PATTERN AND INSTRUCTIONS: The Picnic Top
Update 8/1: Please note that for the front waist dart on A-C cups only, you will need to use a 1/4" seam allowance. D-H cups will use a 5/8" seam allowance as shown in the video. The instruction file will be updated ASAP!
Update 8/3: The instructions file has been updated to reflect the change above! No other changes were made.
Here's a brand new stand-alone pattern for you! Meet the Picnic Top, a 1940s-inspired blouse to pair with skirts and shorts. This button-front top can be made in two lengths: waist or cropped. It’s fully lined and has the cutest puff sleeves. Perfect for summer backyard picnics! It's also a fun and fairly quick sew, coming together much faster than you would expect. Our A-H cup sizes will help you get the perfect fit!
Download the instructions and pattern files at the bottom of this post (note the separate files for A0 and tiled home printing; see the instructions file for more information) and make sure to watch the video tutorial in my separate post!
Scroll down to see line art and more photos. Have fun sewing these and don't forget to use the hashtag #picnictop when sharing your photos.
xoxo,
Gertie
P.S. Love the coordinating skirt? Keep an eye on my Youtube channel!
Comments (73)
Any update on when we might get this in the 18-34 size range please?
I second this! I also wonder if Gertie might ever consider releasing this pattern in child sizing so there could be a cute Mum and Daughter matching set since the skirt doesnt require a pattern and can be made any size🤔🤔🤔🙃 I really hope there is a random sleeve expansion for this also next spring/summer
is the pattern for the mask still available? and does it have a space for filter inserts?
I would like to know the answer too. I would like to make one for me, but I'm a size 24/26!!
Does anyone know when the size update will be for the picnic top? I’ve made the 20 but it’s too small so really need the 22 pattern. Definitely not confident in upsizing the pattern on my own as I’m a newbie.
I just did an up cycle on one of my grandmother’s old button ups! It’s so cute! Went with sleeveless though because I have some broad shoulders.
Maybe I’m the only one, but I noticed a huge difference between the B/C and D/DD pieces. The pattern finished measurements show a 1” difference between the 2, but I ended up closer to a 3” difference between the 2. I compared the B/C and D/DD cup pieces on other patterns and they were all the normal 1” difference. Even the waist of the D/DD was 2” larger than the B/C cup. I figured a size 10 waist should be a size 10 waist no matter the cup size.
Hello! I thought there were instructions for the picnic skirt also but can't seem to locate them--am I mistaken or is this for a different Patreon level perhaps?
There is a YouTube video of the picnic skirt with step by step instructions. Just like she did with the gathered skirt.
Is it on purpose that the shoulders doesn‘t match at least for the D/DD fromt piece? They are off by 0,5mm. There is no mention in the video that the shoulders should be eased to match 🤔
I'm finding this too (almost a year layer) the size 14 D/DD front and back shoulder seams do not match up!
Love it very much but I need to work something on the shoulders since they keep falling, any ideas that would help?
You probably need to make a shoulder seam adjustment--see if you can take a pinch out of the shoulder to get it to hug your shoulder better.
The darts for the Top Front, F/G cup seem to be miss aligned (at least on the tiled version I'm working on). The waist dart point and bust dart point are almost at the same height. I checked the other cup sizes and the bust dart is always higher up. I didn't really notice until I started sewing the muslin 😬.
I'll check this out, thanks!
Page 5 of the Instructions lists incorrect page numbers for the Pattern Piece Location Guide. Not sure id the bolded numbers are correct or the numbers for each individual piece.
Yeah, I'm having the same struggle... Not sure what all to print. It's specifically for the D/DD cup. I'm just going to print the pages it calls out.
I absolutely adore this. I can hardly wait to make it.
Wondering how to adapt for sleeveless?
I'm thinking with it being lined, you just don't include the sleeves. I haven't made it yet though. I could be wrong. :)
I purchased the largest 3 ring binder Office Max had. Bought clear pockets for the tissue pattern and a clear sleeve for the instructions. Still not sure how to store the heave paper pattern as I've tapedt hem all together, but I'm sure an idea wil come.
So excited to get started on this one. I have a question though. How is everyone storing their PDF patterns? My Harlow was printed at home and I don't want to ruin it by storing it the wrong way. Hubby keeps looking at t as it's currently draped across the livingroom.
