjustments if needed.

Katherine likes to help!

Cut one of your printed fabric and one for the lining of each piece. If you want a tie in the back, cut this piece now. A good size would be a long rectangle of 20x3 inches (cut two of these).

Sew the tops of the shirt together (The seam that runs along the shoulder)

Next, sew the inside (around the neckline together) of the printed fabric and lining together. After that, press the seams. This will give it a crisp look and will be much easier to work with.

BUT WAIT

Before turning right side out, clip along the edges of the seam in the back. Since it is curved, clipping the edges will help it to lay right. 

Now that your shirt is pressed and turned the right way out, you will make a place for the elastic to go in the front. Sew a seam on the front of the shirt between the shoulder straps. You will need one along the very top and another two seams just below the bust. To get the right fit, try the shirt on to determine where you want the second strip of elastic to be. 

Using a pin to thread the elastic makes it a million times easier. 

Thread the elastic through the tunnel you have just made. I used about 8 inches of elastic for each part. You can try it on to make it fit your size perfectly (use safety pins to hold the elastic in place). If the elastic is too long, your undergarments may show. After threading the elastic, sew it in place by making a small stitch on the outside of the shirt. If it helps, look at the next picture to get the full idea. You can email me (rebekahbethany@gmail.com or leave a comment if you need more explanation for this part).

Um, yes, that is a slightly uneven stitch on the bottom. *cough*cough* Don't do that.

It will look like this!

I forgot to take a picture of the arm holes, but it isn't really necessary. Just turn the raw edges in and do a top stitch around them.

Next, sew the sides of the shirt. Add the ties at the same time. I put then level with the second strip of elastic.

 Leave about five inches at the bottom for a slit on each side. This will make it easier to move in. 

For both the slits and the sleeves, I sew a little line at the edge to make it much more sturdy.

Now, sew the slits at the bottom of the shirt. Do this by turning the raw edges in and sewing a top stitch over them.

You are almost finished!

Add the lace as you turn the raw edges and top stitch the bottom.

You are done!

It was so easy to make!

The tie in the back helps it to fit a variety of sizes.