Fabulous Free Pattern Friday

As You Choose Top/Wrap/Skirt

Who wants to wear the same thing the same way all the time?  This simple top/wrap gives you the option of making lots of choices. You don't even have to wear it as a top!

 As usual, the top/wrap is simple, just two rectangles. Ties were added which allows you to cinch it around your waist.

 You can either allow the back to hang free,

 or put the ties through an opening in the center back seam and cinch up the back as well.

 But if you are tired of wearing it as a top/wrap, wrap it around your waist and you have a skirt!

 Some may feel that it's a little short, but with a pair of tights and a pair of boots, no longer short!

 The back gives the skirt a lot of movement. You probably know by now, I like swish!

To make this multi-purpose garment, I am going to give you the measurements I used as the piece is one size will fit most. I used a sweater knit that only has stretch on the crosswise grain.  
Cut 2 rectangles 23" wide by 56" long. Sew the 2 rectangles together, creating a center back seam that is 27" long. The sewn portion is in the back and the open end of the 2 rectangles hangs in the front. Finish all edges. Approximately 7" from the bottom of your center back seam, open the seam 1 1/2". If you would like to cinch the back, you will need this opening to put your ties through. 

Once all of your edges have been finished, cut 2 ties. The ties should be your waist measurement plus another 5". The width of your ties will be 4". This gives you a 1/2" seam allowance. Fold ties and sew. Sew across one end and turn. Turn in the edges on the opposite end and zigzag to the ends of your rectangles as you see in the drawing below.  

 In order for the top to cinch around the waist, match the fronts, right on top of left. My high school sewing teacher told us to remember, "girls are always right" in order to help us remember that buttonholes are on the right front for a woman's garment. So right always goes over left.

 Sew thread loops for your ties to go through. This will help to hold everything in place.

 On the left side the thread loop will be on the underneath side,

and on the right side, the thread loop will be on the top side.
This piece is great for travel as it will pack well and it gives you lots of options. I had a t-shirt on underneath the top, but the way it cinches, it really isn't necessary.
Good luck and as always, email if you have any questions.
Happy Friday the 13th. Hope you've had a wonderful day.