A Cagoule Top

I have noticed a few cagoule style tops coming through in the designer ranges and thought it would be the sort of item that would look good worn with The Culottes.

As the starting point I decided to choose the hooded version of The Overshirt pattern: I had previously made a longer line cagoule, with the same pattern and a large central pocket, this had worked well.

This time the finished length of my cagoule is 32cm from the underarm, so I folded the pattern back at 40cm from the underarm. This allows for the deep elastic channel at the hem – the elastic is 3cm deep. The same depth of elastic has been used at the sleeve cuff however as there is a deep hem turn on the pattern I did not change the sleeve pattern length.

For the central pocket I decided the finished dimensions without the flap would be 28cm wide x 20cm. So I cut a rectangle 30cm x 22cm; this allowed for 1cm seam allowance all around. I stitched the top edge down and pressed the other three edges over. For the flap I cut a rectangle 16cm x 31cm, I folded this in half lengthways, and with the right sides together, stitched around the three open sides taking 1cm seam allowance, leaving a small gap half way to be able to turn the flap through. Once turned, I pressed and stitched along the open edge.

Before starting on the front placket I decided on the pocket placement, I choose 20cm from side neck( as shown in the image earlier). As the placket is hidden by the pocket, I amended the length of the placket piece to just 19cm. When making the placket I did not turn the bottom of the placket under as the pocket hides this and it would create unnecessary bulk.

Once the placket was complete I placed the pocket bag onto the top first and stitched the two sides and base. I then Stitched the flap above. On this garment I did not use any fastenings for the placket or pocket flap, although Velcro could work or snap fasteners.

The finished cagoule top is a stylish functional piece of outerwear and a great addition for an autumn wardrobe.

The measurements given are for a size 12, for other sizes these measurements may need adapting slightly.

The fabric used is a coated cotton from British Millerain