The 4 Square Top tutorial includes instructions to make a top out of 4 squares of fabric.

~ Use 1/4” seam allowance for knit fabrics. If using a woven, add an additional 1/4” to the seam allowance.
~ Red stitching in illustration represents the instructed stitching for that particular instruction.

The 4 Square Top tutorial is for personal use only. You are free to share, teach, and/or use this tutorial provided that there is no monetary exchange related to this tutorial and Jamie Christina Designs is properly credited. All designs, images, and text are copyright ©2012 Jamie Christina Designs. All rights Reserved.

Step 1: Measurements

The 4 Square Top is a loose fitting top. The 18” squares should fit most sizes, however, feel free to increase or decrease the square size according to your preference. An important measurement is the depth of the “V”. For my measurements, I determined the distance to be 7 1/2”. I then added the 1/4” seam allowance, which gave me a total distance of 8”. This is the number I use in Step 1 (see page 2). If you prefer a different measurement for the V, then use that number instead of 8” for step 1. If you decide to increase the V’s length by 2” or more, then cut out 19” squares rather than the suggested 18” squares.

Step 2: Materials

(4) 18” fabric squares - Knit fabrics work best, but woven fabrics with a lot of drape would work with this top too. Suggested fabrics are jersey, lace, or chiffon.

20” strip of shoulder strap material such as: ribbon, bias tape, or twill tape. 1/4” bias tape was used for cover pic.

Step 3: Cut Corners Off

Cut the corners off of all squares as illustrated. If you want the V to be a different length, then use that measurement in place of the 8”.

Step 4: Label Pieces

Discard the corner pieces. Finish raw edges if fabric unravels. Rotate pieces and mark pieces as Front Right, Front Left, Back Right, and Back Left as illustrated. Note the direction of the stripes if working with striped fabric.

Step 5: Back Neckline

To differentiate the back from the front, curve the back neckline by marking 1” down from center back. Next, draw a curved line from the center back mark to the top of the V. Cut on line.