• Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • START HERE
  • Tops
    • Butterick
    • Simplicity
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Patterns by Gertie
    • View All
  • Dresses
    • Butterick
    • McCall’s
    • Vintage Vogue
    • Simplicity
    • Colette Patterns
    • Patterns by Gertie
    • View All
  • Skirts
    • Tribe Patterns
    • Self Drafted
    • View All
  • Outerwear
    • Butterick
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Papercut
    • View All
  • Lingerie
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Vintage Pattern Selector
    • View All
  • Accessories
    • McCall’s
    • Self Drafted
    • View All
  • Bust Adjustments
    • Darts
    • Gathers
    • Princess Seams
    • View All
  • Techniques & Tips
    • Pattern Drafting
    • Machine Techniques
    • Hand Sewing
    • Other Tips
    • Resource Lists
    • Tools
    • View All

Vintage on Tap

  • START HERE
  • Tops
    • Butterick
    • Simplicity
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Patterns by Gertie
    • View All
  • Dresses
    • Butterick
    • McCall’s
    • Vintage Vogue
    • Simplicity
    • Colette Patterns
    • Patterns by Gertie
    • View All
  • Skirts
    • Tribe Patterns
    • Self Drafted
    • View All
  • Outerwear
    • Butterick
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Papercut
    • View All
  • Lingerie
    • Seamwork Magazine
    • Vintage Pattern Selector
    • View All
  • Accessories
    • McCall’s
    • Self Drafted
    • View All
  • Bust Adjustments
    • Darts
    • Gathers
    • Princess Seams
    • View All
  • Techniques & Tips
    • Pattern Drafting
    • Machine Techniques
    • Hand Sewing
    • Other Tips
    • Resource Lists
    • Tools
    • View All
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

How to Sew a Wrap Top (tutorial): The Seamwork Kristin!

August 6, 2018

Thinking of dipping your toe into sewing? Learn how to sew a wrap top with this tutorial! | Vintage on Tap

Into 1960s casual fashion? Learn how to sew a wrap top with this tutorial!

Even though I’m a vintage sewing blogger, 1960s is not a decade I normally dip my toe into, but this Seamwork Magazine Kristin top was too cute to resist! Super simple, accessible, and straight forward was exactly what I was into when I decided to stitch this tank up.

I originally made this top for my trip to Italy back in June, and got to wear this top at Vatican City!

A post shared by Bianca / Retro Sewing Vlogger (@vintageontap) on Jun 22, 2018 at 12:59pm PDT

The most attractive thing about learning how to sew a wrap top is just how easy and flattering it is.

Especially if you’re making up a wardrobe for vacation or a quick weekend getaway. Having something that you know will look good, won’t take you longer than a couple hours from start to finish, and is something you can just throw on– it takes casual sewing to another level.

Thinking of dipping your toe into sewing? Learn how to sew a wrap top with this tutorial! | Vintage on Tap

Learn how to sew with Vintage on Tap Youtube videos! Full tutorial walkthroughs to make a wardrobe at home! | Vintage on Tap

Learn how to sew with Vintage on Tap Youtube videos! Full tutorial walkthroughs to make a wardrobe at home! | Vintage on Tap

Step One: Be mindful of the fabric you want to use to sew a wrap top!

As with all sewing projects, being mindful the fabric you chose to work with will have a huge impact on the sort of results you’ll be getting from the Seamwork Kristin.

Check your swatch book for sample fabrics that fit the feel and hand you want to achieve. Don’t have a swatch book?

Be sure to check out my tutorial video on how to create one for fabric selection!

Fabric Swatch Book, Tutorial | Vintage on Tap

How to sew a wrap top, the Seamwork Kristin video tutorial | Vintage on Tap

In my case, I decided to use a linen fabric from MyFabricDesigns, which had a stiffer hand (discussed at minute 1:10 in the tutorial video.) I wanted to purposefully go with a stiffer fabric to give my wrap top more of a trapeze top feeling to it, and flare out at the hem.

Other possible fabrics for a trapeze-style wrap top include mid- to heavyweight wovens, including chambray, denim, and linen blends. Keep in mind that to get a look more closely resembling the original Seamwork Magazine Kristin design, you’ll want to use a light- to midweight woven. 

