The One Yard Minimalist Top

collaborations low- and zero-waste stitching Jul 15, 2025

A series of close-up shots of handmade, hand-stitched shirts with the names of the makers across the top: Maria Rebelo, Jean Kennedy Hubler, Claire Cleary, Gail Chang, Deborah Daniel. There is a navy blue bar across the bottom that reads

with KZ Stevens & the Sashiko Stitch Club

Few things make my heart sing like gathering with community and making something together. And it's even better when we get to make something that's not only beautiful, but also practical, and teaches us a new skill along the way. In our recent Sashiko Stitch Club event featuring KZ Stevens, we had the lovely opportunity to check all of those boxes and make KZ's beautiful One Yard Minimalist Top - a lovely, beautifully draping top made from as little as one yard of fabric, and leaving you with little to no waste at the end.

Members of the Sashiko Stitch Club had a wonderful time with this event, which took place over several sessions. KZ Stevens herself, a talented slow stitcher and the developer of this pattern, led our first session, walking us through the construction of the top and answering questions from the group - and her guidance was invaluable! Then, our Club had three more sessions where I led us through constructing our very own tops, with suggestions for adding Sashiko stitching to make it even more personal. We had so much fun diving into this project together as a community, and I love seeing how one pattern can inspire so many different results.

The beauty of making together goes beyond the cheerful chatter as we stitch, too. Not only are we getting inspired by each other, we are also learning from each other. In particular, I remember one point in the measuring and cutting process that caused confusion for a few folks, because many of us had varying lengths of fabric. As a group, we were able to work through those questions together - and with considerably less frustration than if we might have been doing it alone!

We also had a few larger-busted women who took part in the project who weren't satisfied with how the top was fitting. Rather than giving up on the project, we were able to discuss this as a group, and one member even shared an alternative free pattern that she felt draped better on her body shape. Without our group gatherings, these minor setbacks could become major roadblocks for someone trying to work on their own. It makes me so grateful for this wonderful community!

It’s been such a joy to witness the creativity and dedication of our Club members. I’m incredibly grateful for what they’ve shared - their finished tops are truly amazing. Here’s a glimpse at what’s been made within our community.

1. Jean Kennedy Hubler

2. Gail Chang

3. Claire Cleary

4. Maria Rebelo

5. Deborah Daniel

As you can see, even though we all started with the same formula, each top is distinct and unique, and fits the vibe and aesthetic of the maker - the addition of Sashiko stitches allows for even more self-expression.

A special thank you goes out to all of the Sashiko Stitch Club members who took part in this super fun series and shared their artful tops with us. And a big thank you to KZ Stevens as well, for working with our Club on this event - make sure to check her out online here!

And finally, if you are interested in participating in events like this in the future, I would love for you to consider joining our Sashiko Stitch Club for more special workshop event opportunities!

Hi, I'm Kate!

I am a strong believer in starting where you are and using what you have, wherever and whatever that may be.

Everyone should get to experience the joy of connecting to others through learning, experimenting, and creating.

Creativity doesn’t have to be expensive or wasteful. Whether we’re using natural materials, reusing materials, or shopping our own stashes first, creating mindfully goes beyond being present in the moment - it extends to being mindful of our environment and the other communities around us, too.