Thread: Does anyone make their own u-tops? tips or patterns wanted

I know L Rose sells u tops and I am considering buying some, but I also suspect these might not be that hard to make... I'm wondering if anyone out there has seen a pattern for a under the bust/u-top anywhere, or if you have seen a tutorial on how to make one. thx!

Originally Posted by Valayla

I know L Rose sells u tops and I am considering buying some, but I also suspect these might not be that hard to make... I'm wondering if anyone out there has seen a pattern for a under the bust/u-top anywhere, or if you have seen a tutorial on how to make one. thx!

Atira's Fashions has a couple of different patterns along these lines - the Turkish/Macedonian vest, and another one too. Folkwear has a "Turkish Dancer" pattern that resembles it but isn't quite exactly what you're looking for.

For more information on these patterns:

On my web site, information about belly dance costume patterns: Sewing Patterns for Making Belly Dance Costumes

Also, I think Artemis Imports in California may still be selling Atira's Fashions patterns.

After a quick look around, I agree that Atira's "Marvash's Turkish-Arab Vest" pattern looks the most similar to the U top made by L. Rose

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

Before using Atira's pattern, I'd be wanting to find out whether it was for a stretch, or non-stretch fabric. Depending on the level of your sewing ability, and the type of fabric you are wanting the top to be made from, $30 for the L. Rose top might be a good price.

I think it'd be worth giving it a try though. If you find a pattern and fabric that suits you, you could end up with some really nice one-off tops :)

Originally Posted by miss_charlie

Before using Atira's pattern, I'd be wanting to find out whether it was for a stretch, or non-stretch fabric.

It's a valid question.

I can't remember whether I used Atira's "Marvash's Turkish-Arab Vest" pattern or her 'Alviyah's Turkish-Macedonian Vest" (I actually have both). I do know it was designed for woven non-stretchy fabrics, and I used it successfully to make one of woven fabric. However, I used the same pattern to also make a stretchy one, and that turned out well too.

Originally Posted by miss_charlie

Depending on the level of your sewing ability, and the type of fabric you are wanting the top to be made from, $30 for the L. Rose top might be a good price.

This is also a valid point. Plus, L Rose has made the effort to offer some fabulous fabric options.

thanks!

If you can't find a pattern (and most of the ones out there I am aware of are for wovens, not stretch knits), you could try modifying an existing shirt to make a custom pattern. If you have a shirt of comparable stretch that you don't want anymore, you can mark and cut the desired new neckline, then open the seams, take it apart, and use that as the basis for your pattern.

I haven't tried adapting Simplicity 2159 for stretch, but if you can pick that one up on sale, it might be another possibility. Simplicity Creative Group - Misses' Costumes

I've wanted to make these myself, too. I plan on trying it out by taking Simplicity pattern 3832 and altering view B to look like my L Rose U-tops. If I end up doing that I will take pictures and blog about it and post my results here on bhuz.

I've made my own by modifying women's tops. I just fold it in half and cut the neckline down to where I want it, roll it over and hem it with a zigzag stitch, then take the bottom up in the same way.

Velvet or velour tops are easiest to work with imo as they don't fray. I pick them up cheap off eBay or from charity shops.

Yes, I've made several.

Artemis Imports carries Atira patterns, I believe they have a couple of under the bust vest/top patterns. Beware - Atira patterns run VERY small! Go my measurements not the assigned sizes I think Simplicity has several commercial patterns for pull over dance tops. Or, you can modify a simple scoop-neck t-shirt pattern.

Stretch fabric forgives a multitude of minor sewing errors so I suggest using a stretch fabric and zig zag stitch for your first attempt.

To modify a t-shirt style pattern, look for something labeled simple, quick or easy. Cut the body shorter, and the neck deeper. Use a stretch trim to finish the neckline. Or, you can tackle making your own neck facing, by tracing the new, deeper neckline.

The easiest way is to start with a pre-made top that fits. Cut it shorter, and the neckline deeper. Cut only a little bit at a time. You can always cut away more, but you can't put material back. Use a stretch trim to edge the hem and neckline. If necessary, open the armpit seams for more freedom of movement

I second all the tips here, especially re: using a basic top or pattern for one and shortening the length and simply trimming the bust lower. Re: Atira's Turkish - Arab vest pattern, as mentioned it runs very small (especially in the arm pits, so not so great for arm movement) but it also attaches under the bust with snaps or velcro, so unless you are comfortable adapting the pattern to go straight across I'd go with a regular top pattern.

Otherwise, if you were planning on making more than one, you could always get one from LRose since they are pretty reasonable and then deconstruct it and use it as a guide :)

I've been a professional theatrical and fashion costumer for years, and though I've considered making my own U-tops - a no-brainer for me - I want to share with others here that the QUALITY of the fabric used by L-Rose far exceeds anything you will find at your local Jo-Ann's, Hancock Fabric Store, etc. - to the extent that, despite my ability to whip up a U-top ink a couple of hours, I would rather pay the extra $$ and buy mine from L-Rose. That goes for all the items they manufacture in knit fabrics.

Unless you plan to wear the item just a very few times, be aware that the fabrics available at the chains named above (and others who similarly cater to the end consumers now categorized as part of the "crafts" market) are generally offering overpriced low-end fabric that has neither the lovely feel and drape ("hand"), nor the washability/ durability, to be sold to commercial manufacturers. You may find high quality at Spandex House in Manhattan NY, for example - but I'm point this out just in case you have not experienced the quality of L-Rose versus random fabric store quality fabric.


-Devora

Originally Posted by Devora

I've been a professional theatrical and fashion costumer for years, and though I've considered making my own U-tops - a no-brainer for me - I want to share with others here that the QUALITY of the fabric used by L-Rose far exceeds anything you will find at your local Jo-Ann's, Hancock Fabric Store, etc. - to the extent that, despite my ability to whip up a U-top ink a couple of hours, I would rather pay the extra $$ and buy mine from L-Rose. That goes for all the items they manufacture in knit fabrics.

Unless you plan to wear the item just a very few times, be aware that the fabrics available at the chains named above (and others who similarly cater to the end consumers now categorized as part of the "crafts" market) are generally offering overpriced low-end fabric that has neither the lovely feel and drape ("hand"), nor the washability/ durability, to be sold to commercial manufacturers. You may find high quality at Spandex House in Manhattan NY, for example - but I'm point this out just in case you have not experienced the quality of L-Rose versus random fabric store quality fabric.


-Devora

Devora you make a good point. The quality of fabric available at many stores like JoAnns or WalMart is not good quality. L Rose stuff is great quality, I have two tops from them that are at least 10 years old and still wearable.

But Spandex House and Spandex World and Denver Fabrics all offer good quality fabric. It will cost more than the stuff from JoAnns, but the difference in quality is worth every penny.

On the other hand, I think it's Ok for newbie sewers to use the inexpensive stuff from JoAnns for their first few projects. Mistakes are bound to be made, and it's frustrating to mess up an expensive piece of fabric. It's doubly frustrating when that piece was purchased mail order, and a new piece must be ordered and shipped.

Yes, the complete project will not last as long as a piece made from sturdier fabric. But, when it starts to show wear, it can be picked apart and used as a pattern, by tracing the pieces onto heavy paper.

Of course when the fabric costs more per yard, the cost of the project goes up. And could come close or surpass the cost of buying L Rose, depending on the choice of fabric.

Quality fabric is another reason I like to repurpose clothing from thrift stores and flea markets. Good quality clothing is made from good quality fabric. Junky quality clothes usually wear out long before getting to the thrift store.