As working from home becomes the new normal during this COVID outbreak, it’s likely that we’re about to see a whole new wave of comfy chic fashion. Personally, I cannot complain. To get a head start on this, we’ve created the Wilder Top, with a slightly batwing silhouette and no pesky closures. Simply tie this on over your favorite pair of jeans for an adorable look that can easily transition into this summer with lightweight fabrics like linen or voile.
Purchase Materials Used Below:
- 2 yards Sanremo Mint and Beige Two-Tone Linen Woven
- MDF198 – The Wilder Top Sewing Pattern (free download below!)
All seam allowances are 1/2″ unless otherwise stated. See chart below for sizing specifications. Note, this specific pattern is available up to a size 30.
First, attach your two shirt panels at the center back using a French seam. Press your seam to one side and then sew up the sides and sleeves similarly. Note: The back seam is the edge that goes across pages 8 & 13 on the first layout page.
I recommend clipping the seam allowance at the curve where the sleeve meets the sides to ensure that the fabric doesn’t pull when the shirt is turned right side out.
At the bottom of each sleeve fold the raw edge up and inward 1/2″ followed by 2″ and pin. Stitch along the top edge of the fold, like you see below, as well as 1/3″ down. Leave a small opening at the sleeve seam to feed your elastic through.
Feed 5″-7″ of elastic through each casing, depending on your preference. Stitch the ends together and then stitch the remainder of the casings closed.
Finish the bottom and top/neckline of your shirt with a small rolled hem. Separately, hem each of your shirt ties as well.
Attach each shirt tie to the center front edges of your shirt with a French seam, gathering between the guides on your pattern.
Tie your shirt on and you’re new garment is ready to show off! Will you be giving the Wilder a try? Let me know what fabric types you’re considering in the comments!
56 comments
So cute! Planning to make this for my sister. What size is your elastic? 1/4″?
Yes, I used 1/4″ elastic, but that can be tricky to find at the moment with everyone making face masks. You can also use wider elastic – you’ll just need to make stitches for the casing wider apart.
Ahhhhh this is fab. I’m worried about how it might make my chesty self look, but I suppose I could always do a hidden closure?
I’ve just finished making this, it turned out beautifully and was modest enough! I’m a 32 DD and have no concerns about coverage. The gap in the front is only about an inch or two.
Do you remember what size you picked. I’m same bust size ?
I couldn’t possibly wear this without a bra! I plan to use hook-and-eye closures up the front and adding about 1/4′ – 3/8″ to both side-fronts to accommodate closing the fronts to meet.
I did the same! I also added a couple snaps at the bottom where the ties meet to make sure it doesn’t gap open. It’s super cute on top of a bralette or a crop top, too..
I’m new to using these patterns, for the seam allowance do I have to add that or is that already included in the pattern?
A 1/2″ seam allowance is already included. 🙂
Does the mood box in the pdf equal exactly 2 inches
Yes, it should! If yours is slightly off, you may need to adjust the scale on your printer.
Could this be made in a stretch fabric instead?
Hi, Gemma – I’ve never tried it in a stretch fabric, but I imagine you could!
Exactly the style of shirt I was looking for! Soooooo cute! Thank you for being so creative Courtney!
Fabulous Pattern! I am currently working on it. Do both the front bottom of the shirt and the tie part get gathered or only the tie?
I gathered both! 🙂
When your last name is Wilder, you can’t help but get drawn to this
Is this cut 2 for front and back? Or just if 2 overall?
I’m confused on where the back seam is on this pattern
Hi Sandrine! It’s just cut 2 overall. The back seam is the edge that goes across pages 8 & 13 on the first layout page.
I downloaded and cut out the pattern. It is making no sense to me. There are no back panels. It doesn’t look like the garment at all. There is no clear collar line and the ‘arms’ are different lengths. Please explain the pattern. Thank you.
Hi Shar, the back seam of the shirt is the edge that goes across pages 8 & 13 on the front layout page of the pattern.
I made a mini mini and finally figured it out. I’m new to patterns. Thank you for explaining it. Now it makes total sense.
Hi!
So excited to start sewing this, but would French seams work on the curves? I’ve never sewed a French seam on a curve, only straight seams, and am afraid it might bunch..
Also, how should I clip the seam allowance at the curve where the sleeve meets the sides? Is that where the underarm area would be? I am having trouble visualising this.
Thank you x
Hi! Yes, the curve where the sleeve meets the sides is where the underarm area is. For mine, I used French seams without issue – but I did still clip the seam allowance at the curve. It’s not as clean inside along the curve as the rest of the seams, but it keeps the curve from bunching on the outside and the majority of the inside of the garment still look very clean! 🙂
I am going to use cotton voile. I think I may try and face the front edge. I think the the bias cut may stretch too much and gap. I would also suggest that the directions include stay stitching and cutting the ties much longer than the pattern if you want the lovely, big bow tie.
How much longer did you cut the ties?
I thoroughly enjoyed making this top, came out beautifully. I can’t wait to see my daughter in it, it’s for her 30th birthday.
this is the perfect addition to my ‘modern outlander’ inspired wardrobe. #sassenach
That sounds amazing!
