After Patty posted a Brooklyn modification make into a top on Instagram, I knew I need to make a top with one more mod. I envisioned adding a quarter zip, but when I laid these fabrics on my table, I knew I had the perfect separating zipper to coordinate. Which brings me to this tutorial for adding a zipper to a top to make it a layering piece. Remember, the Brooklyn pattern comes in girls, tween/teen, and misses' sizing. The same method will work for all three!
The pattern hack to change a top to a zippered jacket is not as difficult as you might think. Instead of cutting the front bodice on the fold, cut two pieces adding 1/2" seam allowance to the side where the fold would be. You will now have two mirrored front bodice pieces. The length of the top is mostly based on the length of your separating zipper. The top of the zipper will be 2" above the neck seam, so for my 20" zipper, I needed the front bodice to end 18" below the neck seam. Taking seam and hem allowances into count, my bodice needed to be 18" + 1/2" seam allowance at the neck + 1/2" seam allowance at the hem = 19". I also sized up 1 size since this zipper top would be worn over another layer. Sizing up 2 sizes would allow for an less slim fit.
After sewing the should seams, attach the neckband right sides together starting and stopping at the bodice opening. Do not fold the neckband. You are only stitching one raw edge at this point.
Open up the zipper and baste the zipper right sides together with the front bodice. The top of the zipper should be 2" above the neck seam and the zipper stop should be 1/2" from the bottom edge. Pin the top zipper tails so they angle toward the seam allowance.
Fold the neckband down right sides together, so the zipper is sandwiched in between. Using a zipper foot, stitch from the top of the zipper to the bottom. Repeat on the other side of the bodice.
Turn the neckband right side out and topstitch down each side of the zipper securing the seam allowance.
Fold the neckband in half and pin so the edge of the neckband covers the seam. Topstitch around the neckline with a coverstitch or stretch stitch securing the neckband edges on the wrong side.
Fold the bottom edge to the wrong side 1/2" and hem using a coverstitch, twin needle, or other stretch stitch.
Enjoy adding a new layering piece to your wardrobe!
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