I won this lovely black wool crepe fabric in Rhonda’s giveaway last month. I was hoping to make something with it for the Sew Grateful projects day but I am a hopelessly slow sewist and I didn’t have a suitable project for it.
In appreciation for the fabric, I decided to make this Draped Front Ballerina Top from Rhonda’s Fabulous Free Pattern Fridays series. Fabulous Free Pattern Fridays is truly fabulous; you should check it out!
Rhonda made the top below with black sequined mesh fabric. Cute isn’t it!
Draped Front Ballerina Top from Rhonda’s Creative Life
If you decide to make this top, you must choose a fabric that is the same on both the front and the back. One side of the front has the front side of the fabric facing out. The other side of the top has the back side of the fabric facing out because of the twist that is done to form the drape.
I made my top from a Missoni knit that I had in my stash. I love that it came together quickly (only 2 pattern pieces)! I should probably take the sides in a bit for a better fit.
Draped Front Ballerina Top- Front View
My only criticism is that from the side view, the front twist formed a little tummy “pooch”. This could be due to the weight of knit I used. I would recommend using a light-weight drapey open-weave knit for a more flattering look. The black knit Rhonda used in her post is perfect for this top.
Draped Front Ballerina Top- Side View
I had to fiddle with the pattern a bit to fit my petite frame. I reduced the arm length from 8″ to 6″. I also shortened the length from 20″ to 16″. Full instructions are in Rhonda’s post.
Draped Ballerina Top- Front Pattern Piece
Draped Ballerina Top- Back Pattern Piece
I also mastered my serger this week! I now know how to thread this puppy for 2, 3, 4 and 5 thread serging (so happy!!!). I made my top entirely on my serger (so much faster than a sewing machine!).
Thank you Rhonda for the fabric and free pattern! I am now inspired to try more of the fabulous free patterns. I am also “Sew Grateful”!
Your top is so cute! I love the fabric. The pictures don’t show the pooch that you talked about. If it is pooching out on you, just try pushing the folds in so that they lay flatter.
Thanks Rhonda! I will try pushing the folds in and maybe pulling the bottom down a bit. Overall I love my top!
Oh this is a lovely top! I am going to for sure make one for myself. I don’t have an open weave fabric like that, but wonder if it will work with a semi sheer jersey?
Thanks! I think the semi sheer jersey should work as long as it is not too bulky or thick. Can’t wait to see your version!
This top is unique but looks really easy to sew. I hope the twist front gets less pooch this time. And don’t worry you’re not the only slow sewist. Same here~
Thanks Jeyco! Hopefully I can do better and sew more this year!
Nicely done and a great way to showcase that Missoni knit!
Thanks Tj! The knit has been in my stash for awhile and wanted to do a quick & easy project. Figuring out the serger was more of the challenge for me.
Ooooh! This top is a great use for a Missoni knit – very nice!
Thanks! Looks like Missoni week this week. Love, love, love your dress too!
Beautiful top!! Congrats on mastering your serger.
Thanks! This month I decided to just put my big girl panties on and conquer the serger!
Thank you for the link to Rhonda’s site and I’ve bookmarked the pattern for the top too. I have a great need for simple comfy things to layer over other things, if that makes sense. And, winter is a-coming.
PS congrats on mastering your new overlocker. I wouldn’t be without mine for anything.
Thanks! The top is loose-fitting. I may take it in a bit. Easy to do with my new overlocker skills!