Fabric Edit | Just Between Us Top with Asymmetric Lace Trim and Panel Hem
The Just Between Us Top is one of those patterns where your fabric choice completely changes the finished look.
Using exactly the same pattern, you can create a softly draped top that skims the body or something with a little more structure that gently holds its shape. Both work beautifully. The secret is choosing a fabric with the right personality.
For this release, I deliberately sewed 7 samples in different fabrics so you could really see those differences. If you're still deciding what to use, I highly recommend watching the What's in the Pattern video where I walk through each sample and explain why I chose that particular fabric, what I love about it, and how it changes the overall look of the top.
One thing I really want to clear up is that this pattern isn't just for drapey fabrics.
Soft fabrics with beautiful drape are gorgeous, but fabrics with a little body work equally well, albeit differently. The key word is soft. A fabric can have body without being stiff. As soon as it becomes crisp or thick, it starts fighting against the relaxed silhouette and the asymmetric hemline. Quilting cotton is definitely one to avoid. Save that for quilts.
The Just Between Us Top is designed for woven fabrics with either fluid drape or soft body, giving you enormous flexibility in your fabric choices. With its relaxed fit, gently flared silhouette, modern asymmetric hemline, multiple neckline, sleeve and hem options, plus included FBA pieces, it's a pattern you'll find yourself reaching for again and again. The hardest part might just be deciding which fabric to sew first.
Kate - Laced trimmed crepe de chine
Fabric: Silk crepe de chine (The Maker Society).
Details: Style 2. Mid neck, length 2, 6cm eyelash lace trim, cap sleeve.
Below, worn with: Making Move Pants (linen)
This silk was beautiful to sew. It's obviously going to require more concentration & pins than a cotton but it's worth it.
Kate - Lace trimmed tencel Twill
Fabric: Tencel Twill (135gsm, Drapers Fabrics).
Details: Style 2. Mid neck, length 1, 12cm lace trim, long sleeve.
Below, worn with: jeans
Such an easy fabric to sew for a drapey fabric.
Kate - Cotton tencel with panel
Fabric: Cotton tencel (Spotlight).
Details: Style 1. V-neck, length 1 with panel, centre front & back seam, topstitching, short sleeve.
Below, worn with: Making Move Pants (linen)
Cotton is generally pretty easy to sew. My note on this one is to remember the personality of a fabric with body - it's not going to sit gently on your body no matter how much you want it to.
Kate - Black & white star of the show
Fabric: 100% linen (150gsm, Tessuti Fabrics).
Details: Style 1. Mid neck, length 1 with panel, cap sleeve.
Below, worn with: Making Move Pants (linen)
Love is in the air! This linen has a little more stiffness to it than I'd usually like (I think it will soften over time with body head & washes) but with the angular cap sleeve hem combined with the graphic black & white print, I think it's magic.
Kate - Roomy crinkle viscose
Fabric: Crinkle viscose (90gsm, Tessuti Fabrics).
Details: Style 3. Mid neck, length 3, long sleeve.
Below, worn with: jeans.
One of my favourite fabrics - I also have a Spill The Tie (that fabulous shirt with the wide tie neckline) and an Easy Does It Skirt in the same fabric. This is my last piece <insert sad but happy face>. This is a crinkle viscose so it has plenty of drape (thank you viscose) and the crinkle it is a bit roomier on the body.
Kate - Beautifully fine ramie
Fabric: 100% ramie (The Maker Society) - very sheer.
Details: Style 3. High neck, length 3, cap sleeve.
Below, worn with: Making Move Pants (linen)
It's hard to see in photos/video just how beautiful this fabric is to wear. It's so light and airy. Perfect for dressing up on a summers day. Sewing skill wise, I'd put it just a little harder than rayon as it moves around a lot because the weave is so loose.
Melanie - Linen/rayon with lace trim
Fabric: Linen/rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Style 2. V-neck, length 2, lace trim (Spotlight), centre front/back seam, long sleeve. Size 16 with FBA-1 Front
Below, worn with: RTW skirt
"I squealed with excitement while I was making this top. I am in LOVE with the lace trim option and appreciate so much that Kate has given us the tools to emulate the latest fashions, in our own personal fits and proportions. It’s magnificent!" - Melanie
Melanie - Linen/rayon with panel
Fabric: Linen/rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Style 1. V-neck, length 2 with panel, long sleeve. Size 16 with FBA-1 Front
Below, worn with: RTW skirt.
