Description
The Pipi Top is a unisex summer time staple for any boy or girls’ wardrobe.
You can wear this top front to back or back to front! Whatever you choose, you’ll love its easy breezy fit and how quick it is to pull on over the head (no fastenings), and you’ll be down at the beach playing in no time!
The faux button band is a key feature on this top. Finally, you can show off some of the buttons you’ve been collecting for years without the work of button holes! Uh, that’s right! All of the cred for none of the work.
This garment is beautifully finished with bias binding on the inside of the openings. The binding creates a professional, neat finish that is perfect for a summer garment.
If you’re new to bias binding, fear not, this tutorial takes you step by step through the process to attach your binding and you’ll love the results! Pretty florals or bold statements, you can turn the inside of this garment into a work of art. You can do it, you’ve got this!
The easy to follow instructions mean any level of sewing experience will find The Pipi Top a joy to sew!
Make this top out of a light cotton for summer, try upcycling some old shirts you have in the wardrobe for fun stripes or patterns.
The Pipi Top pattern and its finishing touches will have you creating a garment that boasts handmade of such a high quality! Regardless of your sewing skills (beginner or advanced), you will up-skill and learn some new techniques along the way.
Description:
- Instant PDF download of pattern and full tutorial
- Children’s sizes 1-10
- Reversible back-to-front summer top
- Two different necklines to choose from
- Faux button band
- Enclosed neckline, arm hole and bottom hem seams
- PDF includes: A4/Letter pattern for you to print at home
- Full tutorial, photos and support to help you create this skirt
Sewing Level:
The Pipi Top has been designed with beginners in mind – Can you sew in a straight line and find the zig zag stitch on your machine? Then this is for you!
You’ll love the look of buttons without the work, and the instructions for the bias binding are detailed in each step along with photos. If the binding makes you nervous, give it a go and enjoy your finished results!
The tutorial includes a comprehensive guide to applying your binding. You can purchase this pre-made from any fabric shop in a range of colours, or you can follow this free DIY Bias Binding tutorial to make your own! It’s easy and fun, and you can create a totally unique garment with this small detail!
Fabric Suggestions:
This is an easy breezy summer top. Look for light to medium weight fabrics that can be easily pressed to create nice edges.
For summer think: Cottons, voile, lawn, linen and linen blends, chambray and light denims (there are so many great denims available now!), and anything similar that catches your eye!
Try upcycling with men’s shirts for light fabric with fun patterns and stripes!
Fit and Ease of Garment:
The Pipi Top has been created with summer in mind – it’s easy breezy, light, and has a little flare at the bottom hem.
It’s been designed as a top, and will land just below the hips. Perfect for some cute shorts underneath.
When you are choosing which size to create, measure around the chest (under the arms). Use the chest measurement to determine what size your child is.
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 chest, and if required, lengthen or shorten the top as needed.
Size Fabric and Fit Chart:
Additional Notions Required:
- Thread
- Scissors
- 5m single fold 12mm bias tape
- 4-7 x buttons if required (approximately 1.5cm wide)
What You Get When You Purchase:
This is a PDF digital download. When you purchase through PayPal (or if you would rather make a bank transfer, please email me hello@belowthekowhai.nz to arrange) you will be emailed the digital pattern and tutorial. Save these to your computer.
These downloads will also be available in the “My Account + Downloads” section of this website when you are logged in. This is where the most updated version of your purchases will be. In the future I may revise this pattern and slightly alter it. If you’re sewing in the future, check back for the latest version.
The pattern is 12 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 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!
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 an unlimited number of times.
Returns and Support
Because this is a digital product and can be saved to your computer, 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!
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.
fisherwhanau (verified owner) –
A very straightforward pattern. Has excellent tips and tricks for a beginner sewist, including a comprehensive section on attaching the bias binding. It feels just like Sophie is there holding your hand and cheering you on in the process. Would be great in a variety of different fabrics and doesn’t use a lot of fabric either. Easy summer top. Fabulous!
kristin_tracey (verified owner) –
Fantastic pattern with great, clear instructions. Would be a fantastic project for a beginner sewer! Awesome to add a unisex garment to my pattern collection! Thanks!
Amy Chiles (verified owner) –
A nice classic summer top that is a great stash-buster and can be very creative with the use of contrasting button band, buttons or binding. Very comprehensive instructions with clear pictures. My bias binding skills have improved thanks to this pattern – thanks!
rebekahjfraser (verified owner) –
A gorgeous wee top that is super easy, even for those brand new to a sewing machine. The instructions are easy to follow, simple to sew, yet for those with a bit more confidence and experience, it’s a lovely pattern that can easily be adapted. Love the look of the button band – but it looks equally as gorgeous without, or with different fabrics front and back. Love that it is unisex and reversible. I see many, many more Pipi tops in my future!
liz.spencer (verified owner) –
Beautifully simple top which is very economical with fabric but looks special at the same time. Great instructions that explain clearly all the processes needed to make this delightful garment. I like that it would look completely different depending on fabric choice & could also be embellished with lace etc. if desired.
bec.alexander (verified owner) –
The Pipi Top is such a satisfying sew, I loved how quickly it came together and the beauty in its simplicity. It is a wonderful unisex pattern that could easily be adapted to feature different fabrics, styles and trims. For my first Below The Kōwhai purchase, I was so pleased to find the pattern itself is well written with clear instructions and photographs and Sophie was very accessible should you require any support.
Frances Paki (verified owner) –
The Pipi top was such an enjoyable make. It came together very quickly. It would be perfect for beginner sewers, the pattern instructions are so clear and well thought out. I will definitely be making more, especially seeing as it has a large size range. I think it would be lovely longer as a tunic or dress too!
kylie.rick (verified owner) –
This was my first BTK pattern to sew and it was such fun! I loved the clear, easy to follow instructions and the faux button panel looks so cute. I’ll be making more for sure.
lys.sip79 (verified owner) –
Oh my goodness, why have I not sewn this earlier?!?! I was hesitant for so long as I didn’t have any bias tape but then I found some lying around and it turned out to be perfect for what I needed!! I now want to make a ton of these!! Sooo easy and amazing instructions as always from Sophie. Pipi is so simple and SO cute, a definite fave of mine now!!
Kathryn Denne (verified owner) –
I have made this pattern several times now for my daughter. A couple of times I have added extra length to make more of a tunic. With only three pattern pieces it is a quick sew. I love the technique for using bias binding for the facings on the neck and arm holes. The instructions for this are clear.
windsorwoollies (verified owner) –
I love how such a simple wee pattern can be the base for so many different looks just by using contrast fabrics or simply wearing it the other way around. Lovely instructions and tutorials.
Juulsoofhandmade (verified owner) –
Another beautifull and versatile pattern.
Love the simple classic look of it. It looks so comfortable and cute on both boys and girls. It’s the perfect quick and easy sew for summer tops.