Meet Lou. The Lou Box Top, like the name suggests, is a loose fitting, square shaped top. He’s not called a box top for nothing! Beth at Sew DIY is the creator of the Lou Box Top. I’d been on the hunt for a top that didn’t have ‘set in sleeves’. I’m sure there’s a technical name for it, but basically I wanted to make a top where the sleeve was part of the body. Why? Well I think those kind of tops suit me (but who knows?) and I figured sewing a top without a seperate sleeve had to be simple.

I saw the Lou Box Top pop up in my Instagram feed and I knew I had to make friends with Lou. I was absolutely right about at top without ‘proper’ sleeves being a simple sew. The Lou Box Top is one of those sews that gives you a feeling of accomplishment. It comes together quickly and I felt a real buzz when it was done.

The pattern comes with two neckline options (scoop neck and crew neck) and three hem options (straight, dipped, curved). I chose the crew neck with a curved hem (view c). It can be made in either woven fabrics with plenty of drape or knit fabrics. I have a weird obsession with paisley prints, so when I spotted this fabric at the Fabric Store I snapped it up! I’m not entirely sure of the fabric type, but it was a reasonably drapey cotton.

Lou Box Top – details and sizing

Now, the Lou Box Top looks short in the pictures, but I think that’s a little deceptive. I didn’t need to lengthen the Lou Box Top at all and I’d say I’m average height (165cm). For woven fabrics made with the crew neck, there’s a little opening at the back and button. You won’t need that with a knit fabric or the scoop neck, making it an even simpler sew!

The pattern includes a pocket, which I didn’t bother with. I do think the pocket would look cute in a print on a plain fabric version. Given the loose fit of the Lou Box Top design, there’s not much fitting required. The sizing is based on a bust measurement only, so I made an extra-small/small. It’s designed to be a roomy, forgiving fit!

Lou Box Top inspiration

There are some fabulous Lou Box Tops floating around the web to inspire you. Check out Lauren’s scoop neck, curved hem version over on Baste and Gather. Emily at In the Folds made a great crew neck, dipped hem Lou. I also love the little turned up cuff she created on the sleeve. Kat at House of Lane made a lovely bright version, while Felicia at The Craft Sessions made a linen Lou. If you want to see a sweet contrast pocket, check out Amy’s at Amy Nicole Studio.

Make your own Lou Box Top

You can purchase the Lou Box Top pattern here. Beth is hosting a sew along for the Lou Box Top. I’ve no doubt there will be some great tips and tricks thrown in along the way.

I’m super keen to make myself some more Lou’s. I’m thinking I’ll try a scoop neck next, perhaps with a square hem to mix it up a little.

If you were to make at Lou Box Top, which version would it be?