Simple Box Top | Debbie Shore Dressmaking Pattern

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Simple Box Top | Debbie Shore Dressmaking Pattern

With this dressmaking pattern, Debbie Shore will help you learn how to sew a custom-fit box top.

This simple sewing pattern by Debbie Shore is the ideal project for beginner stitchers looking for their next dressmaking challenge. With clear, step-by-step instructions on how to draft a paper pattern, you'll learn how to sew a top that fits your body perfectly.

This dressmaking pattern features no darts or closures, and it is quick and simple to lengthen the sleeves. Make a paper sewing pattern first, then you can reuse it as often as you like without retaking any measurements. Note: the paper pattern shown in the steps below is not to scale.

Debbie shares: "I’ve used a stretch jersey fabric for the top shown, but, as the top pattern is loose-fitting, light-weight cotton or viscose fabric would also work well. In this easy tutorial, you'll learn how to sew French seams to sew the top together to create a neat finish; however, you could sew with a regular seam then use an overlocker / serger, a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine or snip along the allowance with pinking shears to finish the seams. Remember to always make a toile first before cutting into your main fabric so that you can make any adjustments needed before committing to more expensive fabric. (A toile is a test garment made in a cheap fabric, such as polycotton or even an old bedsheet!)"

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You will need:

Equipment

  • Sewing machine
  • Appropriate machine needle: I used a ballpoint needle for the jersey fabric
  • Fabric shears
  • Paper, pen and paper scissors for drawing your pattern: gift-wrapping paper with inch squares are a handy alternative to special pattern paper!

Materials

  • 1¾yd (1.5m) of light- to medium-weight fabric: I used stretch jersey, but you could also use cotton, viscose or similar fabrics
  • Optional: if you are using woven fabric, a little interfacing to strengthen the neck facings

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Project steps:

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Step 1

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Step 2

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