free-sewing-pattern-topHere is my FAVOURITE EVER top! It is super simple with no fastenings or zips and, as the name suggests, can be made from start to finish in just 2 hours. 2 hour top – FREE SEWING PATTERN

I think it best suits a fairly thick fabric with a bit of rigidity to give it the boxy shape. I have made it here in the first picture in a really gorgeous dark blue with a slight lurex thread running through it that you can’t really see in the picture – it sits perfectly with this season’s metallics trend that is everywhere (and not just for the Christmas season).free-sewing-pattern-top-drawing

 The key to this top is the bias binding finishing that you need to run around the curved neckline and the curved side vents. I keep meaning to do my own tutorial on this but haven’t got round to it yet. So, in the meanwhile, here is a good one I found on Youtube from FashionSewingBlogTV that explains how to do it beautifully. (Scroll down to bottom of the page). She uses shop-bought bias binding, but I made my own from the leftovers of the fabric I was using. Have a look at my post for how to do this. It is so cheap and easy that it seems like madness not to! Don’t forget to Stay Stitch your curves!free-sewing-pattern-top2

My second version here in lime green and grey, is made from a completely different soft satin-finish fabric. It is actually just a cheap lining type material but looks great in this style and, because it is a more floppy fabric, it clings to the body more and looks a little more fitted.free-sewing-pattern-boxy-top

And finally, my favourite of all, is this massive daisy print. I have backed it with a plain heavy weight black free-sewing-pattern-boxy-top-2satin material as a contrast as you can see from the back view. It does stand out quite stiffly and looks great with fitted trousers or a fitted skirt.

I think it would also work really well in a tartan. In fact, I have a BEAUTIFUL yellow raw silk check in the cupboard that is calling me right now. I was thinking that I might cut it on the bias to soften it slightly as it is rather stiff. Have a look at my post on bias cutting for why and how to do this if you are not sure.

All my fabrics are from Fabworks as usual and I managed to get away with about 3/4 of a metre for each (I am such a cheapskate that I don’t like to buy more than the very minimum.)

 

 


Here is a link to a fellow seamstress who has made a few versions using an old shirt – she uses the existing buttons down the front –  clever!

jezzeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/two-hour-tops

And another great one from la belle France:

latelierdemartinecornu.com/un-peu-de-couture/

the-makery

Also have a look at this post from www.makery.com – see above. Portia has adapted the 2 hour top into a raglan cardigan. Her post gives you full details about how to line and extend it.

 

Another great post here from Joanne at 60 degrees of inspiration who has timed the making of her top check it comes in the 2 hour window!!