That sounds great do you have a page on Instagram so i can see how it turned out. Thanks
This is super cute. I wondered if there was a hashtag for this or if you might consider creating hashtags for your patterns so that we can all see other people’s versions of these patterns on Instagram. I usually search for a pattern’s hashtag before I decide to make or buy it so I can see how it might look in other fabrics, other body shapes, etc. to see if it will work for me or not. Just a thought. If there was already a hashtag that I didn’t notice, I’d love for someone to point it out to me. Thanks!
There’s a hashtag on the first page of each pattern! 🙂
Could I make this in a Rayon Fabric? I am new to sewing and I have this really beautiful 1940s style floral rayon. I was planning on making the cress skirt with it and a little wrap top. would that skirt look good with this top or do you have any suggestions on another style top that would go together for a cute 2 piece outift?
Hi Nataleigh, I think a rayon would look lovely, but be sure that it’s a woven. If it has some stretch too it, it might be tricky, especially for the skirt. I think this would look adorable with the Cress Skirt though! Someone also recently made the Cress Skirt with our Serissa Top, which is another wrap shirt pattern we have. I can’t wait to hear how your outfit comes out! 🙂
So I finally figured out the top and it looks great thanks for a wonderful pattern
if I were to print out the full pattern at a printing shop instead of printing out multiple A4 pages and taping them together at home what size paper should I print it on?
Hi Bella! Our PDFs are sized for US Letter, 8.5″x11″
Hi, thank you for the many amazing free patterns.
I have a general question concerning the french seems you use often to make the projects. Do I have to alter the already included allowance (add more) or will it work with the already included 1/2 inch? I learned that this allowance might be a little small but I don’t just want to alter the pattern and end up with an ill fitting garment. Thank you!
Hi Maria! I’ve never had a problem with 1/2″ seam allowance when using thinner fabrics (such as the linen here). I typically only add additional seam allowance for bulkier items like coats and denim. 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Is the size chart you use for this pattern the same for every other pattern on your website? Thanks for all the free patterns by the way! They’re all so beautiful!
Hi Sienna, thank you! 🙂 And yes, we use the same size chart for all our patterns!
Made this pattern a couple times now. Both times there was an *intense* gaping problem at the front which I had to fix in the gathers at the tie portion of the blouse. Also just to be safe I closed with a hook and eye near the tie. The type of gather I was supposed to use was a bit unclear in the instructions/pattern, so I ended up doing fork pleats for the blouse and no gathers at all for the ties.
I’m finishing up this top today! Sadly I cut the pattern a little too small.. I’m using a navy blue georgette and despite being a little snug it’s super cute and was an easy pattern to follow! I plan to wear this over a silk camisole with a high waisted midi skirt. Thanks for sharing this pattern!
I made this shirt in two days of casual sewing(so it’s a nice quick project). I have a problem with gaping in the front and the waist is too low for me and the measurements arent perfect. However, I made it in a very sheer fabric so it can be a cover-up for the beach and such and for that purpose it’s wonderful. I did all french seams so I wouldn’t see any raw edges(my fabric frays very easily). If I tie it up. it looks better.
This was a lovely and easy sew which I made in a cotton sateen. The belt tie and arms are too short for me but with 2 metres of fabric (and due to a larger sizing (size 18) there’s not a lot fabric left to make the alterations. I would have also like to make a more dramatic sleeve but due to fabric width that wasn’t possible.
Any tips would be welcome
I’ve had my eye on this pattern for some time, and finally downloaded it. My plan is to make the Palm Jumpsuit out of forest green stretch velvet, and the Wilder Top from a white organza with holly berries and leaves in the design. It will be for next Christmas 2022 parties/concerts(hopefully.)
I love your patterns!
Thanks, Courtney
Is the seam allowence already acounted for or do ad it?
A 1/2″ seam allowance is already included! 🙂
Love the look of this, definitely plan on giving this one a go! For now I will have to wait for a delivery of printer ink, I wonder would Mood ever do patterns with instructions on how to scale up the pattern from the online image? Would love to save on printer paper & ink! 🙂
Hi! I am such a fan of Mood Sewciety. I am from Cape Town and I am constantly making a Mood design. Thank you for your awesome patterns but mostly thank you for giving it freely.
Just finished sewing this top – amazing out of just two pieces of fabric (plus the ties), everything is on the bias so it really hangs beautifully. Next time will make the ties double sided if using such a fine linen again.
The secret is to keep it loose so it hangs well. However now will need to make a camisole tow ear under it as at my age -70 showing all that be rather a grim sight!! Made a shaped skirt to match so will be a gorgeous outfit to wear for the summer – even if still in isolation – LOL
Once you get the hang of the pattern – like origami it is really simple to sew (I used an overlocker for the seams).
Thank you for such an elegant pattern!!!
I am looking forward to making this beautiful shirt for myself.
I made this top with chitenge (african wax print) fabric and it came out beautiful. This is the first mood pattern I’ve tried and it qas so easy to follow. Love from Zambia , Africa.
Could this be constructed by cutting the center back on the fold to save a step and ensure symmetry? Would cutting this way cause issues?
Hi Pix! You can absolutely do that, just remove the seam allowance for the folded edge. 🙂