Tristan: FreeSewing's Tristan Top
Designer Notes
Tristan is a fitted top with corset-inspired design elements.
It’s the result of a collaboration between Wouter and Natalia. This was a dream come true for me, Natalia, because I think Wouter is brilliant.
The original version had a lace-up back and was made for the Renaissance fair. I made it by tracing a new neckline and armholes on Noble directly on the body. Wouter thought it looked nice and we decided to turn it into a published standalone top design, with Wouter doing the code. Many messages, sketches, and mock-ups later, the result is Tristan.
Tristan allows the user a lot of control over the options. It’s a great introduction to prince(ss) seams, and since it doesn’t use a lot of fabric, could be a good project to use up scraps. Although Tristan has options for corset-inspired lacing, it is not intended to be historically accurate.
I chose the name “Tristan top” because I wanted something that sounded romantic and pretty and followed the traditional FreeSewing convention of a first name that starts with the same letter as the type of design.
Natalia
What You Need
To make Tristan, you will need the following:
- Basic sewing supplies
- About 1 meter (1.1 yards) of a suitable main fabric (see Fabric options
- About 1 meter (1.1 yards) of a suitable lining fabric (if lining)
- Choice of closure - either Zipper, or eyelets, reinforcement for the eyelets, and lacing
- If finishing with bias binding, Bias tape (about 4 meters (4.4 yards))
Use a separating zipper
We recommend a separating invisible zipper for this garment. Using a separating zipper will make it easier for you to take the top on and off.
When making Tristan with the lacing option, reinforce the eyelets
When making Tristan with the lacing option, make sure you reinforce the eyelets. A binding, or sewn in interfacing could work to do so. Adding boning between the eyelets and the seam is another option.
Tristan is not a corset, and therefore doesn’t require heavy boning. We would recommend using a flexible type of boning. That would create the neatest opening. Otherwise a double layer of hair canvas and put the eyelets close to the seam. Both would require lining, or an adequately sized hem or binding.
Fabric Options
Tristan is designed for woven fabrics with little to no stretch.
For the main fabric, you can use most non-stretch fabrics, such as poplin, jacquard, or linen. Even quilting cotton will work. Fabrics with some structure will work best.
For the lining, if you would like a firm structure even without the use of boning, use a strong fabric, such as canvas, twill, or denim. Use something that will be comfortable against the skin.
Consider using different fabrics for the inside and outside panels to highlight the prince(ss) seams.
Cutting Instructions
In all versions:
- Cut 2 Front Outside parts with good sides together.
- Cut 2 Back Outside parts with good sides together.
- Cut 2 Back Inside parts with good sides together.
Depending on your choice of closure, also cut the following parts.
With a back zip, side zip, or lace-up back (with or without side zip) closure:
- Cut 1 Front Inside part on the fold.
With a lace-up front closure:
- Cut 2 Front Inside parts with good sides together.
If you choose to add a peplum:
- Cut 1 Peplum.
In all versions, if you want to line your top, cut the same parts out of your lining fabric.