Women's Wrap Around Top

Wrap Around Top

Difficulty Level = Beginner

This wrap around top is perfect for pregnancy, nursing, and regular wear. The top finishes just under the bust, and the long ties wrap around the waist to cover the torso. There are two tie lengths, so you can use the shorter length for non-maternity or choose to go for full length for extra coverage and wrapping fun.  Getting dressed is a bit of an exercise but it’s worth it! The finished look is figure-hugging, comfortable, and supportive.

There are three sleeve length OPTIONs (short, ¾, and long), and an OPTIONAL nursing cami. Simply pull the top down and cami up for easy nursing access. The cami straps can be finished using the fabric strap pattern pieces provided, or by using fold over elastic (FOE). There are no fastenings and the top simply wraps and ties around the body.

Our Facebook group is a great place to get help, share your tips and creations! We are a friendly bunch, and we love to help and see what you have made.

Please read the full instructions before getting started.

Wash, dry, and press your fabric before starting your project. A bit of prep now prevents shrinking and means your garment will stay the same size you made it.

Never leave a child or baby unattended or allow to sleep in a garment made from one of our patterns with ties, snaps, buttons, or anything they could remove, choke on, or get caught on. Always use caution if you are unsure. We love our patterns, but we love your bundles of joy more!

Size Range

Womens XXS-5XL

Size Chart

This pattern is drafted to the sizes listed below. If you are between sizes, choose the larger size and adjust the pattern to remove the extra width to achieve the intended fit.

Finished Measurements (Inches)

To help you decide on OPTIONs (and to see the top & our dressing tips in action!), watch this video:

• Overall fit – The front and back section of the top is short. It should stop at crop length, 1-2 inches below the bust. The ties then wrap around the body, overlapping themselves in a random format, to hold down the bottom edges of the top and cover the rest of the torso. It is designed to be form fitting and snug.
• Measure – Please measure and use the size you fall into on the size chart. Sizing varies by designer, brand and country so please be aware it may or may not be the size you typically purchase.
• Selecting your size – If your measurements fall across several sizes, use the size on the size chart your chest falls into. That way, the chest and shoulder area will fit best.  If your waist or hips fall into a different size, pick the larger of the two and use this for the tie length. So, if your bust is a L, cut the L for the front, back, cami, shoulders, and cami binding pieces. If your waist is a M and your hips an XL, cut the straight and diagonal tie both in the XL. That way, the top will fit the chest area well, and you can wrap the ties tighter around the waist but there will be sufficient length to still comfortably wrap the ties around the hips.
• Bust – The pattern has been drafted for a sewing C cup bust. We tested the pattern with up to a J cup and found it fits well with fabric that stretches at least 40%. B cups fit well but A cups found it a little loose. That said, fit can depend on body shape as well as cup size and fabric type. So, for best fit, we recommend completing a muslin as below.
• Length – This pattern is designed for a height of 5 foot 6 inches. The finished garment top should finish 1-2 inches below the bust. The ties then wrap around the body to hip level. If you wish to lengthen or shorten the top, you will need to lengthen or shorten the front, back, and cami pieces, as well as the sleeves. For the sleeves, check the finished sleeve length in the chart above and adjust at the ¾ length cutting line. For the front, back, and cami, adjust 1 inch below the armhole. For minor length adjustments, you may find no adjustment is needed, that you can simply wrap the ties in a slightly more or less overlapped manner. Again, for best fit, we recommend completing a muslin to check for your personal body shape.
• Cami – The cami is OPTIONAL. It can be used as a nursing cami, as a modesty panel, or just for personal preference if you wish to have a cami underneath. If you choose to do the cami, it is one sided only and just covers the front bodice to the same length as the front piece. The ties will cover the rest of the torso. 
• Maternity vs non-maternity – 
  • For maternity we recommend using all three lengths of ties (2x diagonal and 1x straight) on each tie (left and right). This will give extra coverage and support and ensure the ties are long enough right up to the last part of pregnancy. 
  • For non-maternity wear (eg regular wear, not pregnant, nursing post-pregnancy), you can either use all three ties, or skip the middle straight tie and just do the two diagonal cut ties on each side. Using all three ties will give more coverage and means you can wear it both during pregnancy and after however it does give the torso a thicker appearance as you’ll find you need to wrap the ties around overlapping each other more. Using just two ties covers the full torso but gives a more slimline appearance and will feel like less layers to wear.
• Getting dressed – Getting dressed in this top can be a bit of an exercise! The ties are very long and need wrapping around the torso one at a time. Having tried the top on numerous times while fit checking the pattern, we’d recommend putting the top on, picking up one tie and placing it fully on a dresser or surface beside you so it is out of the way, then wrapping the other tie fully around the body. Tuck a piece of the tie up under itself once you get close to the end of the tie. Then take the other tie and wrap it the opposite way around the body. Take the two ends and tie together. 
• Muslin – For the best fit, make a muslin (a test garment out of inexpensive fabric) using the front and back pattern pieces only to check the fit. Omit the tie and just pull the fronts over each other to see how it fits. It should finish 1-2 inches below the bust so there is room for the ties to wrap over the fabric to hold it down.
• If you get stuck with fitting, see our favorite resources on our Pinterest Sewing Fitting Advice board.

