The Claire pattern includes a 3/4 sleeve and short flutter sleeve, with an option of two different necklines. I used the 3/4 sleeve pattern to create this simple hack for short sleeve version.
I made this version in cotton lawn and needed roughly the same amount of fabric as the 3/4 sleeve version. Instead of cutting the neck or cuff bands, I used the remaining fabric to make my own matching bias tape for the neckline and the tie.
To make this version follow the instructions for the short flutter sleeve version but use the 3/4 sleeve pattern.
You will also need approximately 4.5 metres of wide self fabric binding. I cut my binding 5cm/2″ to finish 2.5cm/1″. Make approximately 1.3m of the binding into a tie for the neck edge.
Make the neckline in the same way as the described in the pattern using the wider binding. Before stitching the binding down under-stitched the upper edge and made 2 short vertical buttonholes next to the neck edge seam. Rather than inserting elastic around this channel feed the tie through one buttonhole around the neckline and out of the other buttonhole.
For the sleeves measure 6cm up from the sleeve edge, draw a chalk line at this point on the back of the fabric. Join the underarm seams and hem the cuffs with a narrow hem. Place a piece of binding at the chalk line. Stitch the binding in place to form a channel for elastic leaving a small opening to insert elastic. The elastic can be cut to a size of your preference – I cut 28cm.
This is a very simple hack that gives the top a soft, feminine look. If you’d like to try this version, the pattern is available in both PDF and paper formats.
Why not give it a go and add your own twist?
