

I used the Camilla Cowl Top for this hack and added a gathered neckline tab for a fun added detail, and to open up the neckline a little more. I put a tab on each side of mine, but this would be really cute on just one side as well.
Getting Started
- Print and assemble your Camilla Cowl pattern with whatever options you want.
- I would suggest one of the sleeve options as opposed to sleeveless. Since there is binding around the sleeve opening of the sleeveless option the tab might make it a bit bulky.
- Follow the tutorial to sew the neckline and bodice.
Tab Measurements
- Once your neckline and bodice are done, put your top on and adjust the neckline so it lays nicely.
- Take a measuring tape and wrap it from the back of the armscye, around the inner neckline, and over to the front of the armscye right near your collar bone. (Mine is 11″.)
- This measurement is the width of each tab, and the length will be 4″.
- Cut one or two tabs depending on your preference to this measurement. (Mine are 4″x11″.)

Making the Tab
- Finish both of the long edges with a serger or overcast stitch if desired.
- Fold each long side in towards the back 1/2″ and press.


- Pin and sew both edges with a straight stitch using a 3/8″ seam allowance.


- Fold your tab piece(s) in half to find the center and mark it with a pin.
- On the side that will be facing out, fold it in half again matching the raw end up with the center pin and mark the center of that side with a pin as well.



- Run a long gathering stitch down the marked center point of the front side.
- Run two more gathering stitches, one on each side of the center one.
- Pull the bobbin threads to gather the center, then tie off all of the threads several times.



Attach the Tab to the Neckline
- Hold the tab piece up to the front armscye with the gathered side facing out and the raw end towards the raw armscye.
- Wrap it around the neckline lining up the pins that mark the center with the inner (folded side) of the cowl neck and pin.
- Take the back half of the tab and wrap it around the back so that the raw end is towards the armscye.
- Line up the raw end of the backside of the tab with the raw end of the front side, then pin them together along the edge of the armscye.
- You can play with the tightness of the tab to open the neckline wider or lay closer to the original placement.



- Baste the tab along the armscye edge.
- Sew the opposite (folded) side to the cowl where it is pinned.
- Sew from the folded edge in about 1″.(Try to keep the stitching on top of the hemstitches that are already there so they won’t be noticeable.
- Cut off any overhanging fabric along the armscye.
- Repeat the same process with the other side if you’d like, making sure your two sides are evenly placed.


Finishing Your Top
- Follow the tutorial to add your sleeves and hem the bottom edge.
Super Cute! You’re Ready to Rock!



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