Collins Top Pattern - In The Folds

Garment details

The Collins top is a loose-fitting trapeze-shaped top designed for woven fabrics. It is A-line in shape, perfect for hot summer days. It features a round neck, panel lines, a high-low hem and a centre-back opening, with a button and loop closure. Due to its length, the Collins top is the perfect top to pair with skirts or trousers that sit on or above the natural waist.

View A includes a three-piece raglan sleeve designed with extra volume, which creates a fun and interesting shape. The neckline is finished with bias binding.

View B is sleeveless and the neckline and armholes are finished with an all-in-one facing for a really clean and professional finish.

DIFFICULTY

The pattern is placed at a Level 1.5 on the In the Folds pattern skill scale, and was designed with beginners in mind. If you have mastered straight and curved seams, you’re ready to take on this pattern. Through careful drafting and interesting techniques, this pattern will give you that confidence boost you have been looking for.

By working through this pattern, you will gain confidence in: sewing straight seams, sewing curved seams, piecing panels together, achieving a beautiful finish, working with bias binding (view A only) and finishing a garment with an all-in-one facing (view B only).

SUGGESTED FABRICS

The Collins top is compatible with a range of different fabrics. Your choice of fabric will govern the silhouette you achieve.

Consider using light to mid-weight fabrics such as: linen, linen blends, cotton, gauze or chambray. For a softer silhouette, consider sateen, silk (crepe de chine or habotai) or viscose (rayon). Be careful if you are a beginner though, as these fabrics are a little trickier to sew. I'd suggest sticking to stable natural fabrics that are not too prone to fraying if you are a beginner.

Softer fabrics will drape over the bust (and create soft flowy sleeves), while stiffer fabrics will create a more voluminous and structured silhouette.

Due to the number of panels in the Collins top, it is a great pattern to use to experiment with colour blocking and stripe direction. You can download a free colouring-in template of the pattern if you would like to explore your options before cutting your fabric.

Download the template here (the template is also included in digital download after purchase).

Fabric requirements and finished garment measurements can be found here.

NOTIONS - VIEW A

• Coordinating thread
• 1 x 10mm (⅜in) button
• 1m (1.1 yard) x 32mm (1¼in) single-fold bias tape
• Optional : 2.5m (2.75 yards) bias binding if you would like to also bind the hem

NOTIONS - VIEW B

• Coordinating thread
• 1 x 10mm (⅜in) button
• Optional : 2.5m (2.75 yards) bias binding if you would like to bind the hem

The pattern is available in 10 sizes (A - J, which equates to Australian sizes 6-24) and is nested, to make it easier for you to grade between sizes.

In the Folds patterns are drafted for a B cup bust. Please check the finished garment measurements chart in the pattern, before deciding whether or not you need to make an adjustment.

Patterns are drafted for height of 170cm (5'7") and include a ‘lengthen / shorten line’ so you can make adjustments to suit your height.

Fabric requirements and finished garment measurements can be found here.

Pattern includes seam allowances.

The Collins top sew-along can be found here.