Learn how to make this tank wrap top with a full sewing video tutorial! | Vintage on Tap

Learn how to make this wrap crop top! Sewing video tutorial | Vintage on Tap

Step Two: Incorporate sewing techniques you’re already comfortable with into the instructions

Sewing instructions are not the holy grail of an individual pattern! When attempting to sew a wrap top- or ANY pattern- take a moment to decide what parts of the instructions you want to play with or tweak to something you’re more comfortable with sewing.

In sewing this individual wrap top, I decided to opt for using a bias facing throughout the edges, rather than encasing everything in bias binding. I cover this in the tutorial video at 2:54.

Bias facings tend to look more professional and I prefer the clean crisp look from the exterior of the piece.

To learn more in depth information about bias facings, please check out the technique video!

How to Sew a Bias Facing, video tutorial | Vintage on Tap

The only garment in recent memory that encased seams in bias bindings was my Simplicity 8085 1950s wrap dress.

In this dress, I purposefully wanted an encased seam look, which lended itself to being a super homemade look. Of course, I could have just as easily done bias facings on this 1950s dress, just as I did on the Seamwork Kristin.

Click here to learn how to make this 1950s dress!

Bodice close up, bias binding and Esterwilder pin on Britex Fabric Italian watercolor cotton | @vintageontap

Step Three: Keep track of the front and back of each piece.

With wrap tops- especially wrap tops like the Seamwork Kristin, it can be extremely confusing to keep track of each pattern piece. Notches absolutely help and are highly recommended to transfer over from your pattern pieces.

The above tip is extremely useful if you’re making a top in a solid color where it’s difficult to tell the front and back.

How to sew a wrap top, the Seamwork Kristin video tutorial | Vintage on Tap

Want to sew this pattern?

The Seamwork Magazine Kristin is available via the Seamwork website!

Click here to buy the pattern!

Want to get this pattern cheaper? Sign up to Seamwork Magazine to your first issue to Seamwork for $3 USD, and select from the Kristin or any other pattern in their catalog! (The pattern is $7 on its own without a subscription!)

1960s inspired crop wrap top! Learn how to sew this wrap top at home! | Vintage on Tap

Want MORE sewing tips and advice?

Get my sewing tips, advice, tutorials, and encouragement right in your inbox!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit
Pin this Post!!
How to sew a wrap top, the Seamwork Kristin tank top! Step by step video tutorial! | Vintage on Tap
Subscribe to Vintage on Tap on YouTube!

All the Places, All the Stuff!

Never miss a post by following me on Bloglovin’!
Or go mobile- I’m on Instagram and YouTube!
New to sewing? Check out the Start Here page!

Filed Under: Seamwork Magazine, Tops Tagged With: linen, Seamwork Magazine

You might also love

  • Sewing blogger, behind the scenes shots | Vintage on TapVintage on Tap Sewing Blog, Behind the Scenes
  • Vintage-inspired sewing, the Seamwork Camden cape with full vintage style | Vintage on TapHow to Sew a Vintage Cape, Tutorial with Video
  • Video tutorial for the Colette Patterns Penny shirtdress | Vintage on TapHow to Sew the Colette Penny, Sewing Tips!
  • Vintage Simplicity 1364 | Vintage on TapHow to Sew Simplicity 1364, Video Tutorial!
Big News + Sewing A Wedding Dress! »
« Picking Fabric for Sewing: Essential Tips!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. CTNBEE says

    September 28, 2018 at 12:43 am

    I really like your blog to visit! Whenever I read your posts, I am filled with energy. You look beautiful every time! And, of course, I love your advice! And I’m happy to use your tips!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

My name is Bianca, I'm 34 years old, and a California girl through and through 🏖

I inspire people to sew, to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies, and am an avid lover of tiki culture and Vintage Style Not Vintage Values!

