A peplum top has a way of making almost any outfit feel a little more put together, and this one came together with surprisingly little effort. The starting point was this straightforward tutorial from Cotton and Curls, which breaks the construction down into its most basic form. The pattern is essentially a matter of cutting and sewing rectangles together, which makes it genuinely approachable for sewists at any level.
A few personal modifications along the way made the finished top feel like a proper custom piece rather than a straight copy, which is one of the great pleasures of sewing from a tutorial rather than a rigid commercial pattern.
Project Details
- Pattern: Based on the Cotton and Curls Square Loose Ruffle Top Tutorial
- Fabric: Alix Eyelet White
- Difficulty: Beginner
Modifications Made
1. Fabric Choice
A crisp white cotton eyelet was chosen in place of a drapey fabric, and that single decision changed the entire character of the finished top. Eyelet gives the piece a structured, polished look that feels more refined than a casual ruffle top might otherwise suggest. Fabric selection is genuinely one of the most powerful tools available when working from a pattern. The same construction in a different material can produce a completely different garment.
2. A Symmetrical Ruffle
The original tutorial features an asymmetrical ruffle hem, which is a lovely look. For this version, a uniform length all the way around felt more wearable and versatile on a day to day basis. The way the top drapes on the body does create a very slight length variation toward the back, but it is subtle enough to read as intentional rather than accidental.
3. Fixing the Shoulder Fit
This is the modification that made the biggest practical difference. When the top was first tried on, the crisp cotton fabric refused to drape softly over the shoulders and instead created two rather stiff, pointed corners sticking outward. The fix was straightforward: the shoulder seams were ripped out and the fabric was trimmed down at a gentle angle before restitching. The result was a shoulder line that sits naturally and flatters the way a well fitted top should.
Angling the shoulder seam slightly is a small adjustment, but it is worth keeping in mind any time a stiff or structured fabric is being used in place of something with more natural drape.
What Comes Next
A second version is already being planned. The next iteration will be more fitted through the body, incorporating a proper waistline and darts for a more tailored silhouette. A fitted version will likely require a zip or button closure at the back, which adds a satisfying extra layer of construction challenge. French seams throughout will also be on the list, keeping the interior of the garment as neat and finished as the outside.
For more sewing projects, the Colette Patterns Sorbetto tank top is well worth a look as well.