DIY Ankara Top Using Simplicity 8512

I saw this top while scrolling on a couple of people’s inspiring feeds and knew I had to make it. Simplicity 8512 is a misses top with sleeve and neck variations with the option to have a peplum. I love sleeveless shirts, and so I knew view D was the one I would make. The trick was finding the perfect fabric to bring this cute style to life.

Going through my fabric stash I knew I had found a perfect companion for the pattern. I choose this cute Ankara print that I have had for at least 4 years now, and could never bring myself to use. This pattern is extremely popular, and is still being sold online today. It has a great mix of abstract and vibrant colors.

I made the top on the size 14 and did not make any adjustments. I find the top to be an exact fit, and using the Ankara fabric which is 100% cotton, there is no stretch at all. The back has an invisible zipper closure. The highlight of this top is at the neckline. It has a small facing with a cute drape on the right side.

If I do decide to make this top again, I will make a few changes. One I would try it in a solid color to pair with a printed skirt. Another change I would make is to use a fabric with slight stretch as I find the fit to be too exact, and I prefer my tops with more give. Last I would use a separating zipper to close the back, instead of an invisible zipper. This would allow me to just place the top on, without having to put it over my head. Again, this part probably wouldn’t bother me as much if the fabric I had selected would have had slight stretch to it.