The Sewing Labs

Want a perfect project for your first handmade garment?

Sully’s Upcycled Box Top is a fun, beginner-friendly sewing pattern in sizes XS-5XL. It has a wide boxy fit, and easy options for a finished neckline. The short sleeves and hem can be lengthened or shortened for a variety of preferences. This top is designed to be approachable for beginners—no complicated techniques, just straightforward, joyful sewing. 

The Sewing Labs provides sewing machines, but if you prefer using your own, bring it!

***There is also an option to use a serger along with your sewing machine. If you have a serger, bring it! If not, you will be fine and your sewing machine alone can do the trick

Make this Box Top from woven light to mid-weight woven (not stretch) fabrics.  Thrifted tablecloths, curtains, scraps, quilt tops, pieces from clothes in your wardrobe or fabric from your stash and more! It requires 1.5 yards of total fabric.

Level: Adventurous Beginner. Knows basic sewing machine functions.

Skills learned: Piecing, hemming, hidden bias binding.

Supplies needed:

• • The Sewing Labs has sewing machines for you to use, but if you prefer you can bring your own dependable sewing machine that you are familiar with. Do not forget your power cord and foot control. 
  • Basic sewing supplies: matching or a fun contrast color thread (there will be some top stitching). Fabric scissors, pins/clips, bobbin.

Fabric needs:

• • Designed for midweight woven fabrics such as cotton, linen, or dive into your scrap bin!  Table cloths, bedsheets, curtains etc work well.  The amount of fabric can be tough to determine as upcycled textiles come in a variety of shapes. A rule of thumb: comparable to 2 yards of 45” width fabric.  Karen will have kantha quilts which work great! You can purchase for $12 at the class.
  • Bias Binding- if you have 1/2 inch single or double fold bias binding that you want to use, bring it! If not, Karen will provide a couple of neutral color options. Remember the bias binding is hidden.

Karen provides:

• • Your own pattern and instructions will be emailed after class.
  • Bias binding - optional
• Fun, energy and sew-along guidance with Karen
  • Kantha quilts and scraps at low price if needed
  • Snacks!