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.
The Collins top 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.
The pattern comes with fully illustrated instructions to hold your hand every step of the way.
View A includes a three-piece raglan sleeve with some 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.
The pattern is available in 10 sizes (A – K) and is nested, to make it easier for you to grade between sizes. For more information about sizing, please see sizing chart in photos.
Difficulty
The pattern is placed at a Level 3 on the In the Folds pattern skill scale, which means you should be confident using a simple sewing pattern.
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 dictate 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.
