Princess Seam Top with Asymmetric Pleats
Stylish and sophisticated, this V-neck top features elegant princess seams and a unique, asymmetric pleated lower front that adds a modern flair to its fitted silhouette.
When To Wear:
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Professional Settings: Its elegant structure and refined details make it perfect for office wear or business meetings.
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Evening & Dinner Outings: Pair with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt for a chic and sophisticated evening look.
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Semi-Formal Events: a versatile choice for gatherings that call for polished yet contemporary attire.
Key Design Features
Silhouette: a flattering fitted top enhanced by shaping princess seams, flowing into a distinctive asymmetrical pleated lower front.
Neckline: a classic V-neckline with a center front seam, finished with a self-fabric lining at the front and facings at the back.
Sleeves: Elegant three-quarter length set-in sleeves with a softly gathered sleeve cap.
Front Details: Princess seams define the bust, while the lower front features stitched pleats fanning diagonally across the front, creating an asymmetric, dynamic shape.
Back Details: Features princess seams for shaping and a center back seam; the back hem is cut on a slant to follow the asymmetric line.
Closure: a discreet concealed zipper is positioned at the center back.
Hem: The pleated lower front creates an alluring asymmetrical hemline.
Level Of Difficulty
Intermediate. This pattern requires skills in assembling princess seams, setting in sleeves, constructing pleats or drapes, and inserting a concealed zipper.
Fabric Recommendations
This top is best suited for dress fabrics with some body and drape, such as:
- Dress fabrics made from natural fibers
- Dress fabrics made from blended fibers
Additional Supplies
- Concealed zipper
- Fusible interfacing
Cutter's Must
- From main fabric:
- Left Side Back – 1 piece
- Right Side Back – 1 piece
- Left Center Back – 1 piece
- Right Center Back – 1 piece
- Center Front – 2 pieces
- Right Side Front – 1 piece
- Left Side Front – 1 piece
- Lower Front – 1 piece
- Back Neckline Facing – 2 pieces
- Sleeve – 2 pieces
- Center Front Lining 1 – 2 pieces
- From fusible interfacing:
- Back Neckline Facing – 2 pieces
Center Front Lining 1 is cut from the main fabric.
Sewing Instructions
- Fuse interfacing to the Back Neckline Facings.
- Stitch the princess seams of the back (Center Back to Side Back), serge the seam allowances and press them towards the center. Serge the center seams of the back separately. Stitch the center seam of the back from the zipper mark to the lower edge, press the seam allowances open. Insert the zipper.
- Stitch the shoulder seams. Serge the seam allowances and press them towards the back.
- Serge the outer edges of the Back Neckline Facings. Stitch the shoulder seams of the Center Front Lining 1 and the Back Neckline Facings. Press the seam allowances open. Place the facings and lining on the neckline, right sides together, and stitch. Clip the seam allowance at the corner and curves. Turn the lining to the wrong side and press. From now on, treat the Center Front and its lining as one piece.
- Stitch the princess seams on the front (Center Front to Right Side Front and Left Side Front). Serge the seam allowances and press them towards the center.
- On the Lower Front, stitch the pleats along the marks. Press the pleats upwards. Baste the upper pleat along the side edge. Trim off any excess.
- Stitch the Lower Front to the upper front. Serge the seam allowance and press it upwards.
- Stitch the side seams. Serge the seam allowances and press them towards the back.
- Along the top of the sleeve cap between the marks, sew a line of long stitches with loose upper tension and gather. Stitch the sleeve seam. Serge the seam allowance. Set the sleeve into the armhole. Serge the seam allowance.
- Serge the lower edge of the garment and sleeve, press to the wrong side and topstitch.
