Milena top sewing pattern

Skill level: Beginner / Intermediate

Milena is relatively simple in shape, but the panel work asks for care. The curved seams are the main challenge, so mark everything clearly and sew slowly through the intersections.

If you want the shape without the extra panel work, combine the panel pieces before cutting. You’ll keep the fitted silhouette, but remove some of the construction detail.

For an easier sew, use starched cotton, poplin or stable linen. For a lighter version with more visual interest, use organza and play with single and double layers for transparent and opaque sections.

Fabric requirements

• Fabric: 140 cm / 55 in wide × 96 cm / 38 in
• Fusible interfacing: 140 cm / 55 in wide × 23 cm / 9 in

Milena works best in stable lightweight woven fabrics. Organza gives the top its sheer, textured effect. Cotton and poplin make the panels easier to cut and sew. Linen gives the finished piece a more relaxed edge.

The original sample uses cream silk organza, with single and double layers creating transparent and opaque sections.

Supplies

• 7 buttons, 1 cm / ½ in diameter
• Main fabric
• Fusible interfacing
• Matching thread

Equipment

• Sewing machine
• Overlocker / serger
• Pins
• Needles
• Fabric scissors
• Paper scissors

Milena is available in UK 4–16 / EUR 32–44 / US 0–12.

Choose your size by comparing your bust, waist and hip measurements to the size chart. Because Milena has a fitted shape and multiple panels, make a toile first if you are between sizes or using a delicate fabric.

All sewing patterns are drafted for a dressmaker’s B cup, so fuller cup sizes may need a full bust adjustment.

Included in your download pack

• PDF sewing pattern in A4 and US Letter, tiled pages for home printing, all sizes nested
• PDF sewing pattern in A0, one sheet for a copy shop, all sizes nested
• Step by step sewing instructions PDF
• How to print guide PDF: print settings, scale check and how to piece the pages together

File structure

├── How to Print Documentation.pdf
├── Sewing Instructions.pdf
└── Sewing Patterns
    ├── A0 (one sheet)
    ├── A4 (tiled pages)
    └── US Letter (tiled pages)

The size chart is on this page and on the Size charts page. It is not a separate file in the pack.

This is a digital product. No paper pattern will be posted.

After checkout, you can download the sewing pattern pack from your order completion page, from your download email, or later through My Account → Downloads.

• PDF: Open the PDF files in Adobe Reader and print at 100% scale, not “scale to fit”.
• Downloads: Save the ZIP file to a laptop or computer rather than downloading it to a mobile device.

For personal use only.

You may not sell garments made from this pattern, and you may not resell, lend, share, or redistribute the original pattern files. Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information.

Milena is a top pattern built around lightness, shape and precision.

The silhouette is fitted and clean, with a mandarin-inspired collar and button front keeping the structure sharp. The panel work does the rest: curved front and back seams that create subtle texture, especially when made in sheer or semi-sheer fabric.

Use organza if you want the transparent sections to show. Use cotton or poplin if you want the lines to stay crisp and the sewing to feel easier. Use linen if you want something softer and less polished.

This is a good project for makers who want a small garment with plenty of technique. Not much fabric. Plenty of detail.

Clean shape. Fine panels. Worth sewing carefully.