Here's another free PDF sewing pattern for women. This is a pattern for tie front gathered peplum top for women's bust sizes 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 (that is, sizes XS to XXL).
The sleeves are puff sleeves with fullness at the sleeve cap and at the hemline. Sleeve length is up to the elbow.
*Please note: In the sleeve pattern in the PDF, the sleeve front is on your right side, and the sleeve back is on your left.
*This pattern is for non-commercial use only.
The pattern download link is given below.
Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for women:
Click the link below to browse all the free PDF sewing patterns for kids:
Click the link below to see the complete list of Free PDF Sewing Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls:
This is the measurement chart I used to create this pattern. Please select your pattern size according to your bust size.
Seam allowances:
Seam allowances are included in the pattern.
Top's bodice part:
1/2 inch for the neck line, armholes, and the center front
1 inch for the sides
Sleeve:
1/2 inch for the sleeve cap
1 inch for the sides
3/4 inch at the hemline
Top's peplum part:
For the peplum part of the top, you will need a rectangular piece of fabric with width (i.e. height of the peplum) that is equal to your waist to hip measurement (you can decrease the height as per your preference) and length that is 1.5 or 2 times (according to where you want to have the seams and how much fullness you prefer) the bottom round measurement of your stitched bodice. You will create gathers on the top of this rectangular piece to make its length equal to the bottom round measurement of your stitched bodice and then sew them together on the wrong side.
Here's a diagram to help you with this:
Seam allowances for the peplum part of the top:
1/2 inch for the top of the rectangle
1/2 inch for the bottom hemline of the rectangle
1/2 inch on each of the width sides to attach the bias tape at the center front (if you want the peplum to be open at the center front.) (But you can keep the center front closed as well.)
(or)
if you want the peplum to be closed at the center front, leave a 1/2-inch seam allowance on the width sides (i.e., the shorter edges) and join at the center front.
(or)
If you want the seams to be on the sides, then cut the rectangular piece vertically into two pieces, add 1 inch seam allowances on all the four width sides (i.e., the shorter edges). Sew the shorter sides of the two rectangular pieces together, gather them at the top, and pin it to the bottom round of the bodice, making sure you match the side seams of the bodice and peplum and sew them together on the wrong side.
Download link:
How to Print and Assemble the PDF Pattern Pages:
Supplies Needed:
1. Fabric
2. Measuring tape
3. Matching thread
4. Elastic (1-inch wide; length = waist circumference minus 1 inch)
5. Sewing machine
6. Scissors
7. Safety pin
8. Sewing pins
9. Fabric marker or pencil
10. Serger (optional)
How to self-draft this pattern?
If you want to draft this pattern yourself for your body measurements, check out this link for the detailed drafting tutorial.
Fabric Requirement Chart
| Bust Size (inches) | Fabric Required (44” wide) | Fabric Required (58” wide) | Tie Strings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 (XS) | 1.6 meters (1.75 yards) | 1.3 meters (1.4 yards) | Included in above; 0.2m extra if contrast |
| 32 (S) | 1.6 meters (1.75 yards) | 1.3 meters (1.4 yards) | Included in above; 0.2m extra if contrast |
| 34 (S) | 1.7 meters (1.85 yards) | 1.4 meters (1.5 yards) | Included in above; 0.2m extra if contrast |
| 36 (M) | 1.7 meters (1.85 yards) | 1.4 meters (1.5 yards) | Included in above; 0.2m extra if contrast |
| 38 (M) | 1.8 meters (2 yards) | 1.5 meters (1.65 yards) | Included in above; 0.2m extra if contrast |
| 40 (L) | 1.8 meters (2 yards) | 1.5 meters (1.65 yards) | Included in above; 0.2m extra if contrast |
| 42 (XL) | 1.9 meters (2.1 yards) | 1.6 meters (1.75 yards) | Included in above; 0.2m extra if contrast |
| 44 (XXL) | 1.9 meters (2.1 yards) | 1.6 meters (1.75 yards) | Included in above; 0.2m extra if contrast |
Notes:
✅ Fabric estimates include puff sleeves, peplum, and ties in the same fabric.
✅ If using contrast fabric for ties, add 0.2 meters (0.22 yards) of contrast fabric.
✅ Fabric estimates are rounded up for easy cutting layout and pattern placement.
✅ For directional prints, consider purchasing 0.2 meters extra for matching.
How to sew?
1. With right sides facing join the front and back bodices at the shoulders.
2. Attach the sleeves.
3. Join the sides.
4. Gather the peplum skirt and attach it to the bodice.
5. Join the sides of the sleeves and the bodice.
6. Sew the hemline of the sleeves.
7. Finish the neckline by attaching bias tape.
8. Finish the center front. Start pinning a long bias tape to both sides of the the center front. While pinning it, sandwich six fabric ties under the bias tape, three on each side and sew. Turn the bias tape to the wrong side and sew.
Done!
After creating this pattern, I later realized how it matched with the baby dress I posted on my blog 14 years before. 😊
Please check the link below to get some idea on how to attach the bias strips to the blouse's neckline and center front, as well as the fabric ties.
You can completely hide the bias tape under, or you can use a contrast fabric as shown in the baby dress sewing tutorial.
You can attach the fabric ties in different ways you prefer. You can sandwich the fabric ties under the bias tape, and then fold down the bias tape; attach them after you have folded down and sewn the bias tape; or attach them on the outside over the bias tape. The design choice is up to you!
I will soon post a step-by-step picture tutorial.
If you are looking for a PDF pattern for a side tie top with ruffle hem, click the link below:
Here's the 18-inch doll version of the top:
Click on the link Free Sewing Patterns Page at the top of this blog page (under the blog title) to find more free sewing patterns.
Click the links below to browse through all the pattern drafting and sewing tutorials on my blog.
Happy sewing!
---Flora
