Pattern and Instructions: The Sphinx Top
The Sphinx Top is proof that a knit T-shirt top can still feel utterly glamorous—with the right detailing!
Inspired by the sculptural knit gowns of Madame Grès and the unforgettable black dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, this clever design brings a touch of Old Hollywood drama to the comfort of a modern knit tee.
The front neckline crosses and drapes softly across the bust, then wraps around the back to an elegant keyhole opening. The pattern is designed to allow a necklace (or big fabric bow) to slide through the crossover, just like Marilyn's!
The pattern includes two sleeve lengths and can easily pair with either of the two skirts from my upcoming book, Gertie Sews Glam Knits, to create an iconic knit dress that looks straight out of a mid-century wardrobe. It's also lovely as a separate top.
IMPORTANT: You'll find the tiled file (for printing at home on A4 or letter size sheets and taping together) and the A0 file (for printing at a copy shop like ThePlottedPattern.com). Please note that we have two size blocks, so make sure to download the correct files for the size you're making. If you have any questions about which size to sew, don't forget to read our blog post with all the details!
Don't forget to share your makes with the hashtags #sphinxtop and #charmpatterns!
xoxo,
Gertie
Comments (73)
Where can I find directions on how to make that fantastic bow? Also, of course how to put it on and have it stay in place.
I’m in favor of more tops! I love those one!
Printing and cutting mine out this week! I'm with Marion, I literally have a few knits that have been WAITING for a pattern like this!! Let's go, bring on the glam knits, Gertie!
This is not something I ever say…. Get ready…. “I think I have 2 fabrics already that would be perfect for this top!” Such a foreign concept for me.
My grandmother, who was a runway model in the late 30/early 40s, fashionable and gorgeous Lithuanian woman until the day she died at 89, and an expert seamstress, only wore Grès Cabochard. When I really miss her I dab it on and talk to her old modeling photos I have on my wall.
Late on happy comment this month because I’ve had such a busy week (the life of an editor 😱), but this is fantastic. I can hardly wait to make it.
I absolutely love it😍
I love this so much. A tiny bit annoyed the matching skirt pattern to make a dress isn’t one (of the many…. ) I already have, but I will probably go ahead and get the new book too😅
O. M. G. I believe I have won the lottery. This is the one I wanted! Please run, don't walk, and watch the departure scene in Gentleman Prefer Blondes and channel that Lorelei Lee confidence! Now off to search for the perfect fabric...
Have already sewn it up! The collar is very doable (I am so glad there is a video), but EVERY notch and circle is very important.
Love, love, love!!!
Yesss Suzie you are giving everything, you look amazing luv all of your looks.
Pre ordered your new book and this t-shirt is going to become an adorably glamorous addition to my wardrobe.
Obsessed!
Amazing
Just stunning!!!
I have already reserved my copy of your book on Bookshop and look forward to seeing it in May!
Gorgeous xxx
Sorry, I'm so stoked about this pattern but also so exhausted right now so I couldn't find information on how to make the bow? I absolutely love this top (and can't wait for Gertie's new book to make the dress version!)
It's just an interfaced self lined rectangle. It's in a comment next to the picture
I can't wait to make this top!!! 😻
What a cutie!! I’m gonna print this out now and bust out something from the stash!
Ohhhh my gawd I love it!!!
Soooo fabulous! I’m definitely going to Frankenhack this into a bodysuit. I’m confused about the stretch% of the fabric though, the ITY they used for the samples( from FWD) is only 20% horizontal and 40% vertical! This is pretty different from the 50+% horizontal stretch and little to no vertical stretch. Any insights ?
Would this work with the Claudette skirt?
This is my question too😍
So beautiful!
Gorgeous. I don't have any solid knits only prints. I wonder if this would work with DBP?
Sooooo gorgeous ❤️
I LOVE THIS!!! Omgosh, this might just become competition with me beloved Hepburn top.
The bow in the contrast color is gorgeous!
I know that the biography isn’t meant to be comprehensive, but I do wish that it would have been noted that Madame Grés was Jewish. This strongly influenced her resolve to resist Nazi rule through her fashion even though she had more to lose than the average person by not complying. One of her dresses from this time has two tiny Stars of David stitched to the inside, which is so incredibly badass.
This makes me wonder if this rather modest neckline was influenced by her faith? Its such a beautiful and feminine style, yet it allows any lady of faith who prefers a more modest fashion to feel included. Mazel Tov! Love it!
Yes! Yes! Yes! I have been recently drawn to this neckline, and this is perfect!
goodness this is fabulous. i love it so much. i want a hundred of these. 😻
OK, I saw the name, and while waiting for the pictures to load, I was thinking something like, "Hmm, a top? That doesn't sound super interesting. What could possibly be new and special that we haven't already seen from Gertie that's just a top?" Pfft!! I stand corrected!! Gorgeous, I'm in love, and thank you so much for making this!! I've always dreamed of this (bc of Marilyn) and shame on me for doubting Team Charm!
This pattern is beautiful 😍 I can't wait to make it to tide me over until the book is released and delivered 😍 I LOVE sewing with knits and I know they are divisive amount sewists so im so happy to get a whole book on them from my favorite designer 😍✨️
Goodness it’s beautiful! However it’s quite frightening to imagine how to apply my usual changes to the pattern. I always need to take about an inch length from the upper portion of the bodice, between shoulders and bust apex. Any suggestions? 😭
Hi Maria! I also have to make that change for a short shoulder joint. I am going to take a look at the pattern pieces today to see if I can figure out the best way to remove 3/4” between the shoulder and bust apex. You’re the first person I’ve “met” that also needs to make this alteration!
Lovely😍
So in love with this!! and the sleeve length! Going to be printing this today!
Love love love this! Makes my Marilyn Monroe loving heart happy!
This is perfect! i jus pre-ordered the book yesterday, I can't wait!
The awesomeness continues- I know I’ve said this every month so far but this is the BEST GERTIE YEAR EVER!!!
🤯
Love this pattern!!!!!
Okay, this is awesome.
Love this!! Especially with the bow!!!!
Ooh, I like this!
This is so so perfect I’m gonna cry, thank you Gertie !!!
Love love love ❤️ 😍 💖
This is perfect for everyday casual/workwear!
The Bow ! Im beyond delighted
The bow!!! The bow!!!
LOVE THIS!!! What do we do if we want to make a dress version but can’t wait for the book for the skirt pattern?? 😬
The Claudette skirt would have a similar vibe.
This is absolutely beautiful!
OMGoddess, it’s instant love! I feel like it would also pair well with the Claudette skirt!
Can something be understated and DIVA at the same time?? I already loved it but I feel so inspired by the black top with the necklace threaded through the twist, it's so glamorous
I despise knits but I love love love this top and omg the dress Gertie is wearing. Guess the new Knit book wont just be on the shelf as part of the collection after all.
Well, I know what I'm sewing this bank holiday weekend 😍😍😍
OMGOBSESSED
Wow! This is incredible! ❤️
It’s sooo perfect!! Just what my wardrobe needs! Thank you!!!
And I preordered the book when you launched it so I am super excited to make the dress version now! Perfect for summer graduation parties!!!
Oh I do like this!
This is out of this world!!!
😍😍😍
Love it!!!! So elegant and timeless-- I've wanted something like this for forever 😍🥰 thank you, Gertie!!!
I need that red dress today 😍
Beautiful 😍
The way I SCREAMED at this neckline and dress, perfection!!!!!! Thank you for this beautiful pattern!!!! ❣️❣️❣️
Same. Best thing I’ve seen for a long time!