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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.

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By Zoe Williams

Published: April 15, 2021 at 10:30 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 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)

Total time:

One day

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.

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.

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.

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.

Step 7

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

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.