Description
The Rātā Top is a classic top with simple lines and sleeve finishing variations.
Create it with sleeve ruffles for a statement, or go casual and organic with a cuff.
This pattern includes a complete colour photo tutorial to guide you through the creation of sleeves, cuff and ruffles. It will result in a professional finish while being suitable for beginners and sewists of all experience levels.
A pattern adjustment guide has been included to guide you in common adjustments for a custom fit.
Rātā is the Māori name for a beautiful flowering tree, native to New Zealand. It grows along the West Coast of the South Island (my homeland), and in the heat of summer its scarlet blooms light up the mountain ranges with red, attracting the regions honey bees.
Features:
- Instant PDF download of pattern and full tutorial OR printed paper pattern and instructions
- Women’s sizes 6-24
- Short sleeve length
- Optional sleeve ruffle
- Optional sleeve cuff
- Common pattern adjustment guide
- Exclusive access to resources page for additional tutorials
- A0 copy shop version, or print at home, or paper pattern shipped to you
- Full tutorial, photos and support to help you create this top
Sewing Level:
The Rātā Top has been designed with adventurous beginners in mind. The tutorial is detailed with full colour photos and includes a pattern adjustment guide to create a custom fit.
Adventurous beginners will learn or practice new skills such as darts, gathering, facings and cuffs. If you have some previous experience in sewing and feel confident in giving these skills a go, you’ll enjoy this thorough tutorial which will walk you through the process step by step.
The more advanced sewist will appreciate the professional finish and versatility of this pattern and the ability to play with variations.
Fabric Suggestions:
Look for light to medium weight fabrics that can be easily pressed to create nice edges.
Main Fabric: Light – medium weight cotton, chambray, poly cotton, linen, rayon, sateen, tencel etc.
Look for fabrics that drape / hang nicely.
Optional: Small piece of iron on interfacing for facings.
Fit and Ease of Top:
The Rātā Top has been created to fit well around the neck, shoulders and bust (including darts for shaping), and a loose hanging fit around the waist and hips. The Top will land at the middle hip which is perfect for tucking in, for instance.
When you are choosing what size to create, measure around the bust (the fullest part of bust). Use the bust measurement to determine what size you are in this pattern.
This pattern has been created using Standard American Measurements and might seem different to what you usually buy in stores. Therefore, use the size the chart says you are to fit the bust, and if required, lengthen or shorten the top as needed.
This pattern has been created for a B-cup. This is not your “bra cup” size. It refers to the difference between high and full bust. Click here to learn more about cup size.
Fabric and Fit Chart:
Additional Notions Required:
- Small piece of elastic for button loop
- Small button
- Thread, scissors and pins
What You Get When You Purchase:
This pattern is available as a PDF digital download or printed paper pattern.
PDF Pattern
Digital file emailed and stored in your Below the Kōwhai account for future use. Includes files for pattern to print at home, A0 copy shop pattern and instructions.
These downloads will also be available in the “My Account + Downloads” section of this website. This is where the most up to date version of your patterns will be and you can access them any time. In the future I may revise this pattern. If you’re sewing in the future, check back for the latest version.
You can print the Rātā Top pattern at home. The digital pattern is 28 pages long in black and white, and can be printed on A4 or US Letter paper on your home computer and then assembled for use. You can choose which sizes to print using the “layers” feature when viewing the PDF.
You can print the Pōhutukawa Dress at a copy shop. 1x A0 file is included in the PDF download.
You will also receive a comprehensive tutorial with instructions, photos and tips to guide you in your sewing of this garment. Please view this tutorial on your device or computer to save the trees, or if you must print, print in colour.
Paper Pattern
Pattern printed on quality pattern tissue paper with full colour instruction booklet and pattern envelope. Shipping worldwide. Click here to view our shipping and delivery information.
What’s a PDF?
A digital document viewable in Mac Preview or Adobe Acrobat Reader. You will be able to save, view and print these documents on your computer or device.
Returns and Support
Your computer saves this digital product. Therefore, I am not able to offer returns on any purchase unless at some fault of my own. So, please choose carefully and make sure you are purchasing the correct pattern with your correct email address!
In lieu of returns I offer comprehensive online support to those who are sewing. You can contact me on Facebook, Instagram and email, and you can expect a prompt reply! I will endeavour to help you in any way I can.
Get Sewing!
So, what are you waiting for? Create your own beautiful Rātā Top with this pattern and show off your creations!
