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Tristan top: Sewing Instructions

There are many ways to sew a Tristan

These instructions are for a lined Tristan top with a center-front lacing closure and bias binding at the neckline, armhole, and hem.

Step 1: Cut your pieces​

Cut your pieces

Cut your pattern pieces. If you would like to add embroidery or other decoration, now is a good time to do so.

Finishing methods affect the seam allowance

If using bias binding, you should cut the neckline and armholes without seam allowance.

Step 2: Sew the back inside parts together at center back​

Sew the back inside parts together

Align the back inside (Part 3) parts at center back. Sew them together with good sides together.

Step 3: Attach back outside parts​

Attach the back outside parts

Attach one back outside (Part 4) part to its matching back inside (Part 3) part, good sides together, making sure to match any notches.

Do the same for the other back outside (Part 4) part.

Step 4: Attach front outside parts at the side seams​

Attach the front outside parts

Attach one front outside (Part 2) part to its matching back outside (Part 3) part, good sides together.

Do the same for the other front outside (Part 2) part.

Step 5: Attach front inside parts​

Attach the front inside parts

Finally, attach one front inside (Part 1) part to its matching front inside (Part 2) part, good sides together.

Do the same for the other front inside (Part 1) part.

Press

Press all the seam allowances flat.

Step 6: Sew at the shoulders​

Attach the front inside parts

Sew at the shoulders to complete each armhole. Sew good sides together.

Press the seam allowances open.

Check the fit

This is a good time to try on your garment and make any small adjustments. For example, if your shoulders have a different slope, you could make one shoulder strap a little shorter.

Step 7: Repeat with lining fabric​

Repeat with lining fabric

Repeat Steps 1 through 6 with your lining fabric.

You will now have two identical pieces, one with your main fabric and one with your lining.

Turn your lining piece inside out.

The red arrows in the illustration are to help you identify the center insides in the next step.

Step 8: Begin the closure by sewing down center front​

Sew down center front

Place the center insides of the main and lining together, good sides together. This will become one side of your front opening.

Sew down center front.

Open flat.

Step 9: Sew your first boning channel​

Sew your first boning channel

Turn right side out – that is, put the two pieces together, bad sides together – and press.

Sew 2 mm (0.1 inch) in from center edge.

Allow enough space for your boning, then sew again.

Repeat Steps 8 through 10 on the other side.

Leave enough room for your boning

Leave enough wiggle room to allow you to insert your boning. You want the channel to be snug, but not too tight.

Step 10: Sew your second boning channel​

Sew your second boning channel

Mark the locations of your eyelets. Allow enough space to install these later, then sew again.

Allow enough space for another row of boning, then sew again.

Repeat on the other side.

Step 11: Insert your boning​

Cap your boning if appropriate for the type of boning used. Then insert boning in the boning channels.

Step 12: Install your eyelets​

Install your eyelets between the two boning channels.

Step 13: Bind and lace up your top​

Apply bias binding to the neck hole, armholes, and hem.

Lace up your top.

Step 14: You’re done!​

You're done!

Enjoy your Tristan top!