Melanie - Rayon floral
Fabric: Rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Style 2. Low neck, length 2 with panel, short sleeve. Size 16.
Below, worn with: Getaway shorts
Katie - Soft, light cotton
Fabric: Lightweight cotton sheets.
Details: Style 1. High neck, length 1, cap sleeve. Size 6.
Below, worn with: jeans
"I’ve been dying to combine these wild florals into something, and the hem panel is the perfect opportunity to put two together. I think I might try some really subtle color blocking, too." - Katie
Katie - Linen
Fabric: Linen (Minerva).
Details: Style 1. Mid neck, length 1, cap sleeve. Size 8.
Below, worn with: Vacation Vibe Pants.
"This pattern is deceptively easy to sew with a rather designer payoff. I used a midweight, more structured linen to highlight the shape." - Katie
Sophie - Linen/rayon with lace trim
Fabric: Mystery fabric (meaning we're not really sure).
Details: Style 2. Low neck, length 1 with lace, centre front/back seam, cap sleeve. Size 14.
"Just Between Us might be my new favorite summer top. I’m obsessed with the effortless drape and asymmetrical hem. It’s comfy, flattering, and such a fun sew — the kind of top that instantly makes jeans feel styled." - Sophie
Sophie - Linen/rayon with lace trim
Fabric: Silk-like mystery fabric.
Details: Style 1. Low neck, length 2 with panel, centre front/back seam, cap sleeve. Size 14.
"This version has such an elegant drape — the fabric feels almost like silk and gives the asymmetrical hem the prettiest movement. I styled this one a little dressier with skinny jeans and heels, and now I want one in every fabric. The versatility of this pattern is seriously so good!" -Sophie
Efrat - Viscose satin
Fabric: Viscose satin (mid weight).
Details: Style 2. Low neck, length 2 with eyelash lace, cap sleeve. Size 22/30 blend.
Below, worn with: jeans
" A few months ago I have seen a top in a shop's window that had asymmetric hem with a strip of lace at the bottom and I liked it so when Kate asked in the testers' group who wants to test this pattern, I asked "can I add lace?". The top itself is a really quick sew... The fabric is a midweight viscose satin... a pain in the bum to sew because it's really slippery, but I wanted this luxurious look with the lace so I used a million pins (and some swear words) and I managed to make it work." -Efrat
Tamsyn - Rayon
Fabric: Rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Style 3. Mid neck, length 4, centre front/back seam, long sleeve. Size 14.
"Just between us... I shy away from sewing woven and I didn’t think I liked an asymmetrical hemline…yet here I am, sewing up the Just Between Us top! It’s a fun style and easier to sew than I expected. I think I’d wear a short sleeve more (I’m a woolly layers for NZ winter kind of person) so I’m going to try a cap sleeve version for summer. And maybe a lace hem…there are choices!" -Tamsyn
Jody - Patterned crepe
Fabric: Poly crepe.
Details: Style 1. V-neck, length 1, cap sleeve. Size 8.
Below, worn with: Harem Pants (without elastic at hem).
"It’s such a lovely make. I used the v-neckline for this one and did the panel with the pattern of my fabric going a different direction to set it off. Lots of personal design detail options so that you can make it 100% your own." - Jody
Jody - Crinkle rayon with lace trim
Fabric: Crinkle rayon.
Details: Style 2. Mid neck, length 1, lace trim, cap sleeve. Size 8.
"I absolutely love the new Just Between Us top! So many absolutely lovely details and it’s a fairly quick sew. Be prepared for everyone to ask where you got your top!" - Jody
Amanda K - Beach ready bright
Fabric: Lightweight slinky woven fabric.
Details: Style 3. Mid neck, length 3, cap sleeve. Size 8.
Below, worn with: Getaways (linen).
"This top is a quick sew, that delivers a big impact. This fabric has been taking up valuable real estate in my stash waiting for the perfect pattern. The lines & drape of the Just Between Us were perfect for utilising this print to its fullest." -Amanda
Kindel - Chambray
Fabric: Cotton chambray.
Details: Style 1. Low neck, length 1, centre front/back seam, cap sleeve. Size 6.
Below, worn with: RTW shorts.
