Esma Top by Blank Slate Patterns

Thursday, August 29, 2019


Another collaborative effort with Blank Slate Patterns has come to fruition. Meet the Esma Top. If you have ever wanted a woven tee with interesting details, this is the pattern! The pattern includes three views, and is one of those that has lots of opportunities to hack. I already have 3 in my closet plus one I made for a friend.




This shorter, not quite cropped, version features a waist band with a keyhole and tie. I don't have many truly high waisted jeans, but I love this top styled with high waisted pants. I shared on Instagram that my favorite trick for avoiding plaid matching is to turn the pattern piece on the bias. 


This skirt did the trick for me. The sleeve is an attached cuff with a dropped shoulder. Not only is it easy to sew, but the finish is so nice. 


The perfectly shaped V-neck is sewn with a facing. The plaid fabric is a shirting from the Doodles line at Joann Fabrics. 


The belted view is actually my favorite. The optional belt gives nice shaping to the top.


The pattern includes instructions for attaching the tie to the center back of the bodice for a permanent hold. Otherwise, leave it loose for more wearing options.


The fabric for the belted top is a Robert Kaufman Chambray. The only adjustments I made to the pattern were to lengthen at the waist 1" and a sway back adjustment. The first method in this video for a sway back adjustment worked so well for me.

Funny story about the naming of the pattern. Our group originally called it the Mesa Top, and it may forever be stuck in my head that way. During development, we discovered another pattern by that name. I took pencil to paper rearranging the letters, and the Esma was born. I also love that another arrangement would be "seam". Wouldn't it be fun to have a pattern line that was sewing terms rearranged?!? 
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