10 ALL-TIME BESTSELLERS: TOPS

Are you searching for the most popular top sewing patterns? If you want to make something that has been approved by other dressmakers, this list is for you.
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We have shortlisted ten of the most popular top sewing patterns so you can sew a bestseller yourself. As somebody who loves to read a shortlist, I’d be doing you a disservice to not pay it forward and share some of the most-loved gems in the sewing world. We had requests for a ‘best of’ series, so we started off with the most popular garment category – dresses. Next in our series is another much-loved category: tops.

Read on if you’d like to discover what our all-time bestselling top sewing patterns are…

Friday Pattern Company Donny Shirt

There’s no denying Donny has been a big player since it's release in 2023. With a little nod to 70s style, this easy-to-wear top has captured your hearts.

Donny is a relaxed, dartless top that has a lapel collar and patch pocket. The Donny is a great everyday top that can be worn with practically anything. We’ve seen some pretty lovely versions out there, but have to say the plain white Donny’s seem to steal the show for versatility! FPC have shared some great hacks and a tutorial on sewing the burrito method on their blog.

Sizing: XS – 7X (approx. UK 6 – 34)

Anna Allen Anthea Blouse

If you are partial to a dramatic sleeve and love a simple silhouette, you are going to take to the Anthea Dress… if you haven’t already that is. Wear the dartless design tucked into jeans or loose and breezy. Anthea looks dreamy sewn in linen fabric or a cotton lawn. I have personally found myself unable to stop sewing this pattern. Whether it be the blouse or dress version, I have loved each and every make.

If you can't get enough of this pattern, check out this gorgeous scoop neckline with ruffles hack. 

Sizing: 00 – 22 (approx. UK 6 – 22/24)

Friday Pattern Company Patina Blouse

Another brilliant option from FPC I can give my personal thumbs up for is the Patina Blouse. It is just lovely. The collar gives it a little something special without being overbearing.

It is easily hacked into a dress by adding a gathered skirt (I have done this). You have a choice of two neckline depths which I found handy as I often find things are too low cut for my liking. I have had so much wear out of my blouse and will be making more!

Sizing: XS – 7X (approx. UK 6 – 34)

Matchy Matchy Collage Gather Top

Quick and easy to sew, this top is a must for any maker. The Collage Gather Top is designed to be sewn as patchwork or with a single fabric, making it easily customisable. It’s a great scrap buster which seems to be your favourite feature! If you love this, check out the dress version.

Sizing: XXS – 6XL (approx. UK 6 – 38)

French Navy Vetiver Top

A pretty top that you can throw on with jeans? It’s no surprise this pattern was such a hit! The French Navy Vetiver Top has a bodice that is gently shaped by princess seams, resulting in a silhouette that’s comfortable yet feminine and can be dressed up or down depending on your fabric choice.

Make this pattern go further with the Vetiver Top Expansion which includes a cute peter pan collar and long sleeves!

Sizing: A – H (approx. UK 6 – 16/18)

Closet Core Patterns Cielo Top

Are you just starting out on your sewing journey? This top pattern is ideal for beginners and beyond. The Cielo Top and Dress is an easy, breezy take on a boxy tee and shift dress. Loaded with interesting details and interchangeable features, it will fast become a wardrobe-building favourite.

Sizing: UK 6-20

Sew House Seven Remy Raglan Top

We love this simple woven top as there is so much you can do with it. It’s essentially a woven t-shirt and long sleeved top with raglan sleeves. The fit is very loose and relaxed at the bust and waist, and while it is not a cropped top, it is a short top designed to be worn with high-waist pants and skirts.

The Remy pattern now also includes a romantic gathered sleeve and you can download the Gathered Sleeve Expansion here for free.

Sizing: UK 6 – 22 and UK 18 – 36/38

Friday Pattern Company Sagebrush Top

The Sagebrush Top was one of the first indie sewing patterns to embrace the statement sleeve and you guys haven’t looked back! The construction is relatively simple with a seam across the chest and an optional ruffle and a tie detail at the back. The sleeves are where it’s all going on with short puff sleeves that gather into a delicate cuff.

Sizing: 6-34

Paper Theory Block Tee

Love a simple top that is secretly rather special? The Block Tee showcases some pretty clever pattern cutting a modern with the angular armholes being its hallmark feature. The design is minimalist and achingly cool. Though the pattern is designed for woven fabrics, it could easily be made in a jersey or stretch fabric with some consideration taken into account for finishing techniques.

Sizing: UK 6 – 28

Helen's Closet Gilbert Top

If you are a shirt making novice looking to dip your toe into sewing your own shirt, this is a great pattern to begin with. The camp collar is easier to sew than a traditional one and the back yoke and collar are finished using the ‘burrito method’. Helen's instructions are always excellent so you are in safe hands.

Do check out Helen's hacks for the Gilbert Top to get even more out of your pattern.

Sizing: US 0 – 30 (approx. UK 6 – 30)