I recently published the last in my series of free boxy top variations. Over the past twelve months newsletter subscribers have been able to download the pattern pieces to adapt a basic sleeveless boxy top pattern into all these versions….
My initial idea for this series was to offer my newsletter subscribers an extra bonus for signing up. The instructions for each top is published here on my blog. However the patterns are only downloadable from the subscribers page. The current password to access the page is always published in the latest newsletter.
Over the months the different versions have included various techniques from gathering to bound buttonholes. Hopefully offering an opportunity to try a few new techniques.
Though this is the last in the series it won’t be the last of the free patterns for subscribers. The patterns will remain live so you can access the patterns at any time once you have signed up to the newsletter.
I thought it would be good to catalogue all the variations in one place with a little recap on the styles.
The first basic top published is this round neck sleeveless version. All the other versions are based around this top. This boxy top has front and back neck facings that finish the neckline and the armholes in one go. You can follow how to make the basic pattern here.
I made this version in cotton lawn.
The second version is made in much the same way. It has a facing that finishes the neck edge and armhole edges. This boxy top has a keyhole back neck detail finished with ties. You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this version in linen.
The next version has an open back, I designed this to sit across the bra line. The open back is actually quite modest. This boxy top is also sleeveless but it does include instructions for how to make a bound buttonhole.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in linen.
The October boxy top includes the addition of a 3/4 sleeve. This top has the same neckline but different facings.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in cotton lawn.
As the party season approached I offered two more dressy versions. Though we were in lockdown I still felt inspired to get dressed up. This version has bell sleeves and a bound neck.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in lightweight stretch velvet.
For my December boxy top I added volume sleeves and a lined bodice. This makes quite a dramatic version in the sequin fabric. I think it would also look great a gingham or simple cotton print for every day wear.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in sequin net fabric.
For the new year I showed an adaption to the 3/4 sleeve top. I think adding the frill to the sleeves gives the top a 70’s vibe.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in cotton lawn.
I followed the frill sleeve boxy top with a deep frill on the basic boxy sleeveless top.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in craft weight cotton.
Aprils version included a V-neck. The V-neck can be applied to some of the other versions too. I applied bias binding to finish the armholes on this style.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in linen.
Another new neck line, this time a square. I also added a front yoke seam and a frill. This is an ideal top to try an overlock rolled hem finish.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in double gauze.
Coming full circle back to the summer months I turned the top into another open back version. The back panels are stitched at the shoulders preventing the back from opening too wide. The top back is fastened with a tie at the hem edge.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in cotton lawn.
For the last adaptation I shared how to turn the top into a dress. This dress has a lined bodice. The instructions include how to draft and add pockets too.
You can follow the instructions for this top here.
I made this top in linen.
Some of the ideas you could use with other patterns. The techniques can also cross over to other projects. I hope you enjoyed the series. I always love to hear how you get on with the patterns please feel free to get in touch or tag me in your social media posts.
