Free Boat Neck Top Pattern + Tutorial

I definitely wouldn't describe myself as trendy or even someone who notices trends. However, I do love a good floral print and I have been noticing floral prints everywhere lately. I even did a quick little online search here, here, here, here, and here and found that this does indeed seem to be a current trend and one I was happy to follow. Now as much as I love some of those pretty floral tops that are out there, I CANNOT spend over $100 for one! Lucky for me, I happened upon this really sweet Ikea fabric and the best part was it's only $8 per metre. Score! So every floral lover can hop on the trend band wagon with me, I've provided a free downloadable PDF pattern that I created. Perfect timing too with today being the first day of spring. Click below for the pattern and step by step tutorial. 

So first things first, download the pattern here. The pattern size is an AU 12 and would probably best fit a small bust. The width can be taken in or added to to change the size. 

Next gather your supplies:
1 metre floral fabric 
1 metre lining fabric
5 buttons
Tread

Step 1: Cut out your pattern pieces. Then place the pattern pieces onto your fabric, pin and cut out. You'll need to cut 1 front piece out of your floral print and the lining fabric, 2 back pieces (make sure to cut a left and right) of main floral fabric, 2 back pieces out of the lining fabric. 

Make sure to mark the angle of your darts on the wrong side of the fabric for both the main and lining fabric.

Step 2: On the wrong side of the fabric, bring the dart lines together, pin and then sew.

The right side of the fabric should look like this, once you have sewn the darts.

Step 3: Repeat the dart process with the lining fabric

Step 4: With right sides together, pin and machine stitch the main fabric back pieces to the front pieces at the shoulders. Press the seams open, then repeat the same process with the lining fabric.

Step 5: With right sides together, pin and machine sew the lining fabric to the main fabric around the neck and arm holes. Make sure to align the shoulder seams. 

Excuse the lighting. I had to finish this up at night once the bears were asleep which makes for poor lighting.

Next trim the seam allowance down to 5mm and cut out triangles to allow for smoother curves. Turn right side out and press the seams so everything lies flats.

Step 6: With right sides together, pin and machine sew the lining side seams together. Repeat with the main fabric side seams, and now you will have arm holes. Press the seams open so they lie flat. 

Step 7: Along the bottom edge of the main fabric, press under 1 cm, then another 1 cm to the wrong side. Pin and sew to create the hem. Press. Repeat with the lining fabric but increase to 1.5 cm when creating the hem. Pin and sew. Press. 

Step 8: With lining fabric and main fabric together, turn over each centre back piece 1 cm then 2 cm, press, pin and sew along the the folded edge.

Step 9: Mark the positions of the 5 buttonholes, spacing them evenly apart. Using your buttonhole foot, sew the buttonholes onto one side and the buttons onto the other side. Press.

Done!

Happy Sewing!