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Free pattern to download: The sorbetto top

I have a little treat for you today: the Sorbetto top, a brand new free downloadable pattern!

Several weeks ago, Kathleen of grosgrain asked me to participate in a little something she put together called free pattern month. I thought it would be a great opportunity to put together another freebie pattern for you all, which is something I’ve been meaning to do for a long time, seeing as the Madeleine Bloomers were such a hit.

So I asked around on twitter and facebook to see what sort of simple, free pattern you all might be interested in. Many people said they wanted a simple tank or camisole, or possibly a babydoll top to go with the bloomers.

With that, I took the 60s as my inspiration and made this ultra-simple and swingy little top! With its ultra simple construction (just two pattern pieces plus some bias tape, and no closures needed), elegant loose cut shaped with bust darts, and the box pleat detail down the front, this is a pattern you can throw together in a huge range of fabrics for summer.

This version was made in a coral pink crepe de chine, with bias tape made in the same fabric. I’m sure you can imagine all the things you can do with a blouse this simple. You could use a patterned bias tape, or just use a contrasting color. Or you could sew just about any embellishment you want down the center. This blouse is a true stash-buster and a great way to use some pretty buttons or trims.

Or check out this version, in a casual printed cotton lawn. For this version, we went ultra-simple and used a pre-packaged bias tape. For this top, we use an exposed bias facing. It gives a nice flat finish, but still lets you show off a pretty bias tape.

This top goes great paired with a coconut-basil milkshake, pictured above. That’s a highly recommended serving suggestion.

Just like with the Madeleine bloomers, some assembly is required for the pattern. You print out the sheets and tape them together to form the pattern. It’s multi-sized for 0 to 18. We estimate that this pattern takes about 2 hours, from start to finish.

Download the Sorbetto Top pattern!

And don’t forget to post photos of any tops you make in the CP Flickr pool!

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

Claudia Anderson

February 28, 2012 #

This is cute, just hope I can mAKE IT FIT.

Susan Knueven

February 28, 2012 #

What a cute pattern. I willl make it and embellish the neckline with machine embroidery! Thanks so much for Sorbetto.

Ceres

March 12, 2012 #

Thanks for sharing.
I hope to make thi happen real soon :)

Fanny

March 23, 2012 #

Hello, just wanted to thank you for the sorbetto top pattern, I made it recently and I love it ! I just want to try it again with another fabric. My post : http://www.mcpb.fr/archives/2012/03/22/23820584.html

Jona

March 28, 2012 #

Thank you!! This will be perfect for the Arizona weather! I saw Malka Dubrawsky’s version on Flickr and had to run over here to see for myself. :)

Dawn Dernoeden White

April 17, 2012 #

I cannot wait to try making this top!! Seems just darned perfect!

melissa

April 23, 2012 #

The test square measures correctly on my monitor but when I print out the pattern the square measures short 3 3/4 ” by 3 3/4″. Has anyone else found this? Because it’s a PDF, I can’t figure out how to modify for printing.

Wendy

April 23, 2012 #

Make sure you don’t have shrink to printer margins selected on your printer options – I did that the first time!

Reyna Lay

May 6, 2012 #

I love this shirt! Thank you so much for the pattern! New follower for sure:) If you’d like to pass by my blog and check it out, maybe follow your fellow sewer, I would surely love it! Thanks again:)

Reyna
http://www.facebook.com/glamglory

Yvette

May 20, 2012 #

YOU HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK with this one – it is so cute and simple. Dress it up, dress it down, how can you go wrong with something like this. Your generosity is really appreciated.

Rosemary

May 26, 2012 #

Thank you for this pattern. I was a bit skeptical at first, but i am now on my third version and i am loving it.

Jenna

May 29, 2012 #

Thanks SO much for posting this, I’m a changed woman after this pattern and will be looking into more collette patterns in the future! LOVE this top!!

http://sew20something.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/the-sew-weekly-sewing-circle-1940s/

Lucy

June 5, 2012 #

Just thought I would drop you a line to let you know I am blogging about your Sorbetto top today. Thank you for such a great pattern. I LOVE it and hope to make many more!

Rosewood

June 19, 2012 #

I love this pattern, thanks so much: this has cahngesd my whole way of looking at patterns ans sewing.
I have taken many yeasr out from sewing and now am back and I am doing great I did four of these blouses and non look any way alike.

Beth

June 29, 2012 #

I was searching for this exact top! Thanks so much for creating the pattern for me :) I had eco dyed some silk intending it for scarves/wraps but this is what I’m going to make out of it.
You are awesome!

Jodi

August 5, 2012 #

This pattern is FANTASTIC — as a newbie to sewing, I am wondering if you have any advice re: resources for learning how to add sleeves to a pattern? I have seen short sleeves added to this, but am looking to make shirts for clinic next year (I am in school for speech-language pathology) that cover my tattoos (which would require 3/4 sleeves). I like the simple beauty of this, but would love any insight on how to tailor it to meet that need! :) Thanks!