"I couldn’t be happier with how this one turned out! This top is the definition of versatile. It's polished enough for the office depending on your fabric choice, but just as perfect with your favorite casual PE bottoms (Hello Coco’s in the green) or your RTW pieces for a relaxed brunch or weekend outing.
Kindel - Drapey rayon Challis
Fabric: Rayon challis.
Details: Style 3. Low neck, length 3, short sleeve. Size 6.
" I had to try a short sleeve version of the Just Between Us Asymmetrical Woven top, this time with a colorful rayon challis to pair with some work fits for the office! I couldn’t have been happier with how this one turned out! I’ve already worn this to the office and got so many compliments!" -Kindel
Sherree - Rayon
Fabric: Rayon (Spotlight).
Details: Style 3. Mid neck, length 3, cap sleeve. Size 10.
"Simple Sew. Dramatic Results" - Sherree
Elda - Pretty pinks
Fabric: Mystery fabric.
Details: Style 3. Low neck, length 3, centre front/back seam, cap sleeve. Size 20.
"First time sewing a woven cap sleeve and was so PLEASANTLY surprised at the method I learned). Kate is always spot on with the trendiest patterns. Love the asymmetrical look but for WOVEN fabrics. Sewing more woven was a goal of mine this year, and thanks to Pattern Emporium I’ve been able to achieve that. And y’all know it had to be in some sort of PINK hues, because I’m determined to get my pink back!" -Elda
Jess - Satin
Fabric: Satin.
Details: Style 3. Low neck, length 3, cap sleeve. Size 26/30.
"I just love the asymmetric tops Kate's added to the PE library. When I saw she was adding a "Just Between Us" woven option to the mix, I had to try it! Unfortunately I chose the worst fabric possible (a poly satin something or other,) so it is not perfect, and life got so incredibly stupid that i haven't been able to make another. But the fabric was so pretty, so at least there's that!" -Jess
Amanda G - Viscose
Fabric: Viscose.
Details: Style 3. Low neck, length 3, cap sleeve. Size 8.
"I just adore the simplicity of this pattern. So easy just to throw on over a pair of trousers and let the top do all the talking iykwim." -Amanda
Amanda G - Viscose
Fabric: Viscose.
Details: Style 3. Mid neck, length 4, short sleeve. Size 10.
" I always really enjoy testing Kate’s patterns and this one was no exception. The pattern pieces always fit together perfectly and the tutorials are so incredibly well written and laid out. It’s so great to be able to create so many different looks with just one pattern. This one is my fit test in a viscose linen and a size 10 so is a little roomy on me which is great for those really hot days when you need something really loose and airy. I’m 5’2” and chose the longest length as I thought it will also be a great beach cover up." -Amanda
Kynthia - Cotton tencel blend
Fabric: Cotton tencel blend.
Details: Style 3. High neck, length 3, short sleeve. Size 16.
"I've been so excited for this pattern launch because it's one of those quick sews that still feels a little bit special. The asymmetrical detail adds just the right amount of interest while keeping the overall look clean and effortless. I went with an urban vibe using a cotton Tencel blend. It has just enough structure to give the top a crisp finish, and I chose Hem Length 3 because I wanted a clean, sharp silhouette." -Kynthia
Julieanne - Lightness in cotton voile
Fabric: Cotton voile.
Details: Style 1. High neck, length 1, centre front/back seam, cap sleeve. Size 10.
Below, worn with: Jeans
"I love trying a new pattern and especially PE because they always come together perfectly! This new asymmetrical top is no different and there are loads of options to make it just what you want!" -Julieanne
The beauty of the Just Between Us Top is that there isn't one "right" fabric. Once you understand the difference between soft drape and soft body, you'll start seeing possibilities everywhere.
If you're new to sewing with wovens, I'd suggest starting with a fabric that has lovely drape, such as rayon, viscose or TENCEL™. If you enjoy a slightly more sculptural look, try a soft linen blend or washed linen. The same pattern will reward you with a completely different feel.
Most importantly, don't overthink it. Choose a fabric you love, let its personality shine, and enjoy discovering just how versatile this pattern really is.
Happy sewing!
Kate x
ps. Once you've made your Just Between Us Top, don't forget to share it with us in the Pattern Emporium Sewing Circle. I absolutely love seeing how everyone interprets the same pattern with different fabrics. It's always inspiring, and I suspect yours will inspire someone else too.