Discover More Vintage Sewing

Seamwork Magazine Astoria Sweater | Vintage on Tap
Seamwork Magazine Astoria Sweater, Tips for Busty Ladies
Vintage Simplicity 1460 | @vintageontap
Sewing Tips for Vintage Simplicity 1460, with Video!
Sewing vintage 1950s blouses is easier than you think. Learn how to make a beautiful blouse for yourself.
How to Sew a Beautiful Vintage 1950s Peplum

How to sew a retro Keyhole Blouse | Vintage on Tap
Gertie Retro Keyhole Blouse, Video Sewing Tips!
Vintage Simplicity 1364 | Vintage on Tap
How to Sew Simplicity 1364, Video Tutorial!
Side view of Butterick B5895 | @vintageontap
Completed: Butterick B5895

ARCHIVES

CATEGORIES

POPULAR POSTS

This is the Colette Rue dress made with supplies purchased at Mood Fabrics | @vintageontap

The Colette Rue Dress

Rago Shapewear Girdle, Pinup Weightloss as a Seamstress | @vintageontap

Weightloss as a Seamstress, Revisted

Organizing your sewing patterns, digitally and storing correctly | @vintageontap

Organizing your Sewing Patterns, How to Video

How to Sew a Kickpleat, Completed Kickpleat| @vintageontap

How to Sew a Kickpleat

Footer

Copyright © 2022 · LBD Pro V on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

