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How-to

Three Creative Edge Finishes

Here is the the twist top with a pinked raw edge at the neckline.

Author and patternmaker Allison Page, shared her techniques for creating a twist top from a basic T-shirt pattern in “Quick to Make” from Threads #167 (June/July 2013). Here, she demonstrates how to create three different edge finishes for a unique look.

Pinked Raw Edge Finish

pinked raw edge

Leave the top’s neck, center-front, and hem edges unfinished and then pink them for a fuss-free detail that won’t ravel.

Pinked Edge Self Trim Finish

pinked edge self trimCut two long strips of the garment fabric on the bias, and pink both edges. The strips should each measure the length of the garment’s neckline, cross-over, and hem edges. Sandwich the garment’s edges between the two strips and stitch down the center, through all layers.

Self Trim Finish

self trimIf your fabric’s texture is ribbed, like this top, cut the self-fabric strips in the direction opposite to that of the garment body. Apply the strips as detailed above.

Are you planning on making the twist top from Threads #167? If so, which neckline finish will you sew? Have you tried any of the three edge finishes on other garments?

Discuss

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  1. lindacarlson | | #1

    I'm sorry to sound critical, but despite being HWP and above 5'7", I cannot imagine this style being flattering on most people.

  2. User avater
    sewingagain | | #2

    Unfortunately, this is not a style that I can wear. If it was either empire or fitted at the waste, I could. I love the idea of raw edges on jersey knit a la Alabama Chanin. Thanks anyway:)

  3. NinaLBoston | | #3

    I have to admit that this "extra" leaves me nonplussed. I expected a little more explanation. Maybe I'm having a stupid attack, but I'd like more detail for finishes 2 & 3.

    Although I'm not sure this would be a good look for me (short, pear-shaped, but like to emphasize my waist), the edge finishes could be useful for other projects -- IF I could understand what was done!

  4. Belle81 | | #4

    If every style looked good on everyone, life would be very boring.

    These are cute ideas, but I wish this were a tutorial (or linked to tutorials) and not just a display of technique.

  5. vabney | | #5

    Like so many of the comments already posted, I simply can not embrace this look. I find the style, as well as the finishing lacking. I showed it to others, and they did not care for it either. Better luck next time...

  6. josew | | #6

    I am going to try these methods in samples first
    Then the techniques would be great using the "right"knit
    Loved the ivory knit in Threads as it lends itself to this casual application
    Perhaps a contrast knit strip sans pinked edge and just cut straight

  7. imdvine | | #7

    I am going to show this top to our designer at Bloomington civic theatre I hope he will allow me to include it as the top of a pair of lounging pajamas for the fashion parade in our production of Singing in the Rain. I'm planning to add a little length and do it in Bias charmeuse with a cowled CF panel added into the side seams I may even try the bias pants pattern from the previous issue to complete the set. I think they will epitomize the lush 1920's look of the show. In this case I think hand rolled hems would be best

  8. User avater
    SLMiller | | #8

    Everyone, we've updated the technique to provide more detailed explanation. I hope this helps.
    The degree of finish you give the twist top depends entirely on your personal preference.
    I've actually made a few versions of this top already for my mother and my grandmother, both of whom are rather pear-shaped, and they look fantastic on both! My mother wears a wide belt high on her hipline with her twist top. Strangely, it does not over-emphasize her hips.
    You can also reduce the amount of fullness given to the front twist/drape detail when you alter the pattern. Adding less length to the front and back pattern pieces creates a closer-fitting drape; adding more length to the pattern creates more voluminous drape.

  9. rosestargold | | #9

    Only like the self triming. It gives the impression that the garmet is finished in some way. The others don't appeal to me personally.

  10. rosestargold | | #10

    I'm an insider member. How can I access this pattern? I don't have Ipad. I only have an android tablet. And this imac i have is very old and don't have a way for look in to the magazines.

  11. User avater
    SLMiller | | #11

    rosestargold: there is no pattern for this project. The article printed in issue #167 shows you how to alter a basic T-shirt pattern to create this garment. Any T-shirt pattern will do!

  12. Concordiabelle | | #12

    I just had so much fun making this Twist Top! I used the self trim finish, only cut random lengths of (mostly) on-grain 1" strips. The ends were cut on an angle, and dangle a little. It was easy to do, very quick. I had so much fun that I tried the finish on a regular t-shirt neckline, using 1 piece across the front, another across the back - leaving loose ends (2-3")at each shoulder. Love it! In case someone thinks it's only a style for 20-somethings - I'm 73. Give yourself permission to play a little!

  13. MariaBV | | #13

    I love the twist top and now I want to make another one. I'd love to add more drape, is that possible. I'm thinking of just lengthening the front or perhaps adding pleats to the shoulder seams as I really don't want it much longer.

    Is it at all possible, and have you got any better ideas?
    Thanks.

  14. User avater
    SLMiller | | #14
  15. User avater
    SLMiller | | #15

    @MariaBV To lengthen the top, you'll need to extend the base T-shirt pattern (which you use to make the pattern for this top) first, then go through the steps in the article from Threads 167. That's what I did to make 4 versions of this for me, my mother and my grandmother.

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