Pattern and Tutorial: Agustina Boxy Top
Agustina is a simple and slightly cropped boxy top with round neckline and cuff sleeves. And sometimes simple is best. An ideal beginner sewing project, this top sews up in just a couple of hours and requires very little fabric. We chose to make this top in our gauzy open weave linen that has a unique slightly sheer look making it ideal for summer.
Such a great basic pattern, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Plus, it lends itself to so many simple hacks to make it your very own. You can lengthen the hem and turn it into a dress, or transform cuffs into long sleeves, or add a belt.
Follow this easy step-by-step tutorial and make your new wardrobe staple!
Materials
For our sample size S pictured in this tutorial, we used 1 yard of Open Weave FOG Softened Medium Weight Linen.
For other sizes, please refer to the yardage table in the PDF pattern to determine the required amount of fabric.
Matching sewing thread.
Tools
Scissors, pins, ruler, chalk, fabric marker, sewing machine
Difficulty
Beginner
Sewing Time
2 hours
Pattern
You can access the multi-sized printable PDF pattern by following this link HERE. All seam allowances are included and are 3/8” (1 cm) unless otherwise specified. The model is wearing size S.
Remember to transfer all the notches onto your fabric.
Steps
Note: Prewash your fabric. This linen should be laundered in a cold wash-tumble dried on air setting or very low heat. Line dry if possible. Iron the fabric so it is easier to work with.
1. Pin and stitch the shoulder seams right sides together at a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Serge or zigzag the raw edges together to prevent the fabric from fraying. Press the serged/zigzagged seam allowances towards the back.
2. Bind the neckline following this step-by-step tutorial HERE.
3. Now pin and stitch the side seams right sides together. Make a small snip into the underarm curve to release the tension.
4. Finish the seams using your preferred method and press towards the back.
5. Join the short ends of the cuff right sides together and sew at a 3/8” seam allowance. Press the seam open.
6. Fold the cuff in half lengthwise wrong sides together.
7. Pin the cuff to the armhole right sides together matching the raw edges and the underarm seams.
8. Stitch at a 3/8” seam allowance, finish the edges together and press the seam allowance towards the bodice and the cuff away from the garment.
9. Lastly, finish the hem. Press your fabric twice to the wrong side (first 3/8”, then another 1/2”) and pin.
10. Edgestitch along the folded edge.
And you are done! Super easy, right? Pair your top with just about anything! We love seeing what you make! Don’t forget to share your pictures and tag your creations with #FSAgustina hashtag.
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74 Comments
Mary Sandage
I just made up this pattern in less than 2 hours. The pattern pieces went together very well. Perfect top for very hot summer days.
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COSE UN TOP FÁCIL CON PATRÓN GRATUITO - Tikitina CosturaAnn Murphy
Thank you for the nice pattern! The description of the top indicates that there could be a “long sleeve” version instead of the cuffs; Does that mean I just make the cuffs longer or is there a pattern piece for the longer sleeve that I missed?
Amy Pezzimenti
First, thanks so much for this free pattern! What is the best way to widen the neckline a bit? I am nervous my head won’t fit through because the neck facing barely fits around my head.
Lauren Linen
Hi Amy, we have a tutorial which shows you how to do various neckline adjustments, You can use it as a guide for widening the neckline. Link:
https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2018/04/24/patternmaking-easy-neckline-alterations/
Sara Kowalczyk
I’m having trouble figuring out how you finish the cuff, and realized it appears step 9 is missing??
Thank you!!
Anna Ljuba Grøndal
I am here reading he comments for the same reason, the cuff is seems to be simply turned in and left raw, without even any staystitch or topstitch or any option to finish the edge. You might be right I think, missing steps? The fabric will just unravel something awful.
PENNY F
Great pattern, exact. I did french seams since I don’t have a serger, used 100% lightweight linen. 8 probably should have chosen a bettrr color. It took me about 4 hours, from cutting to hemming.