It's important to take time off to give your brain It's important to take time off to give your brain time TO THINK and FIND INSPIRATION ✨⁠
⁠
From Old Trafford to Buckingham Palace, the V&A Museum to Bath... to Edinburgh! From a quick 5 minute visit to the Jane Austen Museum in Bath... to the ACTUAL Roman baths... and... even... Stonehenge- up close and personal 😱 (I actually cried there- it was so powerful and overwhelming.)⁠
⁠
While "wanderlust" and "omg take me back!" tend to encapsulate a lot of pop travel, I was instead left with the idea that... ⁠
⁠
WOW. It's really important to "shut off" regular life sometimes, to let your mind breathe and to allow new ideas to formulate. To reconnect with what actually makes you excited to get up in the morning. ⁠
⁠
I know this is a luxury for a lot of people-- actually, for most of us, with the grind of day-to-day life. But. When the opportunity arises, it's never a bad idea. ⁠
⁠
For me this sort of big trip is a rarity and my daily "shut off" moment is instead my coffee in the morning, with my journal and my tarot cards.⁠
⁠
What's yours? ⁠
⁠
#travelforthesoul #mentalhealth #sewinginspiration #uktravel⁠
⁠
Wait- has it already been TWO WEEKS since coming b Wait- has it already been TWO WEEKS since coming back from the UK? GET OUT 😱⁠
⁠
It was such a beautiful trip, being present for @luka1502 and @mr_mistta 's wedding! ⁠
⁠
Sharing a few photos of the Big Day that I really loved-- though more photos of the rest of the trip coming this week. ⁠
⁠
Super happy that we got to go- the ceremony was really magical 💍⁠
⁠
🥲⁠
⁠
#britishwedding #morningwear #vintageinspired #1950svintage
Not every project makes it onto the 'gram. Actuall Not every project makes it onto the 'gram. Actually, lately, it's been none of mine 😅⁠
⁠
Including this @jessssiemae beanie that I made back in November (!!) for my low-key chill wedding anniversary trip to Reno 😛⁠
⁠
Why? Just not wanting the pressure of having to dress up for a photo... sometimes it's just nice to wear what you've made without the stress of it all. ⁠
⁠
Any projects of yours flying under the radar? ⁠
⁠
I ended up pulling out this #puffypoufhat for my trip last weekend out to Vancouver and ya-- I was sooo glad I had it 🥶⁠
⁠
#millennialknitting #knitstagram #slowfashionmovement
Breaking the IG posting indecision, and posting a Breaking the IG posting indecision, and posting a smiling photo... just because 😝⁠
⁠
Actually, besides getting knocked on my butt with my booster shot these past couple days, things are going well over in my corner of the world. ⁠
⁠
Working on a few fun goals this quarter (NOT "resolutions") and they just ~feel right.~ Major shout out to @muchelleb / @lifemapcollective who shifted my perspective from BIG GOALS to... time bound, specific, actionable quarterly goals. I'd been starting to lean in that direction last year, and this year, it's been how I've been approaching my days. ⁠
⁠
🧵Most Important Goal: Developing a personal health regimen. This goes beyond "lose weight" and "work out" - but cultivating practices that energize me. It looks like... drinking lemon water first thing in the AM with my vitamins. Or getting back to my regular meditation practice. Ya, some workouts thrown in, but a more holistic approach. ⁠
⁠
🧵: Develop Creative Flow (again.) Y'all know I've struggled with this one in recent years-- between being distracted due to work, low energy (lol) or just generally self sabotaging due to excessive tech use. I can see this one being my ultimate focus for 2022, but for now, setting up those routines to celebrate and recognize what "creative flow" looks like in my life. Might be spending an hour winding yarn or cleaning my sewing tools and getting lost in the process... doesn't have to necessarily be producing an output. More options are on the table. ⁠
⁠
🧵: Learn about and practice Digital Minimalism. I posted about this on my stories last week, but tldr, reducing and being more intentional about my tech usage. No, I'm not leaving IG 😅 But what I am doing is... only checking IG via desktop and only a handful accounts at a time, no phone in the bedroom at night, my phone is *always* on DND. And don't get me wrong, I love my iPhone. But this feeds that Creative Flow piece. I need the focus of uninterrupted time to get into my craft again. ⁠
⁠
Anyway, would love to hear from you if you have some quarterly goals set up this year or if you're also embarking on similar journeys! ⁠
⁠
#lifemapcollective #digitalminimalism
On my mind lately is... the struggle of getting in On my mind lately is... the struggle of getting into the creative flow 🌊 ⁠
⁠
Low key, high key, I've been struggling with this for a while lately but I've only just come to grips with it in the last couple months 🤨⁠
⁠
Luckily (ha!) I know I'm not the only one, so I've been binging on inspirational content and feeling a lot better about it, day by day. ⁠
⁠
Few things which are helping the process:⁠
⁠
🧵 @andyjpizza 's podcast, The Creative Pep Talk.⁠
🧵 Books, in the flesh. Art books, sewing books, physical books that take me away from the screen and into the basics of what inspired a creative lifestyle.⁠
🧵 Spending time with friends and with @josecarlosvivanco , focusing on being present, rather than self blaming myself for my lack of creative output.⁠
⁠
Healing? Absolutely. ⁠
⁠
I've been mostly succeeding in trying not to think about how a majority of what's in my closet right now is RTW. That I'm _physically_ uncomfortable in my clothes most of the time due to my current weight. And that the beautiful serger I got for my birthday in September is still sitting in its box. ⁠
⁠
But no pity party here. Just gratitude that I'm at peace with all of this and working my way back into flexing my creative muscles, my physical muscles at the gym (oh how I've missed it) and looking forward to the long holiday break because my mind needs rest. ⁠
⁠
Lots of love to all of you still following me here on Instagram 🙂 I miss our regular chats! ⁠
⁠
#VoT #stitchwitch
Two years married, eight together 💍. Still send Two years married, eight together 💍. Still sending each other @nytimes links, falling down YouTube rabbit holes (current binge: scamming-the-scammer prank videos) and generally getting into random creative adventures involving a sewing machine and a Black Magic camera.⁠
⁠
Love you, @josecarlosvivanco !! My life has never been the same since I met you at the Stef’s 😉 Here’s to the next one~
Small photo dump of St. Thomas adventures 😉⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Honestly, it was a trip extremely needed after everything that's happened 🧘⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Super thankful to the friends who I got to share this with. We did it: power outages, tropical storms, iguanas and all!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#VoTtravels
TAKE ME BACK ☀️🏖️! (Seriously thinking ab TAKE ME BACK ☀️🏖️! (Seriously thinking about my next Grand Escape haha)
Flashback Friday to one of my favorite nooks from Flashback Friday to one of my favorite nooks from The Castro 😎⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Saw it on my camera roll, got nostalgic, wanted to reshare 🌈⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Only 15 more days till Pride month, too, OMGGGGG!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#memade #vintageinspired #livingcolorfully #bisexualvisibility
Seriously 😉 ⁠ ⁠ The Big 4 is great and all Seriously 😉 ⁠
⁠
The Big 4 is great and all (...and my 1k pattern collection proves this!)-- but let's try out some new patterns, new designers, and fresh perspectives.⁠
⁠
Any new pattern designers you're excited about right now? Let me know down below!⁠
⁠
Looking for new design inspiration? Go watch my latest YouTube video (linked in bio) if you're looking to expand your sewing horizon!⁠
⁠
#sewingfun #sewinglife #sewingtips #sewingwithlove #sewingprojects #sewcialistsofinstagram #sewcial #sewVoT

Copyright © 2022 · Vintage on Tap · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy