The Charlotte Top is a versatile style that's very on-trend for 2020 and 2021. It is slightly more advanced than some of our other patterns, but it's a fun challenge and it may be easier than you think!
Charlotte Top Written Directions
If you prefer video instructions, click on the image below to watch the tutorial:
Materials
-1/2 yard of swimwear fabric
-1" Swimwear elastic ***You don't need to have 1" elastic unless you'd like to make thick straps. You can make thin straps using 1/4" elastic instead! If you'd like to use 1", you can find it for sale here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/swimwearnotionsusa***
-1/4" Swimwear elastic (recommended for the best fit)
-Seam ripper
-Overlock machine OR zig-zag stitch on a regular sewing machine
Step 1
Assemble your pattern by cutting out the pieces, taping them together, then cutting out the size you would like to make.
Step 2
Cut your pieces. Cut two of the front piece, and two of the back piece.
You will also cut your 2 strap pieces according to the measurements provided in the pattern.
Step 3
Match your fronts and backs with right sides together. Pin and then sew along the marked areas.
Add elastic to almost all these same marked areas. Stop the elastic 1-2" before you reach the middle area of the front piece, where the knot will go. This will help to prevent bulk in that area.
Step 4
Take your strap pieces and match them in half with right sides together. Sew along the raw edge, but don't attach elastic. Afterward, take each strap to the right side
Step 5
Cut your 1" elastic to the measurement provided in the pattern. Then, insert the elastic inside of the strap, scrunching to achieve your desired look. In order to keep the strap and elastic in place, stitch across each end of the strap once you're finished.
Step 6
Now it's time to insert the straps into the front piece. First, seam rip where you want your straps to go. We recommed placing them about 3.5" in from each edge. Remember to seam rip a 1" hole so the strap can fit.
Then, insert each strap inside each strap opening, and sew down to sec
Step 7
Take the top all the way to the right side, and then tie the knot in the middle.
Step 8
Now focusing on our back piece, we're first going to seam rip a 1-2" hole in the center back, where the tag would usually go. You may choose to put this hole somewhere else more discrete if you chose.
Step 9
Next, we'll attach the back piece to the front piece. With the front piece still right side out, insert it inside of the back piece while it's still inside out. Maneuver the pieces to the sides are matched up, then pin and sew across all four layers of fabric to secure each side.
Step 10
Using the hole we ripped earlier, bring the top all the way to the right side.
Step 11
Now we need to attach the straps into the back piece. To do this, we're going to seam rip where we'd like the straps to go. Again, 3.5" in from the side is a good place to start. Once again, you will make these holes 1" to fit the straps.
Step 12
Insert the straps inside, then using the original hole we seam ripped, sew down the straps from the inside.
Step 13
Finish off the remaining hole on the back piece. You can either to a top stitch or you can use an invisible stitch.
That completes the Charlotte top!
Additionally, if you have questions about sewing or construction, our Facebook group is a fantastic resource for new and experienced sewers alike. You can join here: https://facebook.com/groups/edgewaterave