Ro

August 6, 2012 #

Hi, Jodi, I used to be worried about sleeves, but I now put them in with ease. Go to the library and get any good sewing book I like Nancy Zieman’s book “Fitting Finesse” or you may like”Perfect Fitting” by Sarah Veblen they both have pictures for you to refer to and you will find it very easy to make a sleeve. The Fitting Finesse book gives you a way of adjust sleeves if you have large arms or you are are very thin it is called Pivot and slide I believe it si so easy you will be making sleeves beautifully in no time, I tried it it works. Good luck

Claire (aka Seemane)

August 12, 2012 #

Ro

August 12, 2012 #

That is invalid now..

Claire (aka Seemane)

August 13, 2012 #

Hi Ro,
I just checked the link I gave in my comment above – and the blog post is still active.
I also just checked my 2-links to the A4 and the US-Letter sized sleeve pattern downloads – they are both working normally. Both of the PDF sleeve pattern files are saved in ‘Google Docs’, however they don’t seem to be showing a “preview” so perhaps that makes them look invalid? If you need the sleeve patterns sent to you – just drop me an email (see my email address top-right of my blog page at http://www.sew-incidentally.com/) and I’ll email the PDF’s to you directly :)
Best wishes,
Claire

Ro

August 13, 2012 #

Claire, thanks somuch I had already downloaded it.
I was just concerned for others. I didn’t want anyone to miss out on this, it is such a wonderful pattern I made about 6 already.
When I go in I keep geting Download not available, but I had to work it a bit to find it.

May I suggest to anyone that is making this Sorbetto blouse cut it out on a heavy material like plastic because you are going to use this over and over. If you have an imagination you can make this so many ways and no one will be able to tell if it is the same pattern. Just look at the blouses that were made in the photos, it is amazing, it is a base for many many blouses.
I even made a nightgown from it. I just made the blouse and made it much longer and flared it out a little.

Tina

September 30, 2012 #

I enjoyed making this great little top! I am going to make another with my reprinted (true to size) pattern since the first one didn’t print true to size on google. I can’t wait to make another one because it should go much faster the next time since I (hopefully) won’t have to adjust anything! It is a cute top and a good fit all around and it is very versitile with fabric and embellishments!

Jackie

October 1, 2012 #

I printed the pattern, but the 4″ square is significantly smaller. It is only 3 3/4″ How do you suggest I print it for accuracy? Thanks for the wonderful pattern! I can’t wait to sew it! Also – I have a 40″ C/D bust and wonder if you think this pattern will be flattering to my shape and easy to alter the pattern for fit?

thoitrangtreem

October 2, 2012 #

Wow, so cute, I love it!

Carla

October 6, 2012 #

Thank you very much for this pattern…. I am addicted to buy remnants and I have done a couple already. It uses such little material is great. I will used them all year long….cheers from sunny Florida.

Sandra

November 6, 2012 #

I think your new pattern is real cute but repeatably it is not sized to my plus size. I am enjoying your site very much, I have learned a lot. Thank You for such a great place to get information.

Sknoll

Wendy

November 7, 2012 #

Sknoll – I have the same problem! Great pattern just not sized for big busted people! Will have to keep looking!

Karen

December 8, 2012 #

Will the LBA tutorial that you posted here: https://blog.colettehq.com/sewalongs/rooibos-full-bust-adjustment work on this pattern?

KIM

December 23, 2012 #

thanks for the free pattern! this is the first garment that i’ve made that i like enough to actually wear! sweet!

Amanda

January 2, 2013 #

This pattern is so cute and versatile! I have done dramatic FBA on it for the first time and made a Luscious tank top thanks to all the previous people’s work, comments and links! Just wanted to share a great video I found on how to put bias binding on: http://youtu.be/ENzPlU6CKRs

Jessie

January 7, 2013 #

Thanks so much! The first and so far only thing I have sewn myself that I actually love and wear! Mine is here: http://imake2.blogspot.fr/2012/08/sorbetto-top.html

Maitri

March 3, 2013 #

Nice Pattern

Susan

March 5, 2013 #

I love this website
Beautiful

Lindsey

March 23, 2013 #

Thanks so much for this pattern, I am a novice and just made this in black polka dot with red binding – it looks so good – pattern was so easy to follow :-) thanks again xx

magali

April 6, 2013 #

Thank you so much for this free pattern. I have made this top as my 1st ever home sewn garment and I love it :0)
Magali

Karen

April 7, 2013 #

Hi Sarai! I am finishing up my Sorbetto top, it’s beautiful! But I cannot for the life of me figure out how the *&^^% to make that bias tape. I have studied you tutorial, viewed all the ones related to the topic on You Tube, read other people’s postings on their experience. To no avail, I have biffed it so bad. I have the tape maker, that’s not the problem. The problem is trying to comprehend the tube method for continuous bias. My top looks like the one you did in the crepe, so I don’t want to use store bought tape.

