Collins Top Archives - Two Sewing Sisters

Ever started a project, only to abandon it halfway and switch to something else? That’s what happened with our Butterick 6901 attempt with this broadcloth but it wasn’t meant to be so we pivoted to create a top instead. We’d been eyeing Butterick 6901, a Lisette pattern featuring a waistcoat and trousers, for some time. Suggested fabrics included Gabardine, Poplin, Denim, Crepe, and Tropical Wool – a diverse range of woven options.

Fabric: Minerva Core Range 100% Cotton Broadcloth Fabric Navy Blue

We chose a navy blue Broadcloth on the Minerva website, a light to medium-weight woven fabric, stepping away from our usual patterned picks. When the fabric arrived, it was a soft cotton with a lovely finish. But as we started cutting, doubts crept in. Still, we pressed on, thinking it was just the unfamiliarity.

We assembled the trousers up to the invisible side seam zipper but then set the project aside. Weeks passed, and we realised we were avoiding it. The fabric didn’t match our vision of a thicker, textured material for the set.

Pattern: In the Folds Collins Stop

Instead of forcing it, we decided to repurpose the fabric into something wearable – and we’re so glad we did! With most of the trousers done and the waistcoat cut, we had little fabric left. Enter the Collins Top by In the Folds!

The Collins Top, a loose-fitting trapeze-shaped design for woven fabrics, was perfect. Its many panels allowed us to use up the remaining fabric. Most pieces fit perfectly, with the centre front panel cleverly made from the pants’ inner leg seam.