TOP PATTERNS THAT PLAY WITH STRIPES

Stripes are a timeless classic that never goes out of style, and you might have noticed, they are really having a moment. There's something about vertical lines, horizontal bands, or even unexpected diagonals that instantly elevates a garment from simple to striking.

But here's the thing—not every pattern is created equal when it comes to showcasing striped fabric. Some designs have seams, panels, and details that work beautifully with stripes, while others can make your carefully chosen fabric disappear into the background.

That's why we've compiled a list of ten top and blouse sewing patterns that make the most of striped fabric. Each pattern has been chosen because it features design elements—think yokes, plackets, panels, and seams—that allow you to play with stripe direction and create something truly special.

So go ahead and grab that striped fabric you've been saving, pick a pattern that speaks to you, and start stitching. Your next favourite top is just waiting to be made.

Matchy Matchy Skipper Top and Dress

The Skipper has a relaxed, breezy shape. The fit is loose and boxy, but not oversized. It features a scoop neck and slightly dropped shoulders, giving a mini cap sleeve appearance.

Why we picked it: The panels allow you to play with stripe direction with ease. Why not choose stripes of different thicknesses in the same colour palette to create interest?

Sizing: XXS – 6XL (approx. UK 6 – 38)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Chalk and Notch Rivi Blouse and Dress

Rivi is an oversized woven button-up blouse and dress with a dropped armhole. The garment is finished with French seams, so it will look as beautiful inside as it does on the outside. 

Why we picked it: The seam lines on the bodice and back yoke allow for playing with stripe direction. 

Sizing: US 0 – 30 (approx. UK 8 – 30) with A/B and C/D bust cup options

Sewing level: Intermediate

In the Folds Sawtell Top

The Sawtell Top is a sophisticated wardrobe staple with a range of interesting details, such as the inset placket with pleats and bust darts. It has a yoke and box pleat in the back and a wide hem. The neckline is finished with bias binding. The pattern includes four sleeve options.

Why we picked it: The placket, yoke, box pleat and wide hem allow for maximum stripe impact.

Sizing: A – J and G – P (approx. UK 6 – 26/28 and UK 18/20 – 44)

Sewing level: Intermediate

Paradise Patterns Rose Raglan Button Up

This menswear-inspired shirt has a lot of thoughtful details that make it stand out from the crowd. It has raglan sleeves, and instead of a classic back yoke, the yoke is part of the sleeve. You have options for a classic two-piece collar or a convertible one-piece collar, a curved hem or banded straight hem, and pleated sleeves or wide sleeves. Instead of a traditional sleeve placket, the slit sits in the sleeve seam. The flat felled seams mean you will see topstitching, so you can choose matching or contrasting thread. 

Why we picked it: The raglan cut allows you to create striking diagonal stripes. Choose the banded hem to make the most of your stripes.

Sizing: A – P (approx. UK 4 – 32)

Sewing level: Intermediate

Fibre Mood Paulette Blouse

Paulette is dripping with romance and elegance. The blouse’s fitted cut has princess seams with ruffles on both sides of the bodice front, extending over the shoulders and around the back. Paulette has an elegant standing collar and a proper shirt cuff.

Why we picked it: It's the romantic stripe lovers' choice. Feminine, subtle, and elegant.

Sizing: EU 32 – 58 (approx. UK 6 – 26/28)

Sewing level: Intermediate

Wardrobe by Me Silke Blouse

Silke is a versatile woven blouse with a relaxed A-line silhouette and wide sleeves. Choose between a classic round neckline and an elegant boat neckline, and between elbow-length and 7/8-length sleeves. Silke has facings at the neckline, sleeves, and hem for a polished finish. 

Why we picked it: It's easy to sew and very simple to play with your striped fabric.

Sizing: EU 30 – 54 / US 0 – 24 (approx. UK 4/6 – 24/26)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Spaghetti Western Ornella Top

Ornella is a cropped tank featuring a high neck, scooped armscye, and bralette-shaped cutout. The neckline is designed to sit at the base of your collarbone, and the side seam hem is designed to hit around your upper hip bone. Ornella should fit snuggly around your neck/arm area and gradually loosen to an A-line/trapeze style rounded hem.

Why we picked it: It's so playful and fun, how could we not?! The centre panel puts the playful stripes front and centre.

Sizing: 3XS – 3XL (approx. UK 8 – 38)

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Modern Sewing Co. French Smock

The silhouette of the French Smock is slouchy and oversized with a square cut, dropped shoulders, neat sleeves and a round neck. The simplicity of the cut allows for the optional surface design features. These include different shapes of bibs, additional trims, curved patch pockets, and two front fastenings: a button placket or a zip. 

Why we picked it: There are plenty of opportunities to play with stripe direction, such as the bib and button placket.

Sizing: UK 4 – 28 (approx. UK 4/6 – 26)

Sewing level: Intermediate

Pattern Scout Fern Top

Fern is a boxy top with dolman-style short sleeves, a sectioned bodice, and a skirt bottom. Version A features a pleated peplum skirt and sleeve cuffs for a flared and flirty style. Version B features a straight skirt panel and uncuffed sleeves.

Why we picked it: Peplums are on trend for the season, so this pattern combines these two trends into one make!

Sizing: US 0 - 30 (approx. UK 6/8 – 30/32) with optional pattern pieces for a full bust adjustment (C or D cup).

Sewing level: Confident beginner

Paper Theory Patterns Olya Shirt

This iconic sewing pattern has so many fantastic details that lend themselves to playing with stripes. The front panel is cut in one piece, which is pretty unusual for shirt construction. The benefit of the seam line running across the chest is the opportunity to add an in-seam pocket. Plus, the big statement pockets add another great feature.

Why we picked it: It's an absolute icon, so if you haven't made one, you must!

Sizing: UK 6 - 28 (approx. UK 6 - 30)

Sewing level: Intermediate

I hope that has given you plenty of inspiration for bringing your stripe dreams to life. Whether you're drawn to bold diagonal lines, subtle vertical stripes, or playful mixed directions, there's a pattern here waiting for you.