Where can I go or what can I do to get a demo on how to make the tape?

I tried it without a cutting mat and rotary cutter. I don’t have those things yet, but if they help me make the bias tape for my otherwise PERFECT Sorbetto, I will go get them!

To tell you the truth I would much rather do a facing than the tape! It seems way easier.

Thank you for the free pattern, which I plan to use three times now that I have customized the fit. I found the darts to be in a good line, but they were way to long so I had to rip them out and redo and now they are better.

I ordered your Laurel pattern, my first real Colette, so if you have any tips for that one, please let me know! On the Sorbetto I used the size 0 side cutting lines, but I used the size 4 shoulder and the 18 length! Is it okay to do this? I don’t have much experience tweaking patterns.

Thank you Dear! Karen Karlsen, Palos Verdes California

Sarai

April 8, 2013 #

Hi Karen… I’m sorry, I don’t know anything other than our tutorial, or the youtube videos you mention. Sounds like you could use someone showing you in person, perhaps at a local shop? Or you could always try the traditional piecing method of making bias tape. It’s easier to understand geometry-wise, but takes a bit longer: https://blog.colettehq.com/fabric-haberdashery/tutorial-how-to-make-bias-tape

Grandmomof7

April 8, 2013 #

Would love to make some of these.

Lindsey

May 10, 2013 #

Can’t tell you how much I love this pattern, I have now made quite a few in different prints etc and also added sleeves and piping – really great pattern for beginners to build confidence and inspired me to try lots of new techniques and make my own bias tape :-) thanks so much Sarai x

Rosemary

June 21, 2013 #

This blouse is simply fantastic !!! So easy to make and the pattern sizing is perfect !!! I have many other patterns but this one is hands down my favorite !!! Fits great and looks beautiful !!! Thank you. :-)

Kel

July 19, 2013 #

This is probably a very silly question, but would it matter if I placed these pattern pieces (all patterns for that matter) perpendicular to the grainline, rather than parallel to the grainline as most patterns call for (so long as they’re not on the diagonal)? I’m finding it very hard to find fabric I like, and the only fabric I’ve found so far that I even remotely like had the pattern printed across the grainline (it has an upside and a downside to the design). Thank you, I can’t wait to make this top when I find the right fabric.

Shannon

September 25, 2013 #

I’ve been looking for a pattern where I could add some machine embroidery. With the front pleat, the Sorbetto is perfect! I think I’ll use a plain silk fabric with a simple vine pattern in matching thread for an elegant touch.

Liza Kirschner

September 25, 2013 #

Lovely pattern — cannot wait to sew this!!

Deanne

October 28, 2013 #

Hi there. I have never worked with voile or lawn and really want this tank to be my first. I have an extremely long torso so I tend to stay away from a lot of tops. If I need to lengthen this pattern which I think I do finished measurements look like it would be right below my belly button how would I go about doing that?
Thanks so much for your help and the free pattern.

Marysia Paling

December 8, 2013 #

Made this in Linen and it went together beautifully.
Followed your tips for putting on the bias binding and it is beautiful and flat…………fantastic.
Will make this in Charmeuse next time I think.

Thanks for a fabulous free pattern!!

Elsie

January 24, 2014 #

Thanks for the free download. The instructions were so easy to follow however mine is a bit too loose around the bust area. My measurements are bust:39 waist: 36 and hips: 46. Any suggestions on how to fix the bust area of my Sorbetto top?

Rachelle

January 26, 2014 #

I finished my first ever wearable sewing project! The Sorbetto pattern was clear and easy to follow and I learned so much. I plan to make a second version now that I have the hang of the techniques. http://abackwardsprogress.blogspot.ca/2014/01/colette-sorbetto-v1-completed.html

angela perez

May 12, 2014 #

It seemsimple to do,,i love to sew blouces ,,an i would love to do this its beautiful simple pattern an the fab..a great looking..

Stephanie

May 13, 2014 #

Only just discovered this and I lurve it – thank you for sharing.

Alena

May 22, 2014 #

Thank you for the lovely pattern! I’m not a very experienced sewer, so I was looking for something nice, but reallt easy to sew. Sorbetto was just the thing! I should also note, that it fit to a T- such a perfect fit I’ve never met with before! The pattern will definitely be one of my favourites, also because it is easy to vary. So – thank you again!

internet lawyer

May 24, 2014 #

I’ve been browsing online more than three hours today,
yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for
me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content
as you did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.

Natalija

June 4, 2014 #

I have had this file downloaded for a while now, but didn’t try it out. My daughter wanted a 20s dress for her prom and my first attempt at a bias cut dartless bodice was a disaster. So I tried the Sorbetto. I lenghtened it, used the version without the pleat, shortened the darts a bit, lined fully and added a self-drafted hankerchief skirt. It came out great. I think we will now make more of these :) https://www.flickr.com/photos/98395249@N06/14345393595/