Have you ever wanted to make your own high-low hem top? These tops are super stylish with their shorter front and longer back. Today I’ll show you how to draft a pattern and sew a beautiful circle top with this trendy high-low effect. Even if you’re new to sewing, you can create this gorgeous piece with my simple steps!
What You’ll Need for Your High-Low Hem Top
Before we start our high-low hem top pattern drafting, let’s gather all our materials:
- 3 yards of flowy fabric like crepe (you can use 2-2.5 yards for smaller sizes)
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Chalk or fabric marker
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread that matches your fabric
- Iron
Three yards of fabric gives your top a nice, full circle effect. But you can adjust this based on your size and how much volume you want in your top.
Understanding the Magic of Circle Tops
Circle tops are wonderful because they drape beautifully around your body. When we add a high-low hem, we create an even more interesting look that’s flattering on everyone. The front will be shorter while the back flows longer, creating movement when you walk.
The best part? This style works for casual outings or can be dressed up for special events. It’s truly versatile!
Preparing Your Fabric
First, let’s fold our fabric correctly:
- Take your 3 yards of fabric and fold it in half lengthwise, making it 1.5 yards.
- Notice that you now have an open end and a closed end.
- Fold the open end over to meet the closed end, forming a triangle.
- Smooth everything flat, making sure all edges line up perfectly.
This special folding method creates the perfect setup for cutting our circle top. Take your time with this step – proper folding is key to getting the right shape.
Taking Your Measurements
Now let’s mark our key measurements. We’ll work with standard measurements, but adjust these to fit your body:
| Measurement | Example | Your Size |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder | 16 inches | Measure across back |
| Neck width | 3.5 inches | For front and back |
| Back neck depth | 2 inches | From shoulder line |
| Front neck depth | 3.5 inches | From shoulder line |
| Armhole depth | 8.1 inches | From shoulder |
| Bust | 40 inches + 4 inches ease | Around fullest part |
| Length | 36 inches | From neck to hem |
Remember, for smaller neck measurements, add a slit at the back so you can get your head through easily.
Drafting Your Pattern
Let’s start drafting our pattern:
Begin by measuring half of your shoulder width (8 inches) and then add 0.5 inch for the seam allowance, giving a total of 8.5 inches. Draw a straight shoulder line.
From the shoulder line, mark your neck measurements. Draw a 3.5-inch wide neck with a 2-inch depth for the back and a 3.5-inch depth for the front. Give both a nice curved shape.
Go down 1 inch from the shoulder point to mark the shoulder slant. Next, measure 8.1 inches downward to mark the armhole depth, and draw a straight line across.
For the bust, take your measurement (40 inches), add 4 inches for ease (making 44 inches), divide by 4 (11 inches), and add 1 inch for sewing allowance.
Now create your armhole curve by marking the midpoint of your armhole depth (4.1 inches), then coming out by 0.5 inch and connecting the dots with a curve.
Creating the Circle and High-Low Effect
Place your measuring tape at the neck point and mark 36 inches all around in a circle. This creates the basic circle shape of your top.
For the high-low effect:
- Fold your front pattern in half vertically
- At the center front, mark a point 9 inches above the bottom edge
- Rise just 2 inches at the side seams
- Draw a gentle curve connecting these points
- Blend this curve slightly into the back for a smooth transition
- Cut along this curve to create your high-low hem
Finishing Your Top
Cut out your pattern pieces – the main body and the sleeves (if adding them).
For a professional finish, create a facing for the neckline:
- Cut a piece of fabric following your neckline shape
- Make it about 4 inches wide
- Sew it to your neckline with right sides together
- Snip along the curved edges, flip it to the right side, and give it a good press
Join the shoulder seams by placing right sides together and sewing with a 0.5-inch seam allowance.
If adding sleeves, match the midpoint of the sleeve to the shoulder seam, pin right sides together, and sew around the armhole.
Final Touches
Press all your seams for a clean finish. The high-low hem creates a beautiful flowing effect when you move, making this top perfect for both casual and dressier occasions.
For hemming, you can choose a narrow rolled hem for a delicate finish, or a slightly wider hem for more structure. The choice depends on your fabric and personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to draft a pattern from a shirt?
Take a shirt that fits you perfectly. Lay it flat on pattern paper. Trace around each piece carefully. Add seam allowances of 5/8 inch. Mark important points like shoulder seams and armholes. Remember to note grainlines and cutting instructions. Make sure to trace both front and back pieces separately.
How to stitch your own top?
Start with your cut pattern pieces. Pin them right sides together. Sew shoulder seams first. Then attach sleeves while the garment is flat. Sew side seams and sleeve seams next. Finish the neckline with bias binding or a collar. Hem the bottom and sleeves. Press all seams for a professional finish.
How to sew a crop top?
Choose a simple pattern for beginners. Cut your fabric according to pattern pieces. Start with the darts if any. Join shoulder seams. Attach sleeves if included. Sew side seams. Add interfacing to neckline and armholes. Finish edges with bias tape or facing. Create a narrow hem at the bottom. Keep length short for crop style.
How to draw patterns step by step?
Take accurate body measurements first. Draw a basic bodice block on pattern paper. Mark key points like bust, waist, and hip. Connect these points with smooth lines. Add wearing ease for comfort. Draw in design details like darts and seam lines. Include seam allowances. Mark all pattern pieces clearly. Test fit with muslin fabric.
How to design a shirt step by step?
Begin with a basic shirt pattern. Decide on design features like collar style and sleeve length. Modify the basic pattern to match your design. Draw in new style lines. Add proper seam allowances. Mark pattern pieces clearly. Include important details like buttonhole placement. Make a test garment to check fit. Adjust pattern if needed.
Time to Show Off Your Creation!
Congratulations! You’ve just drafted a pattern and sewn a stunning high-low hem circle top. This versatile piece can be worn with jeans for a casual look or dressed up with a skirt for special occasions.
The skills you’ve learned with this high-low hem top pattern drafting project will help you with many other sewing adventures. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t flawless.
Would you like to share your creation? Take a photo of your new high-low top and leave a comment below! If you have questions about any step in the process, just ask and I’ll be happy to help you troubleshoot.
Ready to try another project? Check out my other sewing tutorials for more fashion-forward designs you can make at home!