Susan Chouinard
Does the fabric requirement for this top include the bias tape I have to make for it?
Lauren Linen
Yes, the yardage includes the amount needed for your bias tape 🙂
Diane Rogers
Is there a way to print the layer I need to my size however my Adobe on Windows 11 wants a subscription that’s quite expensive! Would love a work around but might have to print multiple sizes and cut pattern out…???
Kathryn Fluss
So if I want to finish the side seams with a Hong Kong finish, do I just…sew over the clip under the arm? What if I want to try a French seam finish?
Heidi T.R.
I am missing step number 9 explaining how you finished the inside of the arm cuff after attaching it… did you just press a small fold of the last raw edge of the cuff along the seam line and stitched it in place by hand? thanks in advance, heidi
Jerica Temple
Thank you for the free pattern!
This was my very first attempt at sewing an article of clothing! I started in early 2020, got stuck on the collar, gave up for a couple of years (hahaha!), then picked it back up again today and finished the shirt. For someone who is very new at sewing, this was quite an accomplishment for me. BONUS, I actually like how it turned out, and my husband said “That looks expensive!” I’ll take it. 🙂
Andrea DAVEY
Does this pattern only work well with linen or are there other suggestions to try? Thanks.
Masha Karpushina
you can try the #augustinaboxytop on IG for ideas with other materials
Nina Stinchcombe
Thank you for this pattern! I made it from a nice striped double gauze fabric. I added a button band to the back following this tutorial (https://blog.fabrics-store.com/2018/03/13/pattern-hack-turn-a-simple-tank-into-a-button-down-top-tutorial/) and I love how it turned out. Because I don’t have a serger, I used flat felled seams on all seams including the cuffs. The only problem I had with the pattern was that the cuffs were somehow a tad too short (maybe 2 cm), but maybe I just made a mistake while cutting. Oh and I felt like the neckline was quite tight in size 0/2, next time I will cut it 1 cm wider all around. Now I am contemplating whether I should add a breast pocket or not!
Sylvia Wells
Think I have the same problem with the cuffs not being wide enough to fit. I’m sure I cut out the right size 🙁
Paulina Jenney
Thank you! Even by folding the selvedges to the middle, I still can’t make the pieces fit on one yard2. (I’m making size 4). Front and back, yes, but getting the cuffs on the grain and bias tape cut out seems impossible.
PENNY F
Grab corner piece of fabric and fold to opposite corner. Use the fold as a guide, run the scissor blade between the fold and cut. Then fold the long edge one more time and run blade along that fold.
Wendy Ang
Many apologies! couldn’t edit my comment.
Am planning on using twill tape, not bias tape 🙂
Wendy Ang
Hello!
How do I sew the binding for the neckline
(1) using bias tape
(2) that will appear on the right side of the garment when sewn?
thanks in advance !
Lauren Linen
Hi Wendy, You may like to sew your twill tape to the wrong side of the neckline, then fold it over to the right side, enclosing the seam allowance and then topstitch down.
Wendy Ang
Thanks so much!
Ligia Ramirez
LOVE IT! I just finished this blouse and I’m already planning on doing more. Super easy and the step-by-step guide is super useful. I modified the pattern a little to make it longer and rounded in the back and I have other ideas to hack this one <3
Ligia Ramirez
LOVE IT! I just finished this blouse and I’m already planning on doing more. Super easy and the step-by-step guide is super useful. I modified the pattern a little to make it longer and rounded in the back and I’m have other ideas to hack this one??
Lucia Vandeput
Hello, I just ran into this pattern and I want to give it a try. I use Foxit reader and with this PDF-reader I cannot download the pattern. Is there anything I can do (without having to download Acrobat reader ??
Thank you for your reply and thank you for the fine blog you are writing.
Lauren Linen
Hello Lucia, The .pdf reader you use doesn’t have to be Adobe, but it does have to have the functionality to open ‘attachments’.
