January 29, 2015

StyleArc Demi Drape Top


With my new Ginger Jeans in constant rotation I’ve been in desperate need of more tops, so I dug into my stash and found the StyleArc Demi Drape Top that I bought a while ago. I’ve had mixed results so far with StyleArc – one “ok”, one fail – but I’m pleased to report we finally have a definite win!
StyleArc Demi Drape Top
The demi drape top has a deep cowl with a built-in camisole, which is a great shape for someone top-heavy like me. I often wear camisoles under tops and dresses anyway, but this is better as the camisole is always in exactly the right place with no adjustments needed during the day.
As usual, the instructions are bare, but this is a very straightforward top to make so you shouldn’t run into problems. I used masses of Wonder Tape for the two necklines, cuffs and hems, simply turning them with the  tape and then coverstitching. I also put the sleeves in flat which is my preferred method for knits (and wovens too, if there isn’t too much ease). The whole thing took about an hour.

I used a jersey I’ve been hoarding from EmmaOneSock (long since sold out) – I love the playful but not childish birds. The camisole layer in the front is black merino from NZ.

StyleArc Demi Drape Top
The usual challenge of cowls is to keep them from flipping the wrong way out, or not hanging properly. That was clearly going to happen on this top, so I attached a piece of elastic to the bottom point of the cowl, then attached the other end to the hem. It works perfectly!
StyleArc Demi Drape Top

There’s not much more to say: it’s a simple top that’s super quick and easy to make, and a little more interesting than a standard t-shirt. There will be more of these in my future!

StyleArc Demi Drape Top

46 thoughts on “StyleArc Demi Drape Top

  1. ShanniLoves says:

    Love the print! I’ve always wanted to try a StyleArc pattern.

    1. Jenny says:

      Thanks! This would be a good one to start with, as it isn’t too hard without instructions 🙂

  2. This looks really pretty – you definitely picked the right fabrics and print combo for this top!

    1. Jenny says:

      Thanks Jennifer! I did a muslin first in a much lighter jersey and it was kind of terrible so I agree that getting the right fabric makes a big difference.

  3. So attractive and definitely a good combo of fabrics!

    1. Jenny says:

      Thank you Marilla!

  4. tanyamaile says:

    I love how they look like two pieces, but are one. Definitely looks like a TNT pattern for you!

  5. i love that print! cute printed jerseys are in such short supply over here in the UK. great top!

    1. Jenny says:

      Yeah to be honest they’re not easy to find here, either! EmmaOneSock has been my best source so far for really cute prints on high quality fabric, because she sources from RTW factories

  6. Ooh! What a great top! I love the idea of an attached camisole. I’m always losing mine and I hate that feeling when the cami hem starts riding up beneath your top. Yuck! This is a total win, dude!

    1. Jenny says:

      Totally! No shifting about here or hiking it up when bra peeks out 🙂

  7. V says:

    So cute! I’ve never tried StyleArc patterns but your take on this one makes me tempted to give it a go. I love how you tied down the ever escaping cowl! There is nothing worse than looking down and discovering the inside of your cowl is hanging out for the whole world to see.

    1. Jenny says:

      Yes that happened when I first tried it on, and then I remembered reading about cowl stays somewhere… Worked well!

  8. Lori says:

    Super cute top and great solution with the elastic. I need to try some of the StyleArc patterns, they are just gorgeous. I really enjoy your blog so much.

    1. Jenny says:

      Thanks Lori, that’s lovely to hear!

  9. Tiffany says:

    That’s definitely a win! Very nice!

    1. Jenny says:

      Thanks Tiffany!

  10. I love that solution with the elastic! lovely top.

  11. love it, very cute on you!

  12. Very chic! So is the camisole an entire separate garment? How does it attach to the main top?

    1. Jenny says:

      No the cami is built in, but there’s only a front, not a back. It’s basically a separate top front, which is sewn in at the side seams, if that makes sense.

    2. Yes indeed. Thanks! Clever design…

  13. BeaJay says:

    That looks fabulous on you. Great fabric and a lovely style for you.

  14. It’s gorgeous and so flattering! (but I am quietly cursing, as I was actually reading through your patternreview posts on Style Arc today and bought a gored skirt and the Linda pants as my allowance for this quarter- about an hour before your post with this lovely top went up!)

    1. Jenny says:

      Ah, you’ll just have to put it in your next order! (or maybe check if it’s in the Etsy PDF shop?)

  15. Gorgeous. Thanks for the tip on how to keep the cowl from flipping. I’ll definitely try this pattern.

    1. Jenny says:

      Hope you enjoy it Cynthia!

  16. T says:

    Totally fab-u-lous darling! But then, it is my drug of choice (lovely bird print). The end result is very designer RTW.

    1. Jenny says:

      Why thank you, T

  17. RatRace says:

    Your top is very cute. I cannot wait to get better at sewing so that I can order fabric from EOS too.

    1. Jenny says:

      It’ definitely worth trying her fabrics – and she also has cheaper “roll ends” if you want to experiment for a little less money

  18. Sophie-Lee says:

    The pattern isn’t something I would have ever looked twice at but it looks awesome on you! Totally jealous of that gorgeous bird fabric though…

    1. Jenny says:

      Isn’t it awesome! and I have a bit left to hopefully make a dress 😀

  19. Andie L. says:

    You look fabulous in the top! Those black and white prints are definitely great on you. 🙂

    1. Jenny says:

      Thanks Andie! I do tend to go monochrome in the winter

  20. Margo B says:

    Gorgeous Jenny! Great idea for keeping the cowl in place with the elastic, thanks for sharing that tip!

  21. Jenny,
    This is an extremely figure flattering style on you and I think your choice to size down was perfect! BTW, great tip to use elastic as the cowl stay. Keep it up….

  22. Carolin says:

    You look gorgous in those jeans with the top!

Let me know what you think!