We have a pattern hack for you for the Ultimate Shift Dress. We're going to show you how to make the pattern for a cropped blouse with a curved button-back opening. You can see the results over on the vlog, where Lisa will also show you how to sew the top together.
So let's get started!
To start with we need to trace the pattern pieces onto dot and cross paper. You don't need to trace the whole pattern; we have just traced from the neckline to the markings for the Top.
Decide how short you'd like your top to be and mark your new hem line on your front pattern piece, remembering to factor in your hem allowance. For the crop top style we are creating you want the hem to sit just below your waist. (If you don't want to shorten your top at all you can skip the next few steps and rejoin us at the button placket.
Cut out your new cropped front pattern piece. To make sure that both the front and back pieces are the same length, fold the dart closed and lay the front piece on top of the back pattern. Match the side seams and mark the position of the new cropped hem on your back piece. From this mark, draw a line from the side seam to the centre back, parallel to the existing hem.
Because we are going to close the top with buttons down the centre back, we need to create a button placket. To do this, extend the centre back line by 2cm. It's really easy to do this using the markings on a pattern master.
Then using your pattern master again, curve off the centre back hem line, which will create a really pretty opening.
So that blouse is nicely finished at the back, we are going to create a facing piece for the button-backed opening. So that you know you have exactly the right sized facing, it makes sense to draw this piece directly onto your back pattern piece, and then trace it off.
Starting at the top of the centre back and working down towards the hem, mark a series of points at 4.5cm from the edge of the pattern, mirroring the curve. Join up the points in a smooth line, and voila you have created your facing!
Trace it onto fresh paper and cut both the facing and the back pattern piece out.
Now you have created your new pattern, head over to the vlog where Lisa will show you how to sew your new button-backed crop top up!
