Perfect crisp cropped top

I think this jacquard has the perfect weight for the fancy facing and the deep, deep hem of the Leni top.

Tessuti is well known for clear and detailed instructions but all those pictures and a huge font result in a big booklet which I found a bit off-putting to begin with. It was worth persevering because this is a well designed pattern for the sort of top you can easily dress up or down.

I sized down to XS (heeding online reviews), and it feels like it has just the right amount of boxiness for me. I think this top works best as a structured item using medium weight fabric which makes the blockfusing and tear away vlieseline an absolute must.

This is a cropped top – I have a short torso but even I extended the length by quarter of an inch. If you’re taller than 5′ 2″ inches you may wish to add more length even if you plan on pairing the Leni top with high waisted clothes.