Stitch a drape top

Note: download project to view diagram.

1 Cut 70cm x 120cm from floaty fabric, then fold the rectangle in half widthways, matching the two selvedge edges together. Draw points for the front neckline, 12cm across from the folded corner and 12cm down from the top edge. Connect the two marks with a curved line in pencil [1].

2 Repeat for the back section, with a shallower curve for the neckline, measuring 3cm down from the folded corner, and 12cm across from the top. Join the two points with a curved line in pencil [2].

3 Open out the folded pieces. Lay the front piece on top of the back, right sides facing. Match and pin one of the shoulder seams together, and stitch with a 1.5cm seam allowance. Neaten the seam by either zig zag stitching or overlocking.

4 Open out one side of bias binding and stitch it to the right side of the fabric on the neckline. Fold the binding over to the wrong side of the top and edge stitch in place around the entire neckline.

5 Match the remaining shoulder seam and stitch with a 1.5cm seam allowance. Neaten the seam by zig zag stitching or overlocking. Make a machine rolled hem around all four edges of the top and press.

6 With the front facing you, match the edges of the front and back pieces together. Draw a line with a pencil, 23cm from the outer edge, 23cm down from the top edge, and 19cm from the bottom on both sides [3]. Pin and stitch along these lines, through both layers. Press the top to finish.