Get ready to discover your new go-to pair of sewing patterns. Learn how to make a crop top to give instant style impact to high-waisted jeans and skirts (above) with our free crop top pattern and step-by-step guide.
In this free sewing pattern we'll show you how to make a boxy top with our free crop top pattern from Simply Sewing magazine. This modern make is one of our most popular patterns here on Gathered – it can be easily lengthened if cropped styles aren't your thing. If you want to try a pattern for a full body garment, you might also like this fun DIY for refashioning a scarf into a lightweight gown pattern (pictured below) from Mollie Makes magazine – it's perfect for summer days out on the beach, or layered over jeans and a simple tee for a quick outfit update. For more summer sewing patterns, head to our round up 12 of the best summer sewing patterns.
If you're new to sewing, check out our how to use a sewing machine guide, beginners guide to sewing and sewing patterns for beginners.
Why we've renamed this pattern
The pattern in this post used to be called "Kimono top sewing pattern" but we've renamed it after listening to debates within our community about the use of the terms "Kimono" and "Kimono sleeves". While these terms are widely used, we want makers of all backgrounds to feel included and welcomed in our shared making community.
While this top features grown-on sleeves (and so it might be referred to by some as a kimono top sewing pattern), it's also a lovely garment for you to make whatever we call it, so we've renamed it crop top pattern, and we hope you enjoy making it.
If you'd like to learn more about the cultural heritage of Japanese kimono, you can read more here:
Free crop top pattern
You will need
- Crop top sewing pattern – from Simply Sewing issue 3 – you'll need to download our Two Piece Top sewing pattern and this pattern layout diagram
- Fabric, 1 metre (based on fabric 150cm (60in) wide, for sizes UK 8-10)
- Matching thread
- Basic sewing kit
Notes
- Use a 1.5cm (5⁄8in) seam allowance throughout unless otherwise stated.
- The pattern is for UK sizes 8-10, but can be easily altered to fit other dress sizes. Add extra width at the dashed line on the pattern piece, approx 5-10cm per sizing bracket.
- Check the size of the new pattern against your body measurements to ensure it will fit comfortably.
