Peasant Top – FREE SEWING PATTERN.

Peasant tops are making a comeback at the moment. I love their soft, pretty and easy-to-wear look. This gorgeous blue one that I found on Pinterest (left) is really romantic and dramatic, but I think could easily drown you unless you were very tall. I also like this one by Forever 21 which is a little more in line with what I would actually wear – loving the bell sleeves.

I’ve drafted my own peasant top which is a little more wearable for the majority of the population. My version has gathered three quarter length bell sleeves, a deep scooping neckline, a front inverted pleat and darts at the bust for a gently fitted look (and to stop it looking too voluminous.) The length can be easily altered to go longer or shorter to suit your tastes. The FREE pattern is here.

I’ve used a lovely royal blue viscose from Fabworks Mill Shop – (£6/metre). It has a subtle animal print texture in the weave which catches the light nicely. This top would work well in lots of fabrics, especially anything that drapes well, or something with a 70’s feel to it, like cheesecloth.

As far as pattern is concerned, anything goes. Peasant tops are traditionally made from a light, loose weave cotton and their 1970’s feel leans towards florals and ditsy prints. But for a modern edge, wouldn’t it look great made in something really contemporary like these two hand-painted looking fabrics from Nani Iro. (I LOVE her fabrics and she does a few FREE sewing patterns on her website. Its a little tricky to navigate but there are instructions and dimensions for you draw them out yourself.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The top is very easy to put together. Here are a few basic instructions for you:

• Join the front and back pieces at the shoulders.

• Gather the sleeves (long edge) to fit the arm holes marked on the pattern and sew the to the front / back armholes.

• Sew all the way from the tip of the sleeve, under the arm and down to the bottom hem

• Finish the neckline with the facing.