Free crop top sewing pattern
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Free crop top sewing pattern

Discover your new summer wardrobe staple with our easy crop top pattern – complete with free downloadable sewing pattern and step-by-step instructions.

Try 6 issues of Simply Sewing magazine for £20!

Zoe Williams

Published: April 15, 2021 at 9:30 am

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.

How to make a crop top

You will need:

  • Fabric (See fabric requirements on each pattern)
  • Sewing machine
  • Fabric marker
  • Scissors (Fabric scissors or rotary cutter)
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Iron (For pressing)

Step 1

Download our Two Piece Top sewing pattern and pattern layout diagram from Simply Sewing issue 3. Trace the two-piece top pattern piece twice to create two pattern pieces: the top front and top back.

Step 2

Fold your fabric in half right sides (RS) together. Place both pattern pieces on the fold, pin in place and cut out.

How to make a kimono top step 2

Step 3

Place the top front and back RS together. Pin then stitch together along the shoulder seams from the neckline to the sleeve hem, and along the side seams from the sleeve hem to the hemline. Press the seams open and finish with a machine zigzag stitch or overlocker.

How to sew a kimono top step 3

Step 4

 To create the turn-up sleeve, first turn under the raw edge of the cuff by 1cm (3/8in) to the wrong side (WS), then again by 4cm (1.5in). Press, pin and then sew in place, keeping as close to the fold as possible.

Step 5

Fold the turn-up to the RS of the top and stitch in place at the side seams by hand using invisible stitches to hold the turn-up in place.How to make a kimono top step 5

Step 6

Turn raw edge of the hem under to the WS by 1cm (3⁄8in), then turn under by 1cm (3⁄8in) again. Pin then sew into place to hem the top. Press.How to make a kimono top step 6

Step 7

Carefully clip the neckline curve, cutting approx 1cm in each time. This will reduce bulk and help the neckline to lay flat.

How to make a kimon0 top step 7

Step 8

Turn the raw edge of the neckline to the WS by 1cm (3⁄8in), then turn under by 1cm (3⁄8in) again. Press and pin in place. Stitch around the neckline neatly using matching thread. Alternatively, use bias binding as a facing to finish the neckline.

Your crop top is now ready to wear! Share our crop top pattern sheet with your friends and whip up a new summer wardrobe. You might also like our sister articles – free harmen pants pattern, our free wrap dress pattern and how to make a circle skirt.

Why not complete the look with some matching hair accessories? Learn how to make a scrunchie with our easy tutorial.

Free Kimono Top Sewing Pattern

Zoe Williams

Launch Editor, Gathered.how

Zoe launched Gathered.how as editor in 2019. A keen crafter, quilter and sewist, she has worked with the UK’s best-selling craft magazines – from Today’s Quilter to Love Patchwork & Quilting, Simply Sewing and The World of Cross Stitching. With over a decade of craft publishing experience under her belt, she loves crafting with her kids and curling up on the sofa with a spot of hand patchwork. Zoe has previously written for radiotimes.com, Simply Knitting and The World of Cross Stitching and was previously Deputy Editor of Papercraft inspirations magazine. She has guest-lectured at Bath Spa University. She’s a keen quilter with 5 projects in progress at any one time and another 12 or so planned. Specialist skills include hand modelling for YouTube craft tutorials and fabric foraging (she has an inbuilt radar for local haberdasheries and community craft gatherings).
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