At times you cannot bother to sew complicated collars, button stands or zippers. But you want to wear something you have sewn. This top is the exact thing you need. If you mind exposed shoulders you can wear it over plain t-shirts or wear it as it is for a quick and simple summer top.

How to sew easy Summer top

Step 1 

Cut out the pattern pieces for the front and back bodices as per the pattern given below. Learn more about cutting fabric for sewing clothes here.

Cut on folded fabric – length A-E depends on what you want for the top- add 1 inch for hem allowance and top edge.

Front bodice for the top

Back bodice pattern

Important note : the length of D-G should be same for both the pieces.

Step 2 

Cut out 4 pieces of bias strips ( bias cut fabric pieces) of width 3/4 inches and length equalling the armhole of the bodices.

Read more about cutting fabric on the bias here or on different types of bias tapes.

Step 3 

Bind the armholes with the bias strips

Step 4 

Cut  2 inch fabric strips equalling the top edge of both bodices + 1 inch extra for folding in. 

Step 5 

Keep the piece right side down on the top of edge of the bodice. Keep the edges folded in. Stitch the top edge in place.

Turn the piece to the back and stitch in place. Do not stitch the sides closed – you need it open on all 4 edges to insert the drawstrings. Here you are making a casing for the drawstring. Do this for both bodices

Step 6 

Sew the hem of both the bodices. Because the hem is cut slightly curved you will have to make a narrow hem

Step 7 

Join the side seams of both the bodices 

Step 8 

Make a piece of thin fabric tube of length 1.50 meters or cut out ribbon of the same length. If you want instructions for making the thin fabric tube check out this post on making fabric tubes 

Basically, you cut out 1.5 meters of fabric strip pieces of 1-inch width and keep it folded by the middle right sides together. Stitch through the middle. Turn the tube right side out with the help of needle and thread. (Wrong side of the needle passing through the tube turning it right side out as effectively as any fabric tube turner)

Step 9 

Insert the drawstring through the front bodice right side with the help of a pin

Insert the other end of the fabric tube through the back bodice casing, through the right side. 

The ends of the drawstrings will be tied after wearing the top

Is there a more easier top to sew than this.

Related posts : Free womens sewing patterns ; An easy every day top sewing tutorial.