Collette 'Sorbetto' sleeveless top

A free pattern for a sleeveless top, women's sizes 0-18. Pattern download here.

The sleeveless top is designed with a large center-front pleat and finished at the neckline and armholes with exposed bias facing.

I sewed this top in size 4, lengthened the pattern pieces 2.5" and took a fair bit in at the waist. It was too straight/ boxy for me as it was. I also omitted the central pleat. I am really happy with the overall fit and appearance, but the armholes are too tight. Not constricting uncomfortable too tight, but tight enough that I know they would end up with deodorant smudges if the fabric were a lighter color and will probably end up all sweaty in high summer.

I used a lightweight, somewhat stretchy fabric my husband bought at a market in Kyoto, Japan... no idea what it is. I would guess from its behavior while sewing that it's at least mostly cotton.

The pattern says you need 1.5 yards for this, but I managed with one meter (1.1 yds), including cutting bias strips from the same fabric (although I had to cut a lot of short ones!) having omitted the pleat and gotten creative with the cutting layout.

I will almost certainly sew this again, with slightly dropped arm scythes. There are lots of design change ideas out there to inspire!

SNS here.