Tutorial: Hawthorn Crop Top Variation

I’m so glad you all liked my Hawthorn Wearable Muslin Crop Top! There are many different ways to turn a dress bodice into a top, so I’ll show you the method I used for this variation.

Step 1

• Construct your bodice according to the Hawthorn instructions, including sleeves, collar and facing.

Step 2

• Lay out the bodice and measure the width. This number, plus seam allowance, is the minimum amount of length you will need for your waistband.

Step 3

• Measure the width of your waistband. I wanted my waistband to be 1 ½” thick, and to utilize the unused fabric along my salvage, so I measured up 3”

• Measure the length your waistband. I chose to have 4” extra for the lapped closure (a bit less than my first crop top) giving me 2” on either side of the center front closure.

Step 4

• Mark in your ⅝” seam allowance plus lapped closures and sew, leaving the top edge open.

Step 5

• Clip corners and turn right side out.

Step 6

• With right sides together, pin outter edge of the waistband to bodice hem.

• Stitch as close to the ends as possible, but don’t worry about sealing them off completely. A few handstitches will finish things off.

Step 7

• Turn waistband edge under, covering the bodice seam, and press.

Step 8

• Handstitch closed. I prefer using a whip stitch, but you can also use a catch or slip stitch.

Step 9

• Sew button holes and attach buttons, adding 2 extra buttons at the right waistband and 1 inside on the left.

Et Voilà!