Baby got Back! Strappy Top Hack!

A few months ago, Becky Nohava (see her Instagram here) posted a photo of a top in Knitpop that she had hacked to have the most amazing back- like no pattern I had ever seen (and I’ve seen a few!). It was quite popular, but I was too intimidated to try it myself without a little help, so I, (along with many others) begged her for a tutorial. She totally came through for us, making a whole video on the hack!

And then I sat on it. I have a million excuses, but I can tell you I was feeling GUILTY guilty guilty. She went to all that work, and deserved some gratification and appreciation. Plus, I still NEEDED that top!

When I received the strike off from Hushabye Fabric, I knew it was time to act! Before cutting into my strike off, I had to try the hack on another fabric- one I loved, so I would do my best work, but not something irreplaceable. Knitpop Premium Yoga fabric stood out from the crowd (and it really is a crowd…I desperately need more shelves!).

Becky’s video was excellent, and walked me through without any issues. I chose to use the Halla Stardust Tank (free if you join their group!) for my base, since I knew it fit well from previous makes (here and here). I made my fabric tubes for the back a bit skinnier than she has in the video (1″ before sewing and turning), and I like the look for this fitted top.

Washaway wondertape came in handy again in holding the strips of fabric in place as I sewed them down, and a good sewing gauge is helpful in making sure they’re evenly spaced.

I did have some challenges with gaping that I am going to try to fix by tacking the overlap down, or taking some length off the top and bottom edges in my next version, but overall I really love these tanks! They look like something LuluLemon would sell for a boatload of money….and they’re custom fit for me for much less! Edit: Becky also reommends stabilizing the edges of the cut out with fusible tape (this is what I use) and will try next time!

Once I was confident in the fit, I cut into my Lion panel and coordinate from Hushabye Fabric. The coffee color is nicely heathered, and the print is just gorgeous and intricate.

I think the geometric shape of the back criss-cross highlights the mandala like design of the prints- a great match between fabric and pattern (hack). Thanks for the inspriation Becky!

If you haven’t taken a look at her tutorial, check it out here (embedded with her permission), and don’t forget to follow her on Instagram for more inspiration!

 

Round 21 is open for Preorders now at Hushabye Fabric through 6/15- go check it out! There’s something for everyone (including a superhero print my boys would LOVE!)

A post wouldn’t be complete without a pic of everyone’s favorite photo-bomber- she was supposed to be in bed, but refused to go down- I think she secretly likes being a part of all the action (and the unlimited supply of goldfish crackers and cheerios she gets while she waits)!

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6 Comments

  1. Synthia Gerritson on June 7, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    Nicely done!

    • Sarah on June 7, 2017 at 5:01 pm

      Thank you Synthia!

  2. Abigail on June 7, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    These are so nice though! I remember when Becky had posted hers and I thought it was a brilliant hack too! Didn’t realise she had done a video tutorial. Will watch that at lunch. Oh but this lion though… LOVE!

    • Sarah on June 7, 2017 at 5:00 pm

      Thank you! I’m so glad she did the video- I’m such a visual learner and it gave me confidence to try it on my own!

  3. Auschick on June 21, 2017 at 12:25 am

    This is so cool!

    • Sarah Connell on June 21, 2017 at 3:03 am

      Thank you! I feel like I’m wearing Athleta every time!

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