I just fold them up and keep them in a ringbinder, in those clear pockets. They get a bit bulky for bigger patterns, but it's not too bad.
I’ll need to figure out how to put some kind of a skirt on it to make it into a peplum top or babydoll top.... I can’t do cropped tops.
Or you could make it a little longer at the waist and make it a whole picnic dress.
also i love how sassy Melisha always looks!!
cutting it out now!!!
Love it!
I love this top! The rainbow plaid is gorgeous. Do you think this pattern would be suitable for an uneven plaid? I have some (non-patchwork) madras in my stash that would be great to use for this if reasonable :)
Sure! I would do some test run layouts and see if you like it.
Lady you need to slow down I can't sew this fast!! j/k Thanks for cranking out so many amazing patterns.
I'm finishing my Loretta pants and was wishing for a top like this to go with it. So perfect, yay!
Holy Heck! You guys are a gift that keeps on giving (I was going to say your Patreon, but honestly, I think it’s just you)! Thank you once again. This top is perfection and I cannot wait to add it into my wardrobe. X
What a wonderful surprise! I totally forgot today was August 1st. With our temps in the 80s and 90s this past week in Seattle area, I really need to make this quickly! Thanks for all your hard work and cute outfits! 😁❤️
Love! Any hints on the yardage for the skirt? I'm already sourcing fabric :-D
You make it to your desired fullness and length! I used 4.25 yards for mine.
🥰🥰🥰 really loooooove this!!!!
I’m in love! 😻😻😻 Is the rainbow one waist or crop lenght?
Cropped! You shouldn’t see midriff skin in the waist length version.
Agh, where did that rainbow gingham come from? I must have it!
It’s from the Mood Los Angeles store 🌈
Will the bishop sleeves from Rita fit this pattern?
No because Rita is a raglan sleeve while this is set in. You could use the bishop sleeve from Night and Day since that is also a set in sleeve.
The rainbow gingham is so cute!
Great summery photo set and the cutest top design! Looks like it will be cool and comfortable to wear, without being super revealing. I'm in love with the rainbow gingham too. Is that a Gertie fabric?
It’s from the Mood Los Angeles store 🌈
Egads! I forgot today was the first so what a pleasant surprise to pick up the day!!! 😀
Wow ! Love this pattern! Perfect for summer
Wow thanks for this amazing pattern 😍😍
Would you be able to tell us the yardage requirements for the new skirt pattern? I want to order my fabric right now! This is the cutest set.
You make it to your desired fullness and length! I used 4.25 yards for mine.
Literally spent a week looking for things other than bodysuits to wear with pencil skirts and lorettas without the tuck or untuck issue...and just got a new sewing machone that even sews on buttons! This is amazing - making one for me with my mum tum and a cropped one for the teen with her lithe young body!!!
Gertie and Melisha...this is another absolutely adorable piece. You two are so amazing!!!!
Oh my goodness Gertie, you and Melisha are the cutest! Thank you for all these outstanding patterns, can’t wait to make this!💖💖💖
Ahh i gasped! I hope we don’t have to wait long for the skirt tutorial!!!
It’s almost ready!
Wow lovelies!!! You guys look amazing! This top is perfect! Not gonna lie,... I'm also peeking at those gorgeous skirts your wearing 👀😏😉
Coming to YouTube soon!
This is so cute! But I wonder if there's a way to make the sleeves a little longer and have it still look good.
You can’t lengthen these particular sleeves because of the way they’re designed but you could use any of the Night and Day pattern sleeves!
I love it!!!!! Thank you so much Gertie!!!
Woohoo! I’ve been loving on crop tops lately! It’s like you read my fashion mind.
Me too! I’ve never worn a crop top in my life but I’m so into it!
I’m so excited to make this 🤩
aah this is perfect! i've been looking for a cute top pattern to wear with my stanwyck skirt and here it is!
OMG IT'S SO CUUUUTE!!! 😍😍😍
This is absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait to see my own
How cuuuuuute!!!
Cannot wait to sew it up for bib stanwyck and lorettas!
OMG YES!!!! Will look amazing!! ❤️❤️❤️
I'm in love! Great great!
I gasped when I saw the notification and again when I saw the name and again when I saw the pictures! It is perfect!!!!!!!
Omg LOVE!!