The Hannah top is a reversible, asymmetric bikini top. It is easy to make and is beginner-friendly!
The pattern includes two different ways to make the Hannah Top. View A, and View B, which requires a strap. In these written directions we will cover both views.
If you prefer video instructions, click on the image below to watch the video tutorial. Note that the video directions are for View B.
-1/2 yard of swimwear fabric
-Swimwear elastic (recommended for the best fit)
-Seam ripper
-Overlock machine OR zig-zag stitch on a regular sewing machine
Assemble your pattern by cutting out the pieces, taping them together, then cutting out the size you would like to make.
Cut two of the front piece and two of the back piece.
Match your front and backs with right sides together. Then, sew along the marked areas. If you're using 1/4" elastic, attach the elastic onto these same seams.
Once you've sewn everything, flip your BACK piece out to the right side. With your FRONT piece still inside out, insert the back piece inside of it. If you do this correctly, right sides should be together since your back piece is right side out and your front piece is inside out.
With the front piece still inside of the back piece, guide the sides so they're matched up. Pin, and then sew to secure. You should be sewing across four layers of fabric
Now we can take the top all the way to the right side. To do this, seam rip a small hole along the bottom edge, or wherever else you think would be discrete.
Note that the size of the hole in the image below is NOT to scale, ideally make a hole as small as you can while still being able to pull everything through it.
Through the hole we ripped, take the entire piece to the right side.
Now all that's left is finishing off the hole. You can either to a top stitch or you can use an invisible stitch.
Assemble your pattern by cutting out the pieces, taping them together, then cutting out the size you would like to make.
Cut your pieces. If you want to make your top reversible, make sure to have two different fabrics to use. In total you’ll cut 1 of the front and 1 of the back in EACH fabric.
Once you’re done, you should have 4 pieces total- 2 fronts, and 2 backs.
If you're adding straps, you will also need to cut one strap piece. Refer to the measurements given in the pattern to find your recommended strap width and length for your chosen size.
Match your fronts and backs with right sides together. Pin and then sew along the marked areas, and add elastic to these same areas. If you're making straps, you'll fold them with right sides together lengthwise, and pin and sew the raw edges together. Again, add elastic right on top of the seams.
IUse a loop turner to take your strap to the right side. Then, insert it inside of the front piece so it's positioned inside of the strap opening. Sew down to secure the strap inside.
Once you've sewn everything, flip your FRONT piece out to the right side. With your BACK piece still inside out, insert the front piece inside of it. If you do this correctly, right sides should be together since your front piece is right side out and your back piece is inside out.
With the front piece still inside of the back piece, guide the sides so they're matched up. Pin them down to secure before sewing. You should be pinning through 4 layers of fabric.
Now sew the sides straight across. You should be sewing across 4 layers of fabric. This will attach the front and back piece at the sides.
Now we can take the top all the way to the right side. To do this, seam rip a small hole where the tag would usually be.
Note that the size of the hole in the image below is NOT to scale, ideally make a hole as small as you can while still being able to pull everything through it.
Through the hole, pull your top all the way through to bring it to the right side.
With your top all the way to the right side, place your strap where you'd like it to go on the back piece. Again, 3.5-4" is typically good placement for straps. Since this top is asymmetric, place your strap on the opposite side from where the strap is on the front. Seam rip a 1/4" hole for the strap, and insert it inside. Then, through the big hole we seam ripped, sew down the straps into the back piece while inside out. Afterwards, take your top back to the right side.
Now all that's left is finishing off the hole. You can either to a top stitch or you can use an invisible stitch.
That completes the Hannah top!
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
