Simplicity Sewing Pattern Review Cute Tops For Summer You can never have too many cute tops for summer! Every year I make more and I still don’t have enough. Of course, every year I have to cull ketchup stained, hiking grimed, and sweat ruined tops and send them packing. Happily, I get to make new, pretty tops every year.
We are so busy during the summertime — working, recreating, and partying — we need multiple outfits each day to look fresh and put together. A simple change from a work-a-day tank to a dressy tunic can do wonders to perk you up and get you ready for the rest of the day’s (or night’s) events.
Don’t we want to look our best, well a great fitting top is a great way to start. This is where a simple sewing pattern becomes a work horse in your pattern stash. Below are a few of my favorite Simplicity top patterns for you to consider.
Top Pattern Envelope Sizing
Summer tops are so easy to sew and these five sewing patterns work up quickly. You will love Simplicity tops sewing patterns highlighted below; they will make a great addition to your sewing pattern collection.
You want to accomplish a perfect fit for your top. To get a great fitting bodice, you need to consider the finished bust measurement on the envelope. The bust measurement always wins when it comes to tops. It is so much easier to alter the length, waist, and hips than it is to recut the bust dart. Do yourself a favor, and buy your pattern based on your bust measurement. Check the pattern for finished measurements to make the decision on what size you want to sew.
When sewing tops, once you decide on the correct size, you need to make sure your bust darts are draped correctly. This is easily fixed with a quick practice garment; check out my How To – Draping 101 – Bust Darts instructions for a simple and easy method to alter your dart ensuring it is in the correct spot.
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Top Pattern Piece Opinions
Look for a pattern that offers lots of options and is easily modified. You don’t want to spend a lot of time pre-fitting a pile of patterns. Years ago we sewed on version and moved on, that is not the most efficient use of your sewing time. Once you find a tank top, blouse, tunic, etc. that you love and fits well, then use them as a base of all of your style renditions. It will speed up your sewing time and help you craft great fitting garments every time.
Time to sew a new project for summer. Stitch a seam or two together, feel the satisfaction of your beautifully sewn top, and wear it with pride.
1. Caftan
I love this comfy caftan pattern, Simplicity 8657 Caftan Style. I’ve made it several times and it always comes out great. It is cozy and works up in a jiffy. This pattern looks great as a beachy cover-up, nice pajamas, or simple lounge wear. Cut it short for a top, or long for a dress. It is a dream to sew.
You can read my Simplicity 8657 Review post and see for yourself. One note about this pattern, the “V” neck is very low. If you want something more modest, make up a quick practice garment in a pajama fabric to get a handle on the bodice plunge. The dress also has side slits that I found to be too high for my taste. Save your good fashion fabric after you have made a practice run. You may need to add about an inch or two.
The caftan pattern would be lovely in this Lady McElroy Viscose Challis soft floral print. Imagine hosting a garden party wearing this beauty – very chic. Be sure to purchase enough fabric for this dress, it requires long lengths. Additionally, if you want to use self binding on the neckline, add an extra 1/2 yard.
2. Tank Top
Simplicity 4552 Easy To Sew Tank Top is the perfect pattern for easy dressing. The simple instructions for this easy pattern makes the sewing process a snap. The tank top is made from woven fabric making it a drapey dressing option. Happily, once you fit the tank, you have a quick and easy dress pattern too. It is a nice pattern for just about any event.
Linen tops for summer are cool to wear and showcase a relaxed, chill vibe. I love this Core Range Blades Textured Cotton Linen fabric. It comes in a selection of solids, including this charming pink. You can’t have too many tank tops! I want one in every color. They are so easy to wear for summer, super cool, and the perfect top to show off your hard won arm and shoulder muscles.
3. Classic Tunic Pattern
There is a good reason Simplicity 1461 Tunic Pattern is a classic. Tunics have been worn casually and as high fashion for decades. They are flattering, easy to adorn, and sew up in a jiffy. I have several in my closet. When you can’t decide what to where, they are usually just what you need. Adding treasured scraps from other projects as collar, cuffs, or other adornments give your tunic a very personal style.
The classic tunic pattern is a wonderful year round option. Take the sleeves from three quarters to full length; change the fabric from summer light weight to winter medium weight — voila, you have a great year round pattern option.
For a cool and comfortable summer tunic, this Cotton Double Gauze with a cream on cream feather pattern offers coverage while the fabric still feels light and breezy. Keep it simple for easy wear, or add lace, beading, or other adornments for a custom made, one-of-a-kind look. Either way, you will love being able to pull this beauty out of your closet and show it off.
Simplicity Sewing Pattern Review Cute Tops For Summer
4. Tie Front Blouse
Young and fresh, Simplicity 8601 Tie Front top is so cute. It imparts a casual, yet put together look that is hard to beat. The sleeve flounce and other optional sleeves make this top fun to change up. You can fit it once and make four or five different renditions without looking like you are making the same style pattern over and over. All these sleeve pattern options is a win/win for any sewist.
For something fun and funky, try this Rose and Hubble Cotton Poplin Dia del morte fabric. It comes in four different colors and would be a hit at any backyard BBQ — a little sass with your sauce.
5. Knit Top With Pickups
I love this sleeveless, Simpicity 8643 Knit top with pickups. It looks very modern and the front piece helps camouflage any body issues we may be internalizing – not that we should, but….
The pickups are simply folded and stitched, super easy. The most difficult part of this pattern is the way you lay it out on the fabric. You need to make sure you lay the bodice pattern pieces right side up with the fashion material open to a single layer. The asymmetrical cut requires accurate cutting and pattern piecing. Once you pass this hurdle, the pattern is a breeze to stitch up.
Who doesn’t look amazing in magenta? Minerva Core Range Luxury Viscose Jersey Stretch Knit fabric comes in so many colors, you may need to make a few at a time. Batch sewing is the best way to beef up your wardrobe options in time for the first cookout of the season. So stitch up several of these in bright summer colors — they will bring a joyful brightness to your wardrobe.
Get Your Sewing Machine Stitching Up Cute Tops
Above is a good selection of Simplicity pattern choices for your cute summer tops sewing projects. AND, you can make them all without installing a zipper! Use my suggested fabrics or find some super cute fabrics that work with your personal style. No matter how you sew it – time to start sewing some summer tops.
I have several other pattern reviews for tops that you might find interesting.
The Style Arc Teddy Designer Top Sew Along is a great pattern to start your summer wardrobe off on the right foot if you need a little step-by-step instruction.
Another great pattern review is the Shirts Are Everywhere This Spring pattern review, filled with great pattern and fabric options to get your creative juices flowing.
Happy Sewing,
I hope you are inspired to create some cute summer tops to amp up your wardrobe — one project at a time. Grab a new sewing pattern or two and get your machine humming. I hope you are inspiried by Simplicity Sewing Pattern Review Cute Tops For Summer.
Sandi
PS Up next, sewing pants for fall! Time to ditch the leggings and get back into dress pants.
That tank top is perfect for summer! I love the simplicity so that you can wear with anything and on multiple occasions.
These are cute tops for summer (or if you’re like met dealing with menopause, anytime of the year!). Love the floral print fabric!
Those are so cute! Love all the cute shirts for summer!
Cute choices for summer tops! I love that caftan. I’d wear that at home every day!
You are such a talented lady! Way to go! I wish I had half the talent to create that you obviously have!