Tory Burke Spring 2022 Knock-Off Pattern Riff
Did you see the Tory Burch 2022 Spring Runway Collection? There's this strong influence throughout of classic Claire McCardell. Julie Eilber, my favorite historian-sewist, speaks to the influence a lot more eloquently than I can, but suffice it to say, there are some beautiful strong lines in the collection. And you know what I immediately saw? Our beloved boxy t-shirts with a knit bottom...and I thought: I can do that!
You can turn your Workhorse Ione or Seamwork Bo or any other boxy top into a Tory Burch homage before they're even available in stores!
Directions are for altering an already made boxy top, but you can easily alter the pattern to create a cropped boxy top first.
Supplies:
- boxy top
- 1/2 yard or so of knit fabric. I like a rayon-blend Ponte, but some sort of spandex or synthetic is really a must
- measuring tape, scissors, and a serger or mock serger stitch works best.
Take your box top, and cut off the bottom right under your bust, plus 3/8" seam allowance.
Measure on your torso the widest part. You can always slim down the knit section after you've made it, but making it too tight can cause bunching.
Use this as the width for calculations. Make as long as you need to tuck in or wear as you like.
Text in photo:
(Greatest width - 1/4 to 1/2 stretch percentage) + seam allowance
36 inches - 0.25(40%)
36 inches - 10% = 33 inches
Add seam allowances
33 + 3/8 + 3/8 =
33 + 1.25 = 34.25 inches
Sew up side seam of knit fabric.
Right sides together, insert hem side of boxy top into your new knit torso band.
Evenly distribute the boxy top around the knit band. You will have to stretch the knit band to fit.
Sew around with a serged stitch or mock serged stitch, being careful to stretch the knit fabric evenly.
Hem the bottom of the knit in your preferred method.
Strut. You just beat Saks to the punch.
