Easy Tie Front Top Sewing Patterns for Plus-Size Sewists
Three bow tie-front tops are back in the spotlight after they were featured in the pattern challenge of episode 1 of season 11 of The Great British Sewing Bee. It’s a playful style with staying power, and one that works beautifully on every body.
There are some great size-inclusive patterns out there for plus-size tie front tops and today I’m highlighting two of them. Whether you're diving into this look for the first time or you've been watching from the sidelines and felt that it wasn't a trend you could join in on, these patterns give you the tools to make a version that feels totally you.
Tie-Front Peplum Tops: Fun, Expressive, and Versatile
The beauty of this style lies in the details:
Three bow ties spaced down the front
Peplum hem that adds movement and shape
Sleeves you can puff or gather — or go with flutter sleeves for a softer look
This is a garment that invites play. It can be bold or soft, dramatic or casual. The ties give a sense of ease and openness, and the overall look is one that thrives on expressive fabric choices.
Best of all? I'm going to introduce you to a designer who works exclusively with plus-size bodies, whose patterns are designed to work with your body, to bring out the very best from this trend. You get to enjoy the style on your terms, with size-inclusive patterns that support both comfort and creativity.
Best Plus-Size Pattern: The Newry Top and Dress by Muna and Broad
If you're looking for a tie-front top that fits and feels great right out of the envelope, the Newry by Muna and Broad is hard to beat.
Size chart from 36”–60″ (91–152cm) upper bust and 41.5”–71.5″ (105–182cm) hip
Three cup size options: +2”, +4”, and +6”
Clever front piece under the center front ties to avoid peek-through gaps
Puffy sleeves with elasticated sleeve band for comfort and drama
Jewel neckline with a facing for a clean finish
Option to turn the top into a dress, or a button-down version with a Peter Pan collar
As with all Muna and Broad patterns, the Newry is drafted specifically for plus-size sewists. This isn’t an upscaled straight-size block. It’s a thoughtful, detailed design that works with larger bodies.
The Newry Top and Dress by Muna and Broad.
Fabric Picks Inspired by GBSB
If you loved the fabrics used by the contestants on The Great British Sewing Bee pattern challenge when they made their tie-front tops in Episode 1 Season 11, you’re not alone — they brought colour, texture, and movement to their garments. I’ve hand-picked some options that capture the same vibe, including some updated picks that have a similar design, but use a more appropriate basecloth for the pattern. (I loved the tigers on Saffie’s make, but that fabric was just too fly-away to control, so I’ve found something similar on a cotton poplin instead.)
Here are my fabric picks from Minerva. All of them will work beautifully with the Newry.
A Sleeveless Option: The Rosette Tie Front Top Free Sewing Pattern from Mood
Sometimes you want to try a new style without a big investment—and the Rosette from Mood is a great free option that goes up to a 60″ bust measurement.
Simple construction with three ribbon ties down the front
Peplum gathered to a front and back bodice
Sleeveless, for clean lines and fast construction
Designed for light-to-medium wovens
Beginner-friendly with minimal pattern pieces
The Rosette Top by Mood.
The Rosette doesn’t have the same shaping as the Newry. There’s a bust dart but cup size options, and no center front placket. But if you’re comfortable with a bit of trial and error, it can be a fun canvas for experimentation—especially in bold fabrics. You can whip one up very quickly, and because it is sleeveless, it is economic on yardage required.
The Rosette is the pattern to choose if you're on a tight budget or you want to be wearing this trend yesterday.
(And keep reading for a wilcard suggestion for this pattern!)
Fabric Picks for Tie-Front Tops
Getting the right fabric is essential for this kind of design. You need something with enough body to support the gathered sleeves and bow ties, so they hold their shape and don’t fall flat. Overly drapey or flimsy fabrics can collapse in on themselves, while bulky fabrics tend to fight the gathers and create uneven volume.
The ideal fabric strikes a balance — offering structure without stiffness. Lightweight cottons and linen blends are excellent choices because they gather cleanly, press well, and handle predictably at the sewing machine. They also help achieve a tidy finish, especially around the ties and hems.
Here are some suggestions:
Cotton lawn – Crisp, breathable, and easy to sew. A great choice for sharp gathers and defined ties.
Seersucker cotton – Slightly puckered and bouncy. Holds shape well without stiffness.
Linen blends – Structured but breathable, perfect for warm weather. Look for lighter weights to avoid bulk at seams and ties.
Rayon/viscose poplin or twill – Drapey but with more weight and recovery than challis. Better suited to structured gathers and sleeves.
Double gauze – Light and breathable, with a softly crinkled texture. Works well for casual versions, though not as crisp for bows.
Want to try a tie front top in a jersey knit?
If you're feeling experimental and you want to lean in to softness and drape, you could try using a jersey knit for your tie-front top. There are a few knit fabrics that would lend themselves well to the Rosette, due to its simple construction, but expect a very different result to a woven.
Try making the Rosette in soft knit fabrics like modal jersey or bamboo blends and embrace the fluidity of the fabric. Think loungewear — something comfy and easy to throw on that still embraces the trend. Just be sure to check the finished garment measurements and consider sizing down or adjusting the seam allowance, since knit fabrics behave very differently to wovens. The result won’t have the same structure as it would in a woven, but it could be a dreamy layering piece or pyjama top.
And if you do try this, be sure to tag @inclusivesewing on social media and let us see!
Shop fabric here at Minerva and get up to 20% off your order when you use the code SEWINCLUSIVE at checkout. (T&Cs apply.)
Terms and Conditions: Offer valid until 31st August 2025. Craft Club members save 20%, everyone else saves 10%. Offer is not usable in conjunction with any other discount code. Discount does not apply to Craft Club membership or Gift Cards.
How To Wear Tie Front Tops
Tie-front tops are about self-expression, dopamine dressing and experimentation. They're inherently playful, even when styled as a classic neutral. Try:
Pairing with high-waisted jeans, wide-leg trousers, or barrel leg pants
Wearing over a strappy dress or pair with a matching skirt for an easy co-ord set
Adding bold accessories or shoes in clashing colours for maximum impact
The goal is to celebrate your body, and to have fun with a fashion trend on your terms. A tie-front top will be a versatile staple in your wardrobe and a TNT pattern you can make many times over and still have something new. Make one in crisp linen and pair it with matching wide-leg trousers for a special occasion, or make one in double gauze to wear with a pair of ruffle hem shorts for a cute pyjama set to lounge around in. There are so many possibilities to create so many different looks with just one pattern.
Final Thoughts
When mainstream media showcases a trend and our social feeds are full of pattern recs that don't include our size, it’s easy to feel left out. But hopefully these two patterns show that we can be included and there is a place for us. Plus-size sewists are already here, already stylish, and already making beautiful things.
The Newry from Muna and Broad is the standout example here—a pattern created by and for plus-size sewists, with thoughtful construction and maximum versatility. The Rosette is a great backup option, especially if you’re on a budget or you want to branch out from your norm with minimum risk.
Either way, we deserve to be included. Tie-front tops are for us, too—and we can make them better than anything on the high street.