Belted Cowl Neck Top

This Parisienne-inspired top by Amanda Walker is ideal for beginners, with only two simple pattern pieces. The combination of beautiful drape, a cowl neck, and tie-to-fit belt creates an effortless yet flattering silhouette on any shape. Don't be tempted to ignore the guideline dots around the neckline – they make it much easier to sew!

Essentials

Fabric, 1.5m x 1.7m

Sizes

Custom-sized

Dimensions List

Front: cut one on fold
Back: cut one on fold
Tie belt: cut one 10cm x 180cm strip
1.5cm seam allowance used unless otherwise specified.

1 Download and print the pattern at sewmag.co.uk/templates. Cut a 4cm x 30cm bias strip from the main fabric and create single-fold bias binding.

2 Lift one side of the bias strip and position it around the back neckline, right sides together, matching the raw edges. Pin, then sew along the creased line. Fold the strip to the wrong side and pin along the stitch line. Edgestitch or slip stitch by hand, sandwiching the raw edge of the neckline inside the binding. Trim the excess binding at the edges of the shoulders.

3 Neaten the edges of the back shoulder seams and across the shoulders and neckline of the front. Stitch the shoulder seams together, matching the ends of the back neckline to the dots on the front neckline. Press the seam allowance open, folding the neck facing inside.

4 Neaten the edges of the side seams. Sew the side seams together, then press the seams open. Turn a 3cm hem around the armholes and hand-stitch in place. Neaten the hem at the base of the top in the same way.

5 For the tie belt, fold the 10cm x 180cm strip in half lengthways, right sides together, and stitch along it with a 1cm seam allowance, leaving a gap towards the centre. Trim the corners, turn right side out, then slip stitch the gap closed.