I cannot resist anything oversized and swingy, especially if it features a peplum. A go-to piece for both work and weekends.
The pattern mentioned in this article was provided to me free of charge for the purpose of testing. Any opinions and assessments expressed herein are independent and based solely on my personal experience with the pattern.
I can't resist anything oversized and swingy, especially if it features a peplum. So, when I saw that the Matchy Matchy Sewing Club had put out a call for testers for a new design that ticked all those boxes, I jumped at the chance.
Even though this post is a bit overdue, I’m excited to finally share my thoughts on the Wave Float Top. This pattern has quickly become my go-to piece for both work and weekends. It’s incredibly comfortable and breezy, making it the perfect choice for those hot summer days when you want to stay stylish without compromising on comfort.
Here’s my full review of this delightful pattern that has quickly become one of my wardrobe favourites.
Keep scrolling to find out more about...
The makers: Matchy Matchy Sewing Club
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club was founded by self taught sewists Amy and Theresa, who turned their passion into a thriving indie pattern brand.
In January 2022, they released their first pattern, the Champagne Field Dress. Since then, they've expanded their offering to include a curated fabric selection and an impressive array of sewing patterns. But Matchy Matchy is more than just patterns and fabrics. They provide an online space where fellow sewists can connect, share ideas, and exchange invaluable tips.
What I think sets Matchy Matchy apart are their designs. They are minimal but smart. With strategically placed panel lines, their patterns give you the creative license to add your individual spin by mixing and matching colours and fabrics (also a great excuse to use up those smaller pieces of fabric you may have in your stash). Rarely will two Matchy Matchy garments be the same!
Take a look at their fabric and pattern offering on their website (linked above), or check them out on social @matchymatchysewingclub for more inspiration.
Design
Like most Matchy Matchy patterns, this top is designed to be wide and oversized in fit, giving it a wonderfully swingy silhouette. The unique design features a dropped gathered peplum at the front, which adds a lovely touch of femininity, while the back sits higher, creating an interesting visual contrast.
The bound neckline and "cuffed" sleeves (a simple turn-up hem) provide a clean, polished finish. The top is cropped in length, making it an ideal pairing with high-waisted skirts or pants, giving you endless styling options for any occasion.
With only one view, this pattern offers simplicity and ease, perfect for those who want a stylish yet straightforward sewing project.
The pattern
Matchy Matchy's PDF sewing patterns, fabric and accessories are available via their online store, and their patterns are available from a growing number of online retailers.
Once you have purchased one of their patterns you will be emailed a link that allows you to download your PDF sewing pattern. The download usually comes as either a zip file, or as a PDF with hyperlinks.
When ordering the Wave Float Top, you will be provided with access to:
2 pages A0
25 Print at home A4
Instructions 10 pages
Mood board 2 pages front and back
The pattern comes in 11 sizes, XXS to 6XL, and is drafted for a 5'5" (165 cm) individual.
The digital download will include nested patterns* for all sizes in both the at home and copy shop pattern folders. I usually opt to have the A0 pattern pages printed at a copy shop. This allows me to receive all available sizes in one print bundle. I can then easily fold back (with a bit of clipping on the curves) the sizes I don't currently need. Therefore, if I decide to make a different size in the future, it's conveniently ready to be unfolded.
Matchy Matchy's patterns are always accompanied by minimal and clean instructions. They're not only easy to follow but also utilise clear language and diagrams, ensuring clarity throughout. Moreover, the instructions are neatly organised under subheadings, making it that little bit easier to locate specific information when needed.
Fabric and notions
This pattern is intended for light to medium weight woven fabrics, making it versatile and easy to wear. The top has no fastenings or notions, simply slipping over the head, so no extra notions are required.
For my version, I opted for an 80% viscose/ 20% linen blend in terracotta from Kattun Stoffe. I wanted to branch away from black, and this blend gives the fabric the appearance of linen, which is perfect for those summer days. The 135 cm, 220 g/m² fabric is soft and flowing, which is just what this pattern needs.
If you opt to mix and match your fabric, Matchy Matchy does include a mood board with their download to help you plan and visualise how different fabric combinations will look. You can position your fabric swatches in the small boxes at the bottom of the page, or colour in the accompanying technical drawings. Alternatively, I have seen a really cute idea where someone has cut out a mini version of the garment in their different fabrics.
Layout and cutting
As always, I would recommend pre-washing your fabric as per the care instructions prior to starting any cutting or sewing. For more on pre-washing your fabric, check out my article 'How to: Pre-wash your fabric'.
