I hope you’ll love this Off The Shoulder Top sewing pattern for Women as much as I do! With the flowy fit and pretty little flutter sleeves, the top is so perfect for summer. The PDF pattern is free for you and available for download in Ladies sizes small, medium and large and extra large.
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m loving the cold shoulder and off the shoulder trend right now. I have several styles of these tops in my closet right now and have been wanting to try my hand at sewing one. Some are the tops are more of a blouse-style with slits down the sleeve or raglan t-shirt style with the top half of the shoulders cut off and others are peasant style, with shirring around the neck, so the top can be worn on or off the shoulder.

I was shopping online and came across this bandeau style off the shoulder top. It looked so cute on the model and was very inexpensive, so I had to order it. The top came and I liked the idea of it, but the fit was terrible and the fabric was not great either. The design of the top was so simple, I knew I could adapt the idea and design it to fit better.
So I did!
What I love most about his pattern is you get the look of ruffles, without adding a big bulky ruffle right across the chest. (I’ve tried on so many ruffle tops like that and I still have not found one that is flattering, lol)
I drafted a pattern for women in sizes small through xl. I had a hard time calculating the elastic cut sizes, especially for the arms. We’re all so different and everyone carries their weight in different areas, so I decided to leave out the elastic measurements and included instructions for taking your own arm and chest measurements for a custom fit on the elastic. (So whether your upper arm is fit and trim or a bit flabby, you can customize the fit of the sleeve for your most flattering look!)
FYI, I am wearing a medium.
The style of this top is very easy, but I would consider the skill level needed more of an advanced beginner, only because it can be tricky applying the elastic to the sleeves and bodice.
While working on the pattern, I made this top from a few different kinds of fabrics. The first was a slinky, stretchy knit (I do love how this one looked on me) but the slippery stretch knit was difficult to work with. The second top was made with a gauze fabric, which also worked well for the pattern and was a snap to sew. (I took a couple of quick phone pictures of how my two samples looked. They are test versions and are unfinished/unhemmed, but I uploaded a photo for you to see here. The gauze was the purple/turquoise.)
The fabric used in the top I’m showcasing in this post is a lightweight faux-polyester silk. The fabric is flowy and has a bit of body; I think it complements the style well and a bonus feature of the fabric is that it holds a press. (The fabric came from the seasonal section at hobby lobby and I could not find a link for it.)
BTW, if you love a good wedge shoe, I can’t say enough how much I love the lace up wedges I am wearing in the test photos! They look great with skinny jeans, capris and even shorter shorts. The wedges add four fabulous inches to my height and you can’t tell from the photos, but they make my legs took so long and lean! Even better, they’re on clearance here, so grab them while you can!
(The cat is saying “pet me!”) I can’t wait to make a version for little girls! So stay tuned for that tutorial… (Update: See the girl’s version here.)
Ready to sew this top?
Head over to page 2 to get the pattern download link or skip over to page 3 for the sewing instructions.
Atinuke says
The top is really beautiful, I should try it out! I love your tote bag too 🙂
Jamie says
Thank you! The tote is from macys. It’s reversible and ON SALE: http://rstyle.me/n/cnum33b5urf
Chelle Chapman says
Lordy Jamie, If I was built like you I’d wear that outfit EVERY day!!! I love this top but SEW wish my bottom looked more like yours!!!! Thank you SEW much for the tute!!!
Jamie says
Thank you! It’s funny, I used to hate my legs, (I was a major athlete til my early 20’s and they were bulky and full of muscle.) They’ve slimmed down over the years and now, paired with heels, they’re my favorite feature.
Brenda Douglas says
I have just finished my second raglan sleeve t-shirt. Love it, and other than an expansion ? and lengthening it to go with leggings, It fits great. Tried to show a picture but have no idea how. Thanks for your patterns. My grand daughter was thrilled with her dress as well.
Great patterns.