Confident beginner · 3–5 hours · 9 steps
How to sew a wrap top
A wrap top adjusts itself to your body, which makes it very forgiving to fit — and slightly fussy to sew, because the long diagonal front edges are cut partly on the bias and want to stretch. Handling them gently is most of the job.
How it's constructed
- Silhouette
- Fitted through the bust, crossing at the front
- Front edges
- Diagonal, finished with binding or a facing
- Shaping
- Bust darts or gathers at the shoulder
- Closure
- Two ties, one passing through a side seam opening
- Sleeves
- Short set-in or flutter sleeves
Fabrics that work
- Viscose, Tencel or rayon challis for the drape wraps need
- Cotton voile for a crisper summer version
- Light jersey if you want it to stretch with you
What you'll need
- Matching thread
- Bias binding, or fabric to cut your own
- Stay tape for the front edges
The steps, in order
- 01
Cut carefully and mark the tie opening
Cut the two front pieces, back, sleeves and two long tie strips. Mark on the side seam where the tie will pass through.
- 02
Stay-tape the diagonal front edges
Press narrow stay tape or a strip of fusible interfacing along each front edge. This is the single change that stops a wrap top stretching out and gaping.
- 03
Sew the bust darts
Stitch the darts to a fine point and press them downwards so they follow the body.
- 04
Join the shoulder seams
Stitch front to back at the shoulders, finish the allowances and press towards the back.
- 05
Bind the front and neck edges
Apply binding in one continuous run from the bottom of one front edge, around the neckline, and down the other. Understitch or edgestitch so it lies flat.
- 06
Set the sleeves
Attach the sleeves flat while the side seams are still open.
- 07
Sew the side seams, leaving the tie opening
Stitch each side seam but leave a 2–3 cm gap at the marked point on one side so the inner tie can pass through. Finish that opening neatly.
- 08
Make and attach the ties
Fold each tie strip in half lengthways, stitch, turn right side out and press. Attach one to each front edge at waist level.
- 09
Hem and check the wrap
Hem the body and sleeves, then tie it on and check the crossover covers you comfortably when you raise your arms.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Skipping stay tape
The bias front edges grow as you sew and the finished top will gape across the bust no matter how tightly you tie it.
Attaching the ties too low
Ties sit at your natural waist. Placed lower, the wrap pulls open at the top.
Choosing a stiff fabric
A wrap needs to fold softly. Crisp cotton twill makes the crossover stand away from the body.
Want this plan for your measurements?
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