One would think Sewing clothes is not easy. I would think, Not.
Yes, there are complicated things in sewing – like collars, buttonholes, armholes, and threading the sewing machine. But what do you say about a piece of clothing without all these but is still very useful as a simple everyday wear. Something you can cut and sew as easily as pie. Here is a sewing tutorial to make a simple everyday Top.
Sewing pattern and tutorial for that every day top
You need to know how to mark and cut fabric properly, sew a straight line, cut bias strips and bind edges. You also need to measure your bust round and hip round.
Step 1 Cut out the pattern pieces
You can make this top in any dressmaking fabric. I am making in a cotton fabric. A drapey fabric like silk, satin, chiffon -all would do.
Cut out two 26″ long fabric pieces for your top; fold them by the middle. Below given is the pattern drawing – it is the same for the front and the back pieces except for the necklines.
On one piece, Mark the following markings (in the pattern picture below) for the front pattern except D-P. Form the armsyce in a soft curve. This is your front pattern.
On the next piece mark similarly, except do not mark D-E, instead mark D-P. This is the back pattern.
These are your two pattern pieces for the front and back.
You also need to cut out out bias strips for binding the armholes and neckline. Bias strips are needed because it has stretch to accomdate the curves of armholes and neckline.
Step 2 Sew the Shoulder seams of the front and back pieces
Keep the front and back pieces together right sides together and sew the shoulder seams.
Step 3 Sew the binding for the armholes
Take the binding strip you have cut on the bias for binding the armhole. Spread open the armhole as in the picture below.
If you want a visible binding (binding showing on the right side of the fabric as it does in mine) keep the top wrong side up and keep the binding strip right side down along the edge of the armhole as in the picture below.
Pin in place and then stitch in place with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Turn the binding to the front side. Fold the edge to the inside and top stitch the binding in place along the edge.Top stitch along the other edge as well.
Do the same for both sides. Remember to top stitch the binding neatly with an even edge and press in place.
Step 4 Sew the neckline binding
Length of the binding strip needed to bind the neckline should include the circumference of the neckline plus 2″ for overlaping. Cut the strip on the bias.
As you start binding turn the short edge to the inside and start stitching. This way when you finish the binding the overlaped edge would be turned to the inside as it should be.
Step 5 Sew the hem
Fold the bottom edges of the front piece and back piece to the inside twice and stitch in place.
Ensure that the length is same for both the sides. This is very important or else the side seams wouldnot match.
Step 6 Sew the side seams.
Join the side seams of the front and back.
It sure finished a lot faster than even a lazy person like me intended. Good. Let me go back to that book again.
Related posts : Free sewing patterns ; Learn to sew- tips and tutorials.
Updated on October 11, 2022 by Sarina Tariq
This site is so informative
Plz send me free dresses pattern pdf with a4
Thank you
This is an excellent set of instructions. I have sewn for a lot of years and now want to totally get away from commercial patterns. I love the basic idea. I did make on change based on my personal preference: I cut the back a little wider, made it two pieces and added an invisible zipper so that it’s easier to get a woven over my head.
On your other page you said beginners shouldn’t use chiffon or satin?
Hi Deb,
Thanks for the comment – made it worthwhile and inspires me to write more. Best wishes.
Sarina, you’re website is such a great resource. I have learned to make my own clothes and add my own flourishes to make them unique. I never thought I would be able to draft my own patterns and can do this now.
Just wanted to ket you know what a difference you have made in my life. I really enjoy sewing for my family.
Great simple pattern. How would I add a bust dart for a better fit?
Thanks.
Looks easy. Will try but how much material will I need to make it??
Is this meant to be a pullover? I found your site, while looking for a simple top pattern for my 12 year old daughter. I’m going to make a muslin, to be sure, before we use her favourite fabric. Thank you for sharing this!
Hi Kripa
You an checkoout this post for clarification on armhole /armsyce measurement
How to measure D.B 81/2?? How to measure is this armhole depth??
Thanks a lot, is easy than I thought.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Really appreciate, I have so many designs that I’d like to sew myself.
Many thanks.
Thanks Prasanna
Nice method to stitch a simple top. Thanks a lot
Thank you Pamela.
I have just discovered your site and I loved the information I’m finding there. Thank you.