Thread: FOUND!!! ISO a pattern for a tie top

I'm looking for a good pattern to make tie tops with. Something along the lines of a sharifwear top. I have a Sharifwear top at home I could try to make one out of, but I'd rather purchase something new than make my own. Has anyone tried any of the commercially available patterns and had any luck? Here's a photo of what I'm looking for.

I was going to do the same as you, try to make a pattern from an actual top...best luck!

It takes some time and patience, but can be done.

Yeah, I've done it before. That's why I'm trying to avoid doing it again.

I've got one: simplicity 4485.
Needs to be tweaked a little for belly dancing. I think it is discontinued.


Simplicity 4485 - Misses Knit & Woven Capelets & Tops, Size 12-20 - OUT OF PRINT

Kwik Sew Pattern 2632 might work...

Originally Posted by shahla

Yeah, I've done it before. That's why I'm trying to avoid doing it again.

You made me laugh out loud and nod my head in agreement, this is exactly how I feel. I am watching this topic with great interest!!!

Originally Posted by shahla

Yeah, I've done it before. That's why I'm trying to avoid doing it again.

I know what you mean. I created a pattern for this top in my size but I just don't feel like the sleeve/shoulder fits as well as I would like. It took alot of time and throw away mistakes. If there is a good one on the market, I would buy it.

Well, I've done a little more searching and these are the options that might work for me. I've got a bid in on the Kwik-Sew # 2632 on Ebay.

Simplicity 3526, 4483, 4306
Kwik Sew 2632

Hopefully this helps anyone else looking at this thread. Thanks for your responses, ladies. As always, you all are a wonderful resource.

Surida, that black velvet with the silver fireworks print on it may become a set of troupe tops and hip scarves if my prototype comes out half way decent.

Yeah! I can picture it!

The kwik sew pattern looks like it would work well possibly with an extension on the ties to wrap around unless you are going for the tie front look.

I liked how the kwik sew pattern also had a pattern for a leotard and pants. I could probably use them as well.

I'm thinking the troupe set would be a tie top and oblong hip scarf with 12" black chainette fringe. Just like this L Rose model:

Nice! What underneath?

Originally Posted by Surida

Nice! What underneath?

Probably black Melodias, since we all have them. Of course it could also work over a 25yard black gypsy skirt (we have those too).

Now I'm looking for a cheap source for chainette fringe. M J Trims has it, but it's almost $12 per yard. I ordered a couple of yards for the prototype, but I'm going to look around for something cheaper. No luck on Ebay, tried there.

Check out this ebay seller - if you contact her and purchase more Im sure you can make a better deal or she has 9" for $8.50 I believe.
12" Fringe Chainette Belly Dance Burlesque Trim BLACK - eBay (item 200337830226 end time May-31-09 14:47:27 PDT)

Thanks for the tip, Surida. I'll look into it.

Burda has a cute hooded tie top: #8315

Originally Posted by shahla

Well, I've done a little more searching and these are the options that might work for me. I've got a bid in on the Kwik-Sew # 2632 on Ebay.

Simplicity 3526, 4483, 4306
Kwik Sew 2632

Hopefully this helps anyone else looking at this thread. Thanks for your responses, ladies. As always, you all are a wonderful resource.

Surida, that black velvet with the silver fireworks print on it may become a set of troupe tops and hip scarves if my prototype comes out half way decent.

A bit of a warning on that Kwik Sew... I've made that, and it is definitely designed for a B cup. Be sure to do a full bust adjustment to it if you are larger -- trust me, there's just not enough fabric there! I made and discarded two "wadders" before I got one that was halfway decent.

Thanks for the warning TigerB.

I am not sure that the commercial patterns are a perfect match for a bellydance top. They look as if they are longer, and I am wondering whether they offer sufficient range of motion for the arms/shoulders. A good dance top, at least to me, is cut to stay properly in place even though it is quite short, and allows one to move the arms around without pinching or riding up.

Originally Posted by steffib

I am not sure that the commercial patterns are a perfect match for a bellydance top. They look as if they are longer, and I am wondering whether they offer sufficient range of motion for the arms/shoulders. A good dance top, at least to me, is cut to stay properly in place even though it is quite short, and allows one to move the arms around without pinching or riding up.

Kwik Sew patterns, at least, are designed for lycra-containing fabrics and for movement. That said, it's a good idea to fit the front and back, so the armhole is tight against the body, and the size of the armhole itself so that you can raise your arms as you like.

I keep hoping that Jalie patterns (home of many fine danceware patterns) will come out with some more bellydance-oriented stuff. 2558 looks pretty good. Sewing Patterns by Jalie - One Pattern Fits All

I guess I'm not a conventional sewer... I've used old but well fitting t-shirts as patterns for that kind of top: cut under the bust at desired length, then cut a V at front where you want the edge (for the diagonal of the front panels), then cut from the point of the V to the bottom. Next, get yout seams ripper and undo side seams, sleeves seams, etc... You should end up with one back piece, two sleeve pieces (lengthen as desired) and two front pieces. (Be sure to marked the exterior side before transfering to your new fabric) To get the long ties, take your front piece and trace, then measure your ideal tie length and mark. With a ruler, join that point with the bottom of your front piece, then with the bottom of the V cut. You may have to teak a bit to make the ties thinner.

Or, you may want to use a knitting patterns like this: Knit Blouse Kit- Cropped Giselle

Can't use on fabric as is, but figuring out measurements is a lot easier with a starting point like this one.

Sorry if this is not clear. I learned sewing from my seamstress mom and neither of us went to sewing school. *g*

I ended up buying the Kwik-Sew pattern mentioned above. I love it! Upon the advice of TigerB, I cut a litte more fabric out for the neckline edge. I also made the ties just a few inches longer. It was easy to sew together. Cutout and sew together time was only 1.5 hours. I can put my arms over my head and the top doesn't lift. Here's a couple of crappy photos. Pardon the work jeans and steel toe boots.

Honorable mention goes to Surida whom I got the fabric from.

Great job shahla!! Thanks for letting us know how it turned out.

Shahla, it turned out perfectly!!