Yum yum yum – just look at this beautiful fabric. So very 1960s, I thought. I saw it at the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate and couldn’t resist it. And I was then inspired to create the pattern for the 60s Inspired Top – FREE SEWING PATTERN.
This neat retro top hangs beautifully and has a built in back panel so you don’t have to wear a cami underneath. It would be super comfortable if you used a t-shirting fabric here and would give the whole garment a bit of stretch and give. It is a little more fitted than the (very popular) 2 hour top with darts at the bust and a slimmer fit all over.
There are also turn ups on the sleeves which you can do in a complementary colour as I have. I used a heavy weight black satin and the same for the inside back panel. It would look great to do the top in a plain and then contrasting sleeve turn-ups and back panel – navy and hot pink or white and red.
It would also work really well in a tartan. Or you could try combining your fabrics – maybe a knitted outer fabric and a silky inner fabric. Or, for the winter, a wooly outer layer (a bit like a cardi in reverse!) teamed with something softer inside.
I haven’t done a step-by-step tutorial for this pattern but here are the basic instructions:
• On one of the FRONT / BACK pieces cut along the pink line to create the front neckline.
• Align the green dots on a sleeve and a back piece. Stitch between the green dot and the blue dot. Repeat with the other sleeve.
• Align the green dots on a sleeve and a front piece. Stitch up towards the blue dot – the fabric will not align at this point.
• Cut along the pink line on the sleeve to continue the curve of the front neckline. Repeat on other sleeve.
• Stitch back and front together from green dot down to pink dot.
• Finish neckline and hem, including curved corners, with bias binding.
Have look at these two lovely versions of the 60s inspired top from La Couture de Mam’ – gorgeous fabric!
Are there instructions to go along with the pattern as well? Just figured I would ask before tackling the project, I’m still very much a beginner sewist. 🙂
Thank you for your very wonderful free patterns!
Hello! I’m afraid there is no tutorial but I have just added some basic instructions to the post that goes with this top:
http://www.sewdifferent.co.uk/60s-inspired-top-free-sewing-pattern/
I love this top! Thank you for the free pattern! The only thing I’m confused about is when to sew on the Inner back. Would you mind explaining?
Sorry, I’m away at the moment and don’t have access to the pattern, but as far as I remember, you sew the lining and outer flaps together just to hold them in place and then see them to the front and sleeves as one piece. Hope this helps.
How much fabric is required?
[…] Find the 60s inspired top pattern here. […]
can not get this to download
Hi Helene, I’ve checked the link and it is working fine. Possibly something to do with your copy of Acrobat or your browser not working quite right? If you send me your email address I will send you the PDF file directly.
Thank you again for this wonderful boss! I just realized a second version in black and white.
It will probably not be the last!
See you soon !
Christine
Thanks Christine. I have commented on your blog. The top is beautiful! Would you mind if I used your image on my Facebook page / pinterest? I will link back to your website.
Oh that’s nice, thank you! 🙂
Lovely! I have to try it!
I would love to see a picture when you’ve finished!
[…] Find the free pattern here. […]
Please can you let me know what size is this beautiful top.
Thank you