Two-Tone Layered Top

Introducing the layered top you’ve all been waiting for! This no-pattern make incorporates the stunning two-tone trend, while helping you improve core sewing techniques. It’s made in stunning lightweight crepe, which is soft to the touch and stays relatively crease-free - it’s the perfect addition to your all-year-round wardrobe.

Essentials

Crepe fabric: pink, 1m; grey, 1m

Fusible hemming web

Sizes

Note: Diagram is drafted in a size 10 (bust 83cm, hip 88cm)

8-10: add 1cm on side seams and 2mm onto the shoulder length

12-14: add 2.25cm on side seams and 5mm onto the shoulder length

14-16: add 3.5cm on side seams and 8mm onto the shoulder length

16-18: add 4.75cm on side seams and 1.1cm onto the shoulder length

Dimensions List

Note: The top is cut in two layers – the outer pink section is 6cm shorter than the grey under layer
• Front outer piece: cut two rectangles, 35cm x 70cm; cut one grey rectangle, 9cm x 70cm
• Front: Cut one on the fold in each colour
• Back: Cut one on the fold in each colour
1.5cm seam allowance used throughout, except on the neckline where 1cm is used.

1 Draft a pattern onto paper using the diagram at sewmag.co.uk, then follow the cutting guide. Stitch the grey strip to the centre of two pink rectangles, press the seams open, then fold the piece in half through the grey. Position the pattern on the fold, then cut out the front outer piece. Match, pin and stitch the shoulder seams of the pink front piece to the back, right sides facing. Press the seam allowances open.

2 Pair together, then pin and stitch the shoulder seams of the grey front part to the back, wrong sides facing. Press the seam allowances open. Pair the neckline and armholes together, with pink, right sides facing, and grey, wrong sides facing.

3 Pin and stitch around both armholes and the neckline. Clip around the curved seam allowance, then turn right sides out by threading the back top part through the shoulders. Tease out the armhole and neckline seam allowance, then press flat.

4 Couple together the top pink layer side seams, pin and stitch from the base up to the armholes, then continue stitching half way down the side seams of the grey layer. Cut into the seam allowance at the end of the stitching line.

5 Fold the seam edges in the opposite direction and complete the seam to the base of the top. Ensure the armhole seams are open and matching when sewing, then press the seams open. Match together the back seams, then pin and stitch to the notch to create the back opening. Press the seam open.

6 Stitch from the notch halfway towards the base of the top, then cut into the seam allowance at the finish of the stitching line. Fold the seam edges in the opposite direction and sew the seam to the base of the garment. Match each edge of the grey back opening to the pink back opening, then stitch in place. Trim the corners at the neckline, then turn the grey layer inside the top.

7 Tease out the seams and press flat. Turn and press up a 3cm hem on the pink and grey layers, and either hand-stitch or use hemming web to position it before machine sewing. Hand-stitch a hook and eye to the top of the back opening.