This sewing pattern is by Sophie Laughton-Mutu and has been created for personal garment sewing. Sewists around the world have tested and tried this pattern. Please leave a review, or pop over to our Facebook page to show us a photo of your Rātā Top!
anna.jem.smith –
This was a super simple, quick and easy top to sew. A brilliant start for anyone who’s a beginner too as each step is clearly explained, and it goes through steps on how to modify any garment to your own body shape which is invaluable! Never before did I think I could adjust patterns to suit my own body shape. Love this top!
Y Sung –
I like how the tutorial includes instructions on how to adjust the pattern for a more customized fit. Also has helpful tips and links. The construction is fairly straightforward and I love how my garment turned out.
myliltreasures –
The Rata top is so versatile and looks great tucked in for a more formal look for work or loose over jeans for a casual but classy look. The ruffle sleeves are a great touch and are so on trend at the moment. The pattern instructions are easy to follow too!! This top is a must have for your wardrobe! I know I’ll be making many more of the Rata top 😀
Lucy Maybank –
Simple and easily customisable. This pattern comes together really quickly to make a versatile woven top.
lizzyj_m –
This was such a satisfying sew! I love the bust darts for a great fit, and the ruffles are a great feature. Now I can’t wait to make a cuffed version!
The tutorial was clear and easy to follow too – another fabulous pattern. Thank you!
Julia Warren –
I really enjoyed sewing up the Rātā top. This is a staple piece for any wardrobe and I am going to love tucking it into high waisted jeans. The ruffles sleeves are really cute and the dart gives it the perfect amount of shape. A quick, easy and satisfying sew.
hannahevans5 –
Absolutely my new go-to-top! Even though I sew daily for my girls almost completely handmade wardrobe, and my own dresses and skirts – one thing I was missing was a top to go with all of my Manuka skirts and I was still wearing ready-to-wear tops instead. But not anymore!! I made the size 20, graded to 22 at the hips and it is SO good to have a top that fits well in all the right places! I love the shape and style, a relaxed fit but not boxy or unflattering. The sleeve cuffs are fantastic and it’s a brilliant sew and very clear tutorial, as always with BTK! I see many many more in my future!!
erin28casey –
The Rātā is just beautiful! Simple to sew, easy to follow tutorial and the end result is stunning! This is just what I needed in my wardrobe and I have plans to make so many more especially using the sleeve ruffles.
Juulsoofhandmade (verified owner) –
This new Rata pattern is just amazing. It’s so beautiful in its simplicity. Simple to sew with an easy to follow tutorial. Depending on the fabric you use it can be both casual and chique. I made one from cotton double gauze and it’s so comfortable to wear on warm summer days.
rachelslimmon (verified owner) –
Wow! I need my wardrobe full of Rata tops right now! This versatile sew is a quick and satisfying garment that can be made into so many versions. I’ve already made it in a rayon and hacked it into a knit top! A great base and the rest is up to your imagination!!
Wendysymmans (verified owner) –
I’ve made the two versions of this top, the statement sleeve version made a wonderful ‘night out’ top while the cuffed version made a really nice everyday top. I can’t wait for summer so I can make many versions in all the linen!
Hayley Goodwin (verified owner) –
A beautiful pattern, great instructions and a quick sew! Made in rayon with ruffle sleeves and it’s so floaty and feminine. Looking forward to testing it out on some knit fabric!
kylie.rick (verified owner) –
I’m so excited about this pattern, not just because it’s a lovely style and easy to customise (I colour-blocked with different coloured sleeves), but because I learnt how to adjust the pattern to fit my body perfectly. So now I have a new skill which opens up a world of sewing possibilities, so thank you for the personalised help and a fab pattern Sophie!
Angela Whitney (verified owner) –
I am a complete beginner and initially had my doubts about whether I would be able to make the Rātā top but I gave it a go anyway and am very happy to say it was a success! The tutorial is so easy to follow, the instructions are clear and the photos really help. I recommend anyone give this one a go, especially beginners like me, you’ll be so glad you did!
Andrea Jarvis (verified owner) –
I am very new to garment sewing, in fact this is only the second item I’ve made! Ever! But I managed the ruffles, inserting sleeves, and the facing with no stress at all, thanks to Sophie’s clear and concise instructions and great visuals. A++ will trade again! 😜
Emma-Lisa McGhee (verified owner) –
Such a flattering top, the cut and the neckline are spot on, I made mine with the cuffed sleeve option. I really enjoyed sewing this and will definitely be making more. Gorgeous pattern and highly recommend it’s
Lydia Wood (verified owner) –
Stylish, flattering & adaptable, with easy to follow instructions for sewing. I really love the length on the sleeves. I will be making more that’s for sure!