With over 5000 patterns sold, raving reviews, and makers sewing top after top, the Cuff Top is without question our most loved pattern. We asked Anki, TAL designer and founder, about the pattern.
What is the story/inspiration behind the cuff top?
I wanted to create a very easy sewn top with a twist. To be able to easily toss something together to match your outfit for the same-day-party, or to make something wearable out of those leftover scraps since it requires just a small amount of fabric.
Did you think it would be such a success?
Nope… But also yes in a way.
As it is the essence of my sewing and design philosophy I needed to trust that others would have the same reaction for, and relationship with, the design and pattern.
I try to keep my integrity in the designs – a crisp signature style. Others do frilly femininity much better than I do – my aesthetic is very much Scandinavian minimalism.
And I’m that same-day-party-making kind of girl, so the Cuff top has saved my outfit on many occasions…
I try to keep my integrity in the designs – a crisp signature style. Others do frilly femininity much better than I do – my aesthetic is very much Scandinavian minimalism.
Why do you think makers love it so much?
It’s very easy to make and very easy to wear. One thing that makes me happy is that many makers seem to have it as a sewing mojo booster – to make when you’ve lost your inspiration but you know you are happier when sewing again.
Your best Cuff Top tips?
For my personal preference, I like the shape of a boxy garment made in a sturdier fabric, but the Cuff top is like a chameleon – it can be cool, it can be romantic, it can be quirky, it can be dressed up or dressed down. Make it yours!
For the cuffs you could go for narrower elastic if you can’t find the suggested width in your store; just add it as described in the assembly instruction, attached to the outer edge of the sleeve opening and then folded.
There are also softer knitted elastics that make it easier – ask our lovely stockists and they’ll guide you with fabric and elastics.
MAKE MORE WITH YOUR CUFF TOP PATTERN
- Skip the front and back seam, put the pattern against fold (no seam allowance)
- Add piping to the mid front and/or back seam
- Use contrasting colour for the topstitching
- Experiment with different elastic width
- Different fabrics really transform the look and feel
ADJUSTMENTS/EXTENSIONS