Christina Shardlow
I couldn’t see the pattern attached at all when downloading it on a MacBook Air, but when I tried on a Windows 10 PC, it worked fine. I’m wondering if there’s a glitch when it’s downloaded on a Mac?
Christina Shardlow
And thank you for the pattern, by the way! 🙂
Lauren Gates
Hello Christina, I exclusively use a Mac and don’t have trouble downloading the patterns. You do need to open them using adobe acrobat reader though 🙂
Laurie Arnone
Same problem here, will try it on Windows machine.
Pamela Power
Thinking about increasing seam allowance and making french seams. Do you think I should french the seam the side seam of the cuff as well as the side and shoulders of the bodice? (I’m kind of new to french seaming!)
Lauren Gates
Hello Pamela, Yes, you can french seam the shoulders, and side seams. You won’t need to french seam the cuff since the raw edges will be enclosed inside it when folded in half as shown in step 6 🙂
Pamela Power
Great! Thank you!
M Lutek
Having no success downloading the pattern pieces. Am using an iPad. Have saved the PDF and when I open it in Adobe Reader all I get is a short 5 or 6 page document and no pattern pieces. Can someone advise me? Is it because I’m not on a computer?
Jill Padelford
It confused the heck out of me as well but you need to open the internal attachment (check the left hand side of your Adobe Acrobat window). All of the pattern pieces are hiding there and you can select which size you want to print by deselecting all the other sizes.
Valerie Jolma
there is a linked tutorial located on the 5-6 page document you currently are viewing that explains how to access the pattern. its pretty simple after doing it once!
Silvana Saveri
I couldn’t find the measurements of the finished shirt anywhere, especially the length. Am I blind?
Lauren Gates
Hello Silvana, The finished garment measurements are listed on page 4 of the booklet 🙂 The bust, waist, and sleeve opening measurements are listed. For the length of the top, I’d measure your assembled pattern, and measure from the shoulder to the hem, minus the seam allowance. This will give you the total length of the top 🙂
Kirsen Sullivan
I see bust, waist, and sleeve opening, but not length.
Lauren Gates
Hello, to figure out the length, assemble your paper pattern and measure the pattern pieces, taking into account seam and hem allowances.
Shaun Trumble
It’s absolutely silly that they didn’t add this. Why would I want to print this all off if I decide it’s not suitable??
Beth DeBusk
I added 2-4 inches to the ones I have made. It’s pretty short. I have made 5
Heidi T.R.
just read thru the comments, thinking i needed more opions about the length of the top… i wanted to be sure that i wasnt the only one thinking the same about the length. i can imagine for me 4 inches plus in the length would be good! am 6’2″ but quite WIDE! LOL! gotta watch those proportions!
Edna Clifford
where are the pattern pieces that i use to cut the fabric out?
Lauren Gates
Hello Edna, the pattern pieces are located in the free downloadable .pdf at this link:
https://fabrics-store.com/sewing-patterns/agustina-agustina-boxy-top-pattern-
For help opening the pattern attachment file in Adobe Reader, please head over to our Help Center for tutorials for your specific device:
https://support.fabrics-store.com/hc/en-us/sections/360000039523-PDF-Patterns
Marie Cody
Thanks so much for trying but the link you provided still doesn’t bring up the Agustina pattern. Please try to click on the link yourself. All I get is the pattern description with photos but not the pattern itself! Please do provide the correct link. I have already purchased my fabric from Fabrics-Store and would love yo use this pattern. Thanks so much.
Lauren Gates
Hello Marie, I have clicked the link located under the ‘Pattern’ heading of the post. This will take you to the Agustina Pattern page. On the right-hand side of the page, you can click the ‘FREE DOWNLOAD” button in order to get the pattern.
If you have downloaded the pattern booklet, please open it in Adobe Reader to access the pattern which is an attachment.
If you would like more assistance with locating this pattern attachment, we have great tutorials in our Help Center, Link below:
https://support.fabrics-store.com/hc/en-us/sections/360000039523-PDF-Patterns
Kelly Potocki
I understand the model is wearing a size 4/6. Do you mind I ask what is her height and weight. I will have a better idea when I decide on my size. I am 5’4 “ and about 126lb. What is the right size for me? Will 0/2 fits better or 4/6?
