Summer Top

Summer Top

This easy summer top can be rustled up in no time. Perfect for those of us experiencing global warming.

You need: –

• fabric
• matching colour thread
• sewing scissors
• pins
• tape measure
• elastic
• sewing machine

You do: –

To make this summer top you need to make a pattern. It’s basically 2 squares. To get the measurement, you want to puff out your chest really hard, measure around your bust area and take that number. Mine was 90 centimetres. Add 15 – 20 centimetres to that number. You’re trying to get your top to slip over your head but you don’t want to be drowning in it. 90 + 20 = 110. Divide that by 2 to get a back and a front piece. And then make it a square. So my two pattern pieces were 55 centimetres x 55 centimetres. You will try your summer top on, if it’s too loose or too long, you can adjust.

Sew strap

You also want to cut and sew two  straps. The width is entirely up to you. I wanted my strap to cover my bra so I made it a bit wide. See above for how I sewed my straps. I used leftover pieces to make the straps.

Pin and sew sides together

You’re going to want to pin and sew your side seams together. Once done, press the seam open with an iron.

Fold over top

Then you want to fold over the top to make a casing for your elastic. Things to consider are, how wide your elastic is (mine is narrow), and how much fabric you want above your elastic. Remember this summer top has to fit under your arms. You can see how deep my fold was in the photo above and what it looked like in the completed photo. You can insert your elastic right at the edge if you prefer.

Sew the two lines leaving a small piece open to insert your elastic.

Next measure your elastic around your body just above your bust. The elastic must not be tight, just a little taut. Feed your elastic through the casing and pin the two ends together.

Fit your top on taking care not to poke yourself. If your top is too loose, remove elastic and take it in. Once you’re happy with the fit, sew the two ends of your elastic together.

Pin and sew straps

Fit your summer top one last time and pin your straps in place. Also pin where you would like your hem to sit. You probably going to need a helping hand at this point. Sew straps in place. Sew hem.

Voila! A new summer top.

Have a great green week.

Greenie.