A high low top pattern with lots and lots of gathered frills. And if it’s not enough simply add even more! This top will fit girls between 1 and 6 years old..
Sizing: If you’re not sure which size to choose, check the measurements chart https://moonlightpatterns.com/measurements-charts/
Scroll to the bottom of the post to download the pattern, it’s available in A0 and A4 formats.
Start with printing the first page and make sure the test box is 5 x 5 cm.
You can try printing on different paper format but always select printing to 100%. Let me know if you have any issues.
Always try to make a toile before cutting through your favourite fabric.
Pattern assembly:
Seam allowances:
1cm (3/8 inches) seam allowances are included. Hemming allowance is 3cm (approx. 1 1/8 inches). You can’t see the inner seam lines as it would be hard to see where to cut but I promise, they’re there. I didn’t add any hemming allowance to facing pieces. Use an overlocker for overcasting stitch to protect raw bottom edges.
Recommended fabrics:
Double gauze, cotton poplin, lawn, polycotton or other woven fabrics
Ease:
6cm around the chest
Fabric requirements:
Fabric width: 140cm
Length: just under 1m of fabric depending on the number of frills.
Cutting:
Front x1 on fold
Back x2 (1 pair)
Front facing x1 on fold
Back facing x2 (1 pair)
If you plan to add more frills it might be a better idea to cut two layers of the front and back pieces instead of facings. That way the top can hold more layers without getting stretched out of shape.
Frills are not on the pattern. I’ve cut mine approx 11cm wide (seam allowances included). The length of each strip is approx 2m (1m for front and 1m for back x2 and because we have two frills, it’s four 11x100cm strips).
Instructions (of course this is my preferred method, you can do it differently):
Overcast/overlock raw edges of your pieces. Don’t do it for the neckline, side seams and armscye seams.
Stitch shoulder seams together with right sides facing for both top outer layer and facing. Press with an iron.
With right sides facing together of facing and main body piece sew them together around the neckline and armholes. Overlock armhole seams and clip the curves.
Sew the back, both sides from the top to the notch but remember that one side will have a loop, you have to sandwich it between the layers.
Clip the corners at 45 degree angle.
It is now a good time to turn it all inside out and check if you like the look of your garment from the outside.
You can understitch your neckline and armhole seams but I’ve decided to topstitch.
Feed your sides through in between the shoulder areas.
Press your garment and topstitch.
Now onto the awkward part 🙂 Stitch from the bottom of your top to the split corner and from the bottom of the facing to the corner. You can try to do it in one go but if you get bulky seams or it’s not accurate enough you hand stitch that corner area, nobody will know, I promise!
Once this is done you can now sew your sides together (right sides facing).
Your top is almost ready! Now it’s the time to attach frills. Mine are stitched to the outside. Simply hem both edges of each frill. Add an additional stitch at the top, below the first one, it will help you with gathering. Sitch sides together.
Once your frills are ready to be attached to your top you can either sew on top of the higher stitch or in between them both. The main thing to remember is that your final seam has to go through three layers and catch seam allowance that was folded over earlier.
Repeat for both frills.
If you struggle with gathers read my post on gathering tips or join our FB group 🙂
And that’s it! Your Golden Ash top is now ready. How about cutting it longer and making it a dress? or maybe attaching some extra frills?
If you have any questions or issues join our fb group 🙂
Good luck!
