Cara Top PDF Pattern
The Cara Top is a simple summer blouse that's flexible enough to wear in a wafty muslin at the beach or in a smarter silk as part of a wedding two-piece. It comes with 2 length options, shorter to sit right on the hip or a little longer to hit the top of the thigh.
It is a simple piece to make which means it’s a great project for beginners, however this doesn’t mean we cut corners on the construction quality. You’ll be using french seam construction and you’ll have the option of a double fold hem or a flat binding to finish the hem and armholes.
You can search instagram for customer makes with the hashtag #mscaratop
Skill Level
Sizing & Fit
Materials Needed
How to use PDF Patterns
Where to find your patterns & workshops:
After purchasing you'll find your PDF pattern download and any workshops in your account page. Simply log in (or create an account using the same email address used to purchase) and click the account button in the top right corner. The most up to date versions of the patterns will always be available from within your account. If any changes are made to the pattern or instructions you’ll receive an email notification.
Opening your files:
Some older Window computers have problems opening zip files. If this is the case, you can use the free programme 7-Zip to open your files.
How to print your pattern:
You have two options for printing out your pattern.
1. You can get it printed in A0 at a printing shop or sewing pattern company. Search for "sewing pattern printing company" to find a company that does this in your region.
2. Or you can print it yourself on a home printer in A4 or US Letter format and then tile the pages together using tape.
Using PDF layers:
All of our patterns come with PDF layers so you can select the sizes you want to view and print. To do this you’ll need a PDF viewer such as Adobe Acrobat Reader (this is free to download).
-
More details on printing, using PDF layers and general preparation tips can be found on the ‘Using Our Patterns’ document (download for free here). This document comes with all of our patterns.
Customer Reviews
Brilliant pattern which was easy to follow. It really increased my technical sewing skills. I was impressed with the finished shirt.
I have made 2 Cara tops - one in a light weight cotton/linen and the other in a heavier weight linen. Both turned out great and fit perfectly. I followed the size guide and made a size 10 in the long version with no alterations. A couple of reviewers commented that their Caras were on the small size and that they would size up the next time. I was afraid that the size 10 would be too big for me as I have small shoulders, and when I made a size 10 in the Classic Shirt it turned out too large. However, the size 10 Cara fits me well in the shoulders. I used the bias binding for the armholes and hem on both versions as it gives such a nice polished finish. I found the double fold .5cm hem difficult, especially around the curves, and not as nice looking. The pattern and the instructions are excellent. The only section in the instructions that I wasn’t clear about was the appropriate width for the bias binding. I did some searching and found that Hetty recommends using a 3cm bias binding. I think it would be helpful to include that in the sewing instructions. I highly recommend this pattern. Both of my tops look elegant and timeless and I feel awesome wearing them. I plan to make another Cara using Hetty’s hack for a slightly cropped and collarless version.
I love the look of this top and I love the finishing details with the french seams. I watched the video tutorial which was extremely helpful. For some reason, even though I thought I captured my measurements correctly, the final product is too small. And now I am a sad panda. I wish I had made a toile rather than being over-confident and wasting my cute fabric. Sigh. I will make again, but one size larger. Or maybe two to be safe. 😬