Lauren Gates
Hello Kelly, I would recommend choosing your pattern based on your own measurements and comparing them to those given in the pattern. Comparing your overall weight generally won’t give an accurate indicator for fit, since weight is held differently on different people. If you’d like assistance finding the best size for you please send us an email or give us a call.
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30 Gorgeous Free Sewing Patterns for Tops (Women)Ali Martinez
Thank you so much for providing this free pattern. I’m excited to try it.
Joyce mui
After joining the cuff to the armhole(step 8) , is the raw seam supposed to be exposed.?
Thanks for the pattern.
Katie Lewis
This is how they end up for me. as well Any tips for finishing off the cuff?
Lauren Gates
Hello Katie and Joyce,
After attaching the sleeve cuff to the armhole, and before folding it out, you can finish the seam using a serger or a zig-zag stitch 🙂
Danielle Hata
I’m having a really hard time attaching the the arm cuffs to the body. The cuff seems too small compared to the body’s arm hole! Can anyone give me advice?
Danielle Powell
I am having the same issue exactly. The armhole is bigger than the cuff. How do I adjust this to make it fit?
Lauren Linen
What might be happening here is the raw edge of your armhole maybe stretching out, making it bigger than the cuff. There are a few way to get it back into shape.
1. Mist with water and steam with your iron.
2. Run a long stitch just inside the seam allowance of your sleeve. You can tug this gently to pull the sleeve into the cuff neatly and evenly.
Mary Von tobel
This is cute and easy to sew. Even with a boxy fit, I found it to be extremely large. Might want to size down. For example, if you take a 4-6, as I do, might want to do a 0-2. This is a personal preference, but with it being as boxy as it is, I would have picked something a bit less stiff than the medium weight linen.
Rosalia Bauer
I sewed this today and I love it! Can’t wait to make more in different fabrics. I don’t have a lot of experience sewing but I found this pattern easy and fairly quick to make.
Katie Stanley
Second time making this top – love it so much! Thank you for providing this pattern!
Katie
Heidi Maloney
Are the pants from one of your patterns too?
Aline Lin
I love the way these pants Look too!! Came here to see if it was an available pattern hahaha
Tabitha Thompson
I just made this top today with a couple of hacks (added a band to lengthen it and put some waist darts in to make it more flattering to my figure). I’m a beginner but I found the instructions very clear! I’m thrilled to find this site with all the patterns and tutorials. I can’t wait to try some of your beautiful linen, too. Thank you!
Ruth H Condit Condit
Thanks for another beautiful pattern. Your directions are so easy to follow.
Susan Hanway
Hi, I can’t download Adobe Reader because my ex-husband downloaded it for me decades ago, and I don’t know the password. There’s no “Hint” or way to reset the password. I’ll try again to go directly to Adobe Reader, but I just keep getting the prompt to download!
Thanks, Susan
Julia Fletcher
To get the pattern I have to go to a site that charges a dollar and then another dollar for something else. Do you not just offer the pattern?
Masha Karpushina
Hi Julia. the pattern takes you to our website- fabrics-store.com where you can download this pattern for free, if you sign up to our newsletter. We don’t charge for downloading the pattern. Hope you enjoy.
Sharon Halpin
This provided download does not include a pattern…
Masha Karpushina
Hello Sharon, you need to click on ‘HERE’ under Pattern- this will take you to all our Patterns page- you can download it there. Thank you , let me know if you have any more questions.
C Zawadzki
Please consider designing this with a boat or straight neck, and an option for making it a longer bodice.
thanks
clem
Jo Crefasi
I would just love a boat neck too.!
Masha Karpushina
Thank you for your suggestions, we offer these patterns as a way for you to amend them into whatever you like. Hope this inspires you to alter it to your needs.