Chloé pattern hack: sewing a smocked-effect top for summer

For this final installment of L’été de Chloé, I am sharing a new way to customize the pattern: sewing a smocked top with a flared hem and no button placket. A final summer make to keep the sunny days going a little longer!

For this version, I shortened the Front and Back pieces at the high hip level, then followed the tutorial for removing the button placket. Here, I’m wearing my floral top with a matching culotte skirt to create an outfit that is perfect for sunny weather ☀️

On the agenda for this Chloé sewing hack

• Shorten the Front and Back pieces at the level of the last casing.
  
• Sew the Chloé top without a button placket.

To make this version, you will need the Chloé top and dress sewing pattern.

Modifying the Chloé pattern to sew this top version

1. Shorten the Front and Back pieces

On the Front and Back pattern pieces, locate the last casing on the pattern, the one situated at the high hip level. Cut both pieces at this point to achieve the length for this version.

Do not add seam allowance or hem allowance below this mark: for the top shown here, I cut directly at this level. The hem fold will therefore be included in this length.

2. Form right angles at the hems

On the Front and Back pieces, adjust the bottom line to form a right angle between the side seam and the hem line. Then, gradually blend this line into the rest of the top's hem.

This modification creates a continuous hemline where the front and back meet, without any points or dips at the side seams.

Sewing the Chloé top without a button placket

To make this version, I followed the tutorial for sewing Chloé without a button placket.

Before cutting your fabric pieces, also apply the modifications from the "Patternmaking" section of that tutorial to your shortened pieces. Then, follow its cutting and assembly instructions.

You will find explanations there for preparing the front without a button placket, sewing the casings, and threading the elastic. Keep your pattern booklet handy for the steps the tutorial refers to.

A floral top to wear as a matching set

For this final version of L’été de Chloé, I chose a multicolored small floral print. The smocked bust contrasts with the fuller volume of the hem, giving the top its flared silhouette.

Note: for this version, I did not follow the casing placement provided in the pattern. I created six 1 cm casings, all spaced 1.5 cm or 5 cm apart.

The pattern for the culotte skirt is not available, but if you're interested in it, let me know!

Worn with a culotte skirt in the same fabric, it forms an ensemble that can also be mixed and matched: the top with jeans or plain trousers (the Eden trousers would be perfect), and the culotte skirt with a simple top (for example, the models from the Les Basiques pack).