How to Draw an Off-Shoulder Top Pattern for Sewing or Crocheting

Check out the step-by-step instructions below and learn how to make a pattern without any hassle!
By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 18, 2023
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Off-shoulder tops have been a vibe for a while and it seems the style is here to stay. The style is casual, glamorous, fun and flirty. Anyone can pull off the look with pants or a skirt. Off-shoulder tops come in different designs; from the free flowing ones with ruffles and frills to the perfectly fitting ones with long sleeves. You can also make an off-shoulder crop top pattern to wear with a maxi skirt for a Bohemian look or with fitting jeans for a chic look.

Making an off-shoulder top is not rocket science. Even a beginner sewist can create the look. Even the materials and tools needed for the project aren’t sophisticated. In fact, if you already have a sewing machine a complete sewing kit and fabric, you are good to go. In this article, we will take you through the process of creating an off-the shoulder top pattern so you can be able to make any design you want including the popular off-shoulder crop top and peasant patterns.

Measurements You Need to Take

Measurements are the most critical part of making anything. For the main body of the top you will need two identical rectangles. The first measurement should be your desired length. Call it A. Measure from above your bust where you want the top to sit down to where you want it to end. Add 2 inches to the measurement for seam and hem allowance.

For your rectangles’ width measure right above your bust all the way round. Call this Measurement B. Ensure each of your rectangles is this wide both front and back. This will make a very wide top.

If you don’t want it so big, lose a few inches from this measurement at this point.

On the left and right sides of the rectangles, mark 3 inches along the top edge and 5 inches down the side. Connect the 2 marked points with a curve and cut them out to make armholes.

For the ruffle part of the top, you will need two identical rectangles again. Measure all the way around your shoulders and call it measurement C. Each rectangle should be equally wide. The last measurement (D) should be how long you want the ruffle. You can make it 10 inches or longer. Remember to add a few inches to the measurement for the hem and seam allowance.

If you are making the top for commercial purposes, you can refer to the chart below for the correct measurements for the most common sizes 36, 40, and 44;

Line
Size 36 40 44
Chest Girth 84cm 92cm 100cm
Waist Girth 68cm 76cm 84cm
Hip girth 94cm 100cm 106cm
Back waist length 41.4cm 41.8cm 42.2ccm
Length 47.8cm 48.6cm 49.8cm

Sewing an Off the Shoulder Top

Once you have made accurate measurements, sewing should be a breeze. Here is how to go about it;

What You Will Need

How to Draw an Off-Shoulder Top Pattern for Sewing or Crocheting

Some of the essentials you will need for this project include;

  • A sewing machine. If you don’t have one already, look up the best sewing machine with amazing and easy to use features.
  • ¼ inch elastic as long as your shoulder’s circumference measuring.
  • At least 1.5 yards of fabric of your choice.
  • Rotary cutter and cutting mat
  • Cotton thread
  • Sewing pins
  • Reverse pattern foot

Making a Pattern

After gathering everything you need for the project, you can get on with making the off shoulder top sewing pattern. If you are not up for the task, you can easily buy a sewing pattern like the popular McCall’s ladies easy sewing pattern. You can use it to create off shoulder tops, tunics and dresses. The pattern is incredibly affordable and comes in a wide range of sizes.

If you are a Die-hard DIYer then you can create the pattern yourself using a template. The template constitutes four rectangles, two identical ones for the top’s body and two other identical ones for the ruffles.

After taking accurate measurements and making armholes as directed above you can begin to sew your pattern. Add 1 inch to your armholes measurements for hem allowance then sew the front and back pieces with the right sides facing each other.

For the ruffle, cut a piece of fabric that is double your shoulder circumference for the width and 8 inches for the length. Add ¼ or 1/2 inches for the hem to the length measurements. Divide the shoulder circumference by 2 then sew the sides and the hem with the right sides facing each other. Turn the tops body wrong side out then attach the finished ruffle to it wrong side out using pins. Create a casing for the elastic Trusted Source How to Sew an Elastic Casing – Love to Sew Learn to Sew An elastic casing can be both functional and decorative. Used on skirts and trousers it can be an excellent way of creating fit and adding detail. When it comes to creating the casing for the elastic to fit into there are two basic methods you can use. The first method, is I suppose, a more… sewmesomethingblog.com at the top of the ruffle, insert it then use a zigzag stitch to secure it.

Crocheting an Off the Shoulder Top

Crotchet is a wardrobe must have and it is not limited to sweaters and winter wear only. You can make cute crotchet off shoulder tops in different colors to spruce up your wardrobe. If you have some crotchet skill then this will be eazy-pizzy for you. If you are new to crocheting, then you will experience a learning curve, but practice makes perfect.

What You Will Need

Some of the essentials you will need for the project include;

  • At least 180gm or 400 yards of yarn
  • A pair of scissors.
  • A 4mm crotchet hook
  • Stitch markers
  • A tape measure
  • Yarn needle

Making a Pattern

How to Draw an Off-Shoulder Top Pattern for Sewing or Crocheting

After you have gathered the materials and tools needed, you can make the off-shoulder crotchet top pattern. You can also skip the entire process by getting an off-shoulder knit top sewing pattern like the famous McCall’s patterns misses. It is super-easy to use thanks to the sewing instructions included. You also get pattern pieces.

To crotchet the off-shoulder top;

  • Begin by making a slip knot then make a chain that is long enough to cover your body (Take accurate measurements of your body for the top as instructed above).
  • Hold the last chain and make two more chains then do a double crotchet on the first of the 2 last chains. Repeat the procedure along the entire chain to make as many rows as the entire length and width of your top as well as the sleeves. Be sure to finish every row with a slip knot.
  • Once you are done crocheting the body and sleeves of your top, sew them together using a yarn needle.

Final Thoughts

An off-shoulder top is almost becoming as essential as a little black dress for a woman. Mostly it’s because anyone can wear it and style it in different ways. Also, it can be worn as a casual or glamorous look. If you have a sewing machine and a complete sewing kit you can easily make one for yourself. Making the off-shoulder top pattern is a breeze if you take accurate measurements. You can make any design you want, from a free flowing one with ruffles or frills to a body hugging one with long sleeves. You can even make cute crotchet designs.

You need some basic sewing and crotchet skills for the best results. If you are completely new to sewing and crocheting then you better look up a few tutorials. Also, if you find starting from scratch too involving, you can make one from a t-shirt that you love by cutting out its neckline and creating an elastic band on the top edge.

References

1.
How to Sew an Elastic Casing – Love to Sew Learn to Sew
An elastic casing can be both functional and decorative. Used on skirts and trousers it can be an excellent way of creating fit and adding detail. When it comes to creating the casing for the elastic to fit into there are two basic methods you can use. The first method, is I suppose, a more…
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