“Draft your own Simple Top” was one of my first proper tutorials and still one of my most visited and repinned posts. (That and the bias tape trick!) I guess because a simple basic will always have appeal and a place in our wardrobes. I posted it waaaaay back in October 2011, and whilst that tutorial will still yield a cute and wearable top….I’ve learnt a bit more since then and there are a couple of refinements to the drafting and construction process that I wanted to revisit in an updated tutorial. Mainly to eliminate the drag lines I would often get around the neckline….but also some of the design tweaks that I tend to apply during construction as opposed to during drafting…in a way….kind of self drafted then refashioned!
This is what we’re going to end up with….
Draw in the Sleeves (above right):
Add a seam allowance to the underarm/ side seam AND the shoulder seam…then cut out your pattern piece and mark relevant details like the grainline, fold, size etc.
Portia, this top is lovely on you! When you first posted this tutorial, it really wasn’t my style. Now my style has been changing and I love this top. Hopefully I can find some sewing time soon, because I would love to add this to my closet.
Thanks for the great tutorial. I do have one question about the measurements. You say:
A = Bust or Hip Measurement (whichever is the larger) + 2-3″ (ease) divide by 4 and + 3″
My bust measurement is 32.5″. Should my calculation go like this? (32.5″ + 3″) / 4 = 17.75″ + 3″ = 20.75″.
I’m just trying understand if you add 2-3″ ease, divide your measurement by 4, and then add another 3″. OR if you just add the ease once.
Hi KatieM! That’s exactly right. The first 2-3″ you add is for wearing ease. The 3″ you add at the end is for your sleeve length. So you could add 1-2″ at the end to make a shorter sleeve if that was your preference. When you curve back in between F and G to create the underarm curve, you’re basically taking the measurement at that point back to 1/4 of your bust + ease measurement…..does that make any sense?
Px
Thanks for the clarification. It’s the sort of thing that’s worth checking first, otherwise sewing disasters are sure to follow!
wow thanks for sharing! such a simple yet effective top that has endless possibilities, im off to draft one tonight!
Thanks for the tutorial! This is exactly what I wanted to make today!
Thanks Portia! My daughters always want me to make them simple shirts like this. Now I know how!
I’m stuck on Step A (of course)… Divide by 4 and 3″? Is that divide by 4 + 3″. (x/4+3″) or divide by 4 then add 3″. (x/4)+3″ or something else entirely?
Bust/hip measurement plus 2-3″ (this gives you the total circumference of your finished garment)
Then divide by 4
Then add 3″ for the sleeve part which extends out from the main part of the finished pattern piece 😊
Thanks for sharing this! I’ve made some similar tops in knit fabric. I should try wovens next!
I love this so much! Thanks for updating your tutorial!
You always look so nice in your kimono tops! Thanks for the update on the tutorial.
http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
Just completed an extended version into a dress – very pleased with the result (I did however use your original post for my pattern draft). Good to see another post – such a good fit 🙂
Thanks for the tutorial. Wish I’d chosen a better fabric though. Doh.
http://prolificprojectstarter.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/spotty-dotty-kimono-scrubs/
Thank you ! It’s just in time because I saw your previous tutorial last year, but wasn’t interested in making it now (I was in the making of my first Sorbetto) but now that I was searching for the pattern, I find that you’ve updated it ! How great is that 😀
Thanks for the tutorial!
Just found your blog through Pinterest. Love this idea! So simple once I read but I probably would have never thought of it. Thanks so much for sharing. I have signed up and look forward to following you!
Correction: In the comment above I was referring to your idea of using double-sided tape to transfer thread from a large cone to a small spool. Sorry for the confusion.
Ah thanks Mary! And welcome!
Does this work for both woven and jersey fabrics? If so do I need to adjust the ease when using woven versus jersey fabrics? Thank you!
Yes it would work on both woven and jerseys. It’s a relaxed fit so no need to adjust for ease. Jersey versions are just more drapey. Px