Add design details to the Splice Top

I love finding ways to incorporate small pieces of fabric in garments as added design details. As soon as I saw the Splice Top, I knew I wanted to make a feature of the side insert panel and also highlight the bateau neckline. Read on to learn how I did it!

​My first step in making the Splice Top was to dig into my fabric stash and start pulling fabric combinations. I had some fabric from Diamond Textiles that I had set aside for a special project. I combined their Navy Embroidered Cross (check out the Grey colorway here, it is fabulous!) with a gorgeous Liberty of London print, Pixel Garden. I thought the accent of the navy would add some visual weight to the light print, making it wearable year-round. 

​Adding the side detail is simple enough. The panel is already part of the pattern, all you have to do is cut it out of the coordinating fabric and sew it as stated in the instructions.

To create the neckline detail, I planned to use the neck facing that is included in the pattern. I cut them out of the coordinating fabric and sewed them together as directed. 

Instead of finishing the outer edge of the neck facing with a serger, I pressed a ⅝ʺ seam allowance to the wrong side. Then, instead of sewing the facing to the garment with right sides together, I placed the right side of the facing to the wrong side of the garment and stitched. After trimming the seam, I pressed the facing to the right side of the garment and topstitched around the folded outer edge. 

It's as easy as that to add a little extra design detail to your Splice Top. We would love to see the variations you've made. Be sure to send us pictures or post on Instagram using the hashtags #splicetop and #sewingworkshoppatterns.