This top consists only of 5 pattern pieces:
Front bodice
Front ruffle
Back bodice
Back ruffle
Right sleeve cuff
Left sleeve cuff
Neckline bias tape
The layout and cutting was fairly straightforward given the rather boxy nature of the pattern pieces. As the front and back both required cutting on the fold, instead of simply folding my fabric in half selvedge to selvedge creating one long folded edge (leaving me a long strip of fabric leftover), I chose to fold the two selvedge edges towards to centre line of my fabric creating two folded edges across the width of my fabric. This way my leftover piece of fabric became more workable for the future.
The pattern for the XXS fit perfectly within the width of my 135cm wide fabric, As you can see from the photograph, the wave shape of the bodice and ruffle fit together quite nicely.
Another really nice inclusion with Matchy Matchy patterns are 'print and cut' labels (see image below for examples) that you can use to pin to your fabric as you cut to avoid mixing up your pattern pieces. Some of the pattern pieces are quite similar (e.g. the gathered side panels), so this was a nice helpful addition.
Fabric preparation
Once your fabric is cut out and ready to go, there is only a little prep work that I would recommend prior to commencing sewing this top that may just make the sewing process that little bit smoother:
As always, ensure you have transferred all pattern markings and notches onto your fabric. In particular, ensure you have marked the positioning of ... This can be easily done with pins, or a chalk pencil.
Reinforce the front and back necklines. This is done by stay-stitching* around the neckline simply to avoid any distortion.
Prepare neck bindings: I much prefer to have my bindings cut, pressed and ready to go so I always make these up ahead of time.
Sewing
The Wave Float Top pattern is a wonderful choice for beginners to practice basic sewing techniques. With all Matchy Matchy sewing patterns, the design of The Wave Float Top includes simple shapes and easy construction.
This pattern involves stay-stitching, creating and attaching a bias neck bind, gathering and atachng a ruffle, and creating a sleeve cuff, making it an excellent project for those new to sewing.
The fit
My measurements:
Bust: 79cm
Waist: 62.5cm
Hips: 89cm
Height: 155cm
The relaxed and oversized design of this top makes it incredibly forgiving when it comes to fit, especially compared to more structured styles. It effortlessly drapes over the body, providing a chic and comfortable look that flatters a variety of shapes.
While I can only speak for the size XXS, I found the top to be comfortably roomy and perfectly oversized, just as intended (see images below). The fit is ideal for those who love a laid-back yet stylish silhouette.
The front scooped neckline adds to the ease of wearing, allowing the top to slip effortlessly over the head without fuss. This thoughtful design feature enhances the overall comfort and convenience of the garment.
The top itself is wonderfully swingy and cropped, ending just below the natural waist, making it a great companion for high-waisted skirts or trousers. This combination creates a balanced and fashionable look that’s perfect for any occasion.
If you prefer a longer length, you can easily extend the pattern piece for the frill, making it a straightforward customisation to suit your personal style. This adaptability adds to the top's appeal, ensuring it can be tailored to fit your specific needs.
Personal reflection
What I loved:
I absolutely loved everything about this top—the oversized, swingy design, the incredibly soft fabric I chose, and the straightforward assembly process. It's the kind of piece that effortlessly integrates into my wardrobe and complements my style to a tee.
What I didn't love:
Honestly, nothing comes to mind! Matchy Matchy's designs and patterns are my favourite, and there's a reason I keep returning to them time and again. Their patterns are consistently reliable and enjoyable to work with. I have yet to encounter any issues, which is why I've made almost all of their designs.
What I might do differently next time:
Nothing! And there will definitely be a next time! This pattern is such a pleasure to sew and wear that I wouldn't change a thing. It's a timeless addition to my wardrobe, and I look forward to making more in different fabrics (I am thinking a stripe next time).
Glossary
Nested patterns*: Refers to patterns that feature multiple sizes layered (or nested) within each other. You may see the different sizes colour coded, or more commonly indicated with different patterned lines (e.g. dashed). These differentiated lines make it easy to identify, and therefore cut or trace the desired size. When working with a PDF pattern, there will often be an option to select the size you would like printed, turning off (or making invisible) any unnecessary layers.
Stay-stitching*: Serves the purpose of stopping the edges of the fabric stretching out of shape as you construct your garment. To stay-stitch, simply use a regular stitch length (I use 2.5mm) and sew 6mm from the edge, back-tacking at the start and end of your stitching to secure the threads.
Please get in touch or leave me a comment. I would love to know if you found this article helpful. I hope I have inspired you to check out the Wave Float Top pattern from Matchy Matchy Sewing Club.
Thanks for reading.
Emma xx
This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions contained on this site are my own. Unless stated otherwise, I am not affiliated with any brands, products, or organisations mentioned, and do not receive any sponsorship, payment, or other compensation for any of the content on this site.
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