It's amazing how time flies as we're already at Episode 7 of The Sewing Club Podcast. This month features another versatile addition to your wardrobe—The Ashton Top by Helen's Closet Patterns. The Ashton is a classic piece that I would highly recommend. It’s quick to assemble and simple to fit, which is a bonus. You can choose from two styles: View A offers a hip-length top, and View B is a cropped version. Both options can be finished with either an all-in-one facing or bias binding.
Here’s the quick rundown:
Pattern: The Ashton Top by Helen’s Closet Patterns
Size: 8, with a few custom tweaks
Fabric: Spring Green Linen from Sewing Gem
Sewing Label: Me Made by KATM
While it might seem like a solely summer essential, the basic Ashton Top is very versatile and hackable for when the cooler weather hits. There’s even an Ashton top sleeve expansion pack that adds various sleeve options including; straight short, long cuffed, butterfly, and petal sleeves. Layering it with jeans and a cardigan turns it into a year-round favourite.
Helen's patterns are great for beginner sewists, packed with helpful sewing tips, fitting advice, and clear instructions. It’s also a fabric-efficient pattern, making it great for using up those leftover scraps. With no need for closures and such great guidance, this pattern is definitely a brilliant beginner-friendly recommendation.
The pattern includes a D cup option starting from size 12, which is always handy. I made a few standard alterations for a better fit on my frame: a 2 cm bust adjustment (partially transferred to the side seam), a 1.5 cm broad back adjustment, and a forward shoulder adjustment. All very standard adjustments for me. If I made this again I would lengthen the front slightly as it is a little shorter than I would like compared to the back. Sometimes you need to wear the things you sew to get a feel for the tweaks you'd make next time. For this version I'll just dig out my high waisted pants!
You can make this top from any woven material. Helen recommends stable fabrics like linen and cotton for the bias finish, while more fluid fabrics like silk and viscose are better suited to the all-in-one facing.
I’ve already started planning another in white for a family photo shoot in a few weeks. There will be definitely be more of this great wardrobe basic featuring in my life!!
Here we are being a bell in our Ashtons... as you do. If you listen to the end of the podcast it will make more sense!!
Don’t miss Kylie's stunning take on this top here. I love the way she did the facing with the fringing on the outside.
If you're excited to try your hand at The Ashton Top don't miss #7 of our podcast on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , Audible , and Google Podcasts where you can get the full low down.
For 30% off the pattern enter the following code at checkout:
SEWINGCLUBPODCAST
Happy sewing, everyone! 🎉✂️🧵