Knit/stretch fabric 

• Your fabric needs to be a stretch/knit fabric. It can be any weight; however, best results and fit will be achieved with a medium weight fabric such as jersey, double brushed poly (DBP), cotton lycra (CL) and French terry. 
• You’ll need knit/stretch fabric for both the top and the cami top. We have listed the cami top separately in the fabric requirements in case you wish to use a different fabric, but you can use the same fabric for both.
• Both 4-way stretch (stretches both horizontally and vertically) and 2-way stretch fabrics will work. For 2-way stretch fabrics, take care to place the pattern pieces as indicated for the grainline so the stretch is going the correct direction. 
• If you are using 4-way stretch fabric and wish to conserve fabric, check if your fabric is wide enough to turn your tie sideways and cut it horizontally across the fabric, rather than running vertically down the fabric. Do not try this with 2-way stretch fabric. Fabric estimates are worked out on following the grainline, so you may find you need less if you cut using this method.
• If you are planning to nurse in the top, we would recommend a 4-way stretch fabric for both the top and the cami for comfortable nursing access.
• Your fabric will need to have at least 40% stretch to get the fit as it is designed. To check how much stretch your fabric has, take a piece of fabric and pull along its stretch. If it allows you to stretch it at least 40% longer than its original length, then it has at least 40% stretch. i.e. A 2-inch piece of fabric (unstretched) should be able to be stretched to 2.8 inches.
• The stretch recovery of your fabric is just as important as the stretch percentage. This ensures your top maintains its shape and fit for as long as possible without becoming baggy. To test the stretch recovery (elasticity), simply check that when you stretch your piece of fabric, it returns back to its original size. 

Fabric Requirements 45 inches/115 cm wide (in YARDS)

Fabric Requirements 60 inches/150 cm wide (in YARDS)

* If you are using a narrower fabric, a directional print, or a fabric with nap you may need more.
** Make sure to wash, dry, and press all fabrics before cutting out in case they shrink.

You will also need:

• OPTIONAL – Fold over elastic for the cami top straps. 2 yards will be sufficient for all sizes. Exact lengths are as per the cutting charts in the cutting instructions.
• Thread to match

Tools needed are sewing machine, scissors, pins or clips, ruler, and a needle. A serger/overlocker is OPTIONAL but not required.

Settings

The pattern is a separate download. Choose either the US letter paper, A4 paper, or A0 paper size based on the printer you wish to use. If you are in the US or Canada then your printer will likely use US letter paper. Other regions normally use A4 paper. Some people prefer to print their patterns at a print shop: A0 is best in this case.

Print at 100%.

On the second page, you will find a 1-inch and a 3-inch square test box. Print this page first, on its own, and measure these squares.

Once you are happy that the test box is accurate, print the rest of the pattern pages.

Please follow this video for information and assistance on assembling this pattern.

Also, please note that some Rebecca Page patterns and projects also come with cut files and a printable design page which you can use to plan your project if you wish. These are provided in a separate section below to avoid any confusion!

Cut each of the pieces according to the directions on the pattern piece. Seam allowances are all included so just cut them as is.

If you are doing the OPTIONAL cami top, you will need binding for the straps and neckline. You can either use fold over elastic (FOE) or cut binding from fabric. If you are using fold over elastic, use the Cami Strap Binding and Cami Neck Binding pattern pieces as a guide for length to cut.

Cutting Charts – All pattern pieces are included, however if you prefer to cut using a cutting chart, the dimensions for the rectangular pieces (in INCHES) are below: 

NOTE – If you are using Fold Over Elastic for the Cami, use the lengths listed above as a length guide.

Cutting Checklist: 

• 1x Back 
• 2x Front (1x mirror image pair)
• OPTIONAL – 2x Straight Tie (1x mirror image pair) – use for maternity or extra coverage OPTION
• 4x Diagonal Tie (2x mirror image pairs)
• 2x Sleeves (1x mirror image pair) to the short, ¾ or long sleeve cutting lines
• OPTIONAL – 1x Cami
• OPTIONAL – 1x Cami Neck Binding
• OPTIONAL – 2x Cami Strap Binding

NOTE – To cut fabric on the fold, fold your fabric over parallel to the selvage edges. Align the pattern piece so it is on the fold of the fabric. Cut around the edges, leaving the fold. If you have folded your fabric correctly the fold will be parallel to the two edges of the fabric that are finished. The raw edges (e.g. the ones you could pick at and threads would come off) will be at a right angle to your fold.

Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabrics

Using a serger is not a necessity to sew with knit fabrics! Here are a few tips to get the best results on a regular sewing machine:

• Use a ball point needle of a size appropriate to your fabric when working with knits – The ball point needle has a slightly rounded tip and will prevent damaging the fibre. Use ball point pins or clips and, if you can’t, use regular pins into the seam allowance and you should be just fine.
• Use a stretch stitch – You can use either a short and narrow zigzag or a stretch stitch (lightning bolt stitch) for construction. Test on a scrap of fabric to find which stitch and tension settings work best for you. You don’t want the fabric to pucker under your stitches.
• Your machine might have many fancy stretch stitches and you are welcome to play with them, but often the basic zigzag or stretch stitch are just right.
• Use a walking foot – Using a walking-foot is not a necessity but it is highly recommended when working on a stretchy knit. The walking-foot helps to prevent one layer of fabric from stretching out while sewing. Both layers of fabrics are fed at the same time under your needle.
• Reduce your presser foot tension – Some machines will allow you to change your presser foot tension. Check your manual to see how to reduce your presser foot tension. Reducing tension will prevent your fabric from stretching while it goes through the machine.
• Use a ballpoint twin-needle (double needle) for top stitching – Using a twin-needle will give you a regular double line of straight stitches on the right side and a short and stretchy zig zag on the wrong side. Alternatively, if you don’t own a twin needle, you can use a medium size zig zag stitch for hemming and topstitching. I like to lengthen my stitch a little when top stitching with the twin needle. Test on a scrap of fabric to find what works best for you.
• Finishing the seams – Because knits don’t fray, it isn’t strictly necessary to finish your seams. That being said, you will achieve a more polished and durable look if you do an overcasting or zigzag stitch on your raw edges.

Here is an example of some of the stitches you could use.
From left to right: Ballpoint twin-needle, narrow zigzag, stretch stitch (lightning bolt), overcasting.

⅜ inch seam allowance included

Sewing –

1. OPTIONAL CAMI – The OPTIONAL Cami can be finished by either Binding or using Fold Over Elastic (FOE). Place the Cami wrong side up and then place the Binding piece on top of it with the wrong side up. Pin in place and then stitch. Press the seam allowance up and then wrap the Binding around the front. Pin the Binding in place and stitch close to the folded edge. Place the strap Binding wrong side down along the wrong side of the armhole edge, pin in place, and stitch. Press the seam allowance up toward the Binding and then wrap the Binding around to the front. Pin the Binding in place and stitch along the folded edge and up the strap. Repeat for the other Strap. Stitch FOE along front top edge. Then stitch FOE along the front armhole edge and up for the Strap. Repeat for the other Strap. Serge the bottom edge to finish (OPTIONAL). Fold the bottom hem under and stitch in place. Check Strap length against your body. Place the Cami face up, then place the front pieces on top. Baste the Straps to the center of the front shoulders.
2. SHOULDERS – With the right sides together, pin the Front to the Back along the shoulders, and then serge or stitch. If you chose to add the Cami, make sure that the Strap is sewn in the seam. OPTIONAL – Serge up the Front edge, around the neckline, and down the other Front edge to finish.
3. TIES – Place the two or three Tie pieces with the right sides together, to make one long piece. For the long Tie, there should be a diagonal piece at either end, a straight piece in the middle, and if you fold it in half, it will be a mirror image of itself. Serge or stitch the Tie pieces together. Repeat for the other Tie. For each of the Ties it is OPTIONAL to finish the edge by serging the top long edge and both short edges. Turn the top edge under and press. Top stitch along the top edge of the Ties from the edge that will attach to the Front, to half way along the top.
4. ATTACH TIES – With the right sides together, pin the Tie onto the Front. The Tie and Front will be at right angles to each other and there will be a point sticking out by the length of the seam allowance. Stitch the Tie to the Front, do NOT serge. Repeat for the other Tie. Press the seam allowance toward the top. Press the Front edge and neckline seam toward the wrong side of the top. Top stitch all the way around the Front edge and neckline. 
5. SLEEVES – With the right sides together, pin the sleeve to the armscye at the notch. Ease in the Sleeve and pin throughout. Serge or stitch the Sleeve to the top. Repeat for the other Sleeve.
6. SIDE SEAMS – If you are doing the Cami, pin it to the Front pieces along the side seams, starting from the underarm and working down the side. Make sure the Straps are not twisted and baste in place. With the right sides together, place the Front and Back with the right sides together, and pin along the Sleeves and down the side seam. Serge or stitch together. Repeat for the other side seam.
7. HEMS – OPTIONAL – serge along the bottom edge to finish. Turn the hem under and press. Topstitch from where you left off in step 3, along the bottom long edge, up the short edge, along the bottom long edge, up the short edge of the other Tie and along to where you left off on the other Tie in step 3. Turn the Sleeve hem under, press and topstitch. Repeat for the other Sleeve.

Congratulations, your Wrap Around Top is done. Enjoy! 

We would love to hear how you got on and see photos of your finished project!

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