Off-the-shoulder Twist Top

This large, apparently simple pattern shape is the main pattern piece for a self-lined jersey mesh top.  Please use two-way stretch (mesh) knits only!  Have a close look at the way the armholes and necklines are set out (double notches are the back armhole).  There is a half body/circumference twist in the making of this garment.  The sleeve is also self-lined but no twist.  The neckband is a folded pattern piece.There is only one side seam and it is the first seam you sew.  Then fold the bottom up to the top with wrong sides together and right side of fabric outside.  It’s at this point that you twist the layers in the body to make opposite underarm points come together (half-body twist).  Sounds a little tricky but once you have attempted this style you will see the simplicity of the idea.

Below is a similar version of this idea with a lower, wider neckline.  I put this style through a small production run many years ago in this rich autumn floral stretch jersey mesh – very light and stretchy and ideal for this amount (half-body) of twist.