There is just something effortlessly cool about a tie-front shirt. It adds instant summer vibes and makes what would otherwise be a classic button-up feel a little more fun. In this post, we will show you how to hack the Tofino Top pattern into a tie-front style. It’s a simple tweak with a big payoff!
We’ll be demonstrating this hack on View B (the shorter version), but you can absolutely adapt it for View A as well by simply adding more ties. The pattern adjustment and sewing steps are the same either way.
We recommend using a lightweight fabric for this hack. Heavier fabrics don’t drape as nicely and can make the ties look bulky or stiff. I used an eyelet fabric for my version which adds another layer of whimsy. I did not interface any of the pieces and I skipped the front pocket. I chose an eyelet without too many holes so it would be easier to sew. If you want to use an eyelet with way more holes, consider using a plain cotton in a matching fabric for the inner yoke, undercollar, and front facings to add some stability.
Note, this hack also works perfectly with the Gilbert Top. The pattern adjustments (including the amounts to remove) and the sewing steps are exactly the same, so feel free to try it with whichever pattern you prefer.
You will need:
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Pattern Pieces: Front (1), Front Facing (5) and Collar (6)
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Ruler and paper scissors
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Pen, pencil, or whatever you like to mark with
Pattern Adjustments
Since the top will tie at the front, we will need to remove the center front overlap from both the Front (1) and Front Facing (5) pieces. On each piece, draw a line ¾” (1.9 cm) in from the front edge, parallel to it. Trim along this line to remove the extra width. This gets rid of the button placket extension, which is no longer needed.
Next, we will adjust the collar so that it matches the new width of the trimmed front edge. Trim ¾” (1.9 cm) off either side of the collar.
If you want, you can also trim down the collar along the longer edge to make it proportionally match the new lapel better. This step is optional. If you prefer your collar to be a bit bigger feel free to skip it. I did not adjust the collar on my version and I like the oversized collar look.
To adjust the collar, draw a line ¾” (1.9 cm) in from the long outer edge, following the curve of the original shape. Trim along this line to reduce the collar.
That’s it for the pattern adjustments. So easy, right? Next up, we’ll add a couple of extra steps during sewing and do a little bit of jumping around in the instructions to make the tie-front come together just right.
When cutting your fabric, cut two strips measuring 1 ⅜” (3.5 cm) long and the full width of your fabric. Once sewn, these will be cut into smaller sections to create the ties for both sides of the front. Note, you’ll most likely need two full-width strips regardless of your fabric width, especially if you are going for a longer bow style.
Sewing
Fold each long edge of the tie strips ¼” (0.6 cm) to the wrong side and press. Then fold each tie strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides facing, aligning the folded edges. Press. Edgestitch along the folded edge of each tie strip. Next, cut each tie strip into three pieces, roughly the same length. These will be your ties. We will adjust the final length of the ties once the top is sewn, so don’t worry if they feel a bit long for now.
Continue working on your top as per the original instructions as written through Step 21. Skip Step 22.
In Step 23, sew the necklines only, using a ⅜” (1 cm) seam allowance. Do not sew along the hem or center front at this point.
As part of Step 24, grade the inner yoke seam allowance and clip into the neckline curves, being careful not to cut through the stitching line.
Continue with Step 25, pressing the collar and yokes flat. Skip Step 26 and complete Step 27 as written.
Put the top on and use a pin or a fabric marker to mark your full bust/chest, or wherever button-up shirts tend to gape open on you. This will be the placement for the first tie. Take the top off.
Working with one side of the front at a time, pin the first tie to the right side of the front at the spot you just marked. Pin the second tie 3”-4” (7.6 cm - 10 cm) above the hem. Pin the third tie halfway between the first two.
Copy the tie placements to the other front and pin the remaining ties in place.
With right sides together, align the front facings and the top along the center fronts and hems. Pin in place.
Sew the facings to the top along the hem and center fronts using a ⅜” (1 cm) seam allowance. When you reach the corners, pivot and sew two stitches at an angle.
Tip: You can also add two angled stitches at the neckline corners, even though the neckline seam has already been sewn. This helps create a clean corner when everything is turned right side out.
Grade the seam allowances on the front facings and clip the corners. Turn the facings to the inside of the top and press everything in place.
Continue following the original instructions from Step 28 through Step 38. At this point, your top is mostly sewn! Try it on and tie the bows at the front to check the length of the ties. Adjust them as needed for the look and fit you want. Make sure to add ~⅝” (1.6 cm) to the final length. To finish the ties, turn the raw edge of each one ¼” (0.6 cm) to one side twice and sew it in place.
And that’s it! You’ve officially turned your Tofino into a tie-front top! We hope you love this hack as much as we do. I’m loving my breezy eyelet top for summer. It looks great over swimwear, a simple bralette, or as a layering piece for a summer dress. It feels so modern and cool!
I've paired my tie-front Tofino with my lime green linen Lockhart Skirt hack, which you can find instructions for here. I layered it over a blue bralette. I also love that this tie-front top works well as a beach cover-up top. It's so breezy and lovely for throwing on over a swimsuit, like this Sunstar one piece!
