Pattern Review – Torrens Box Top by Muna and Broad
I love the whole idea of Muna and Broad. Before I even get into the pattern itself it’s worth just talking about Muna and Broad, run by two great down to earth sewers, Leilai and Jess. The Muna and Broad patterns are beautifully drafted in an incredibly wide size range.
Leila, lives in Canada’s Jess in NZ, I love how they make their business partnership work from different sides of the globe, and the fact that Jess is an NZer makes me love them all a bit more!
They are unashamedly prioritising the needs of sewers in larger sizes. Their patterns range from a 40-64” bust and 41.5-71.5” hip and if you’re not covered by their biggest size they will help you out with your own draft. How amazing! Both Jess and Leila are insta-sewing stars you can follow them here. Jess @FatBobbinGirl or Leila @LeilaSews
Ok, now to the Torrens box top. It is (IMO) an awesome box top. It has a relaxed, but structured silhouette, and is a great flattering style.
I love a box top for the ability they have to cover my tum, but often the boxy shapes hang from my boobs and make me look pregnant at best and like a dumpling at worst. Not the Torrens though.
As Muna and Broad are designing Fat First, the shapes are beautiful and flattering on curves. It is a great everyday wardrobe staple, and depending on the fabric you use, this could be dressed up or a casual every day top.
The pattern is available as a PDF printable with both A4/US print and home and A0 copy shop files. The Torrens box top has a sleeve band style or a longer sleeve option.
Pattern & INSTRUCTIONS
The pattern was very easy to piece together and work out which size I needed. I cut out the size C and did not apply a full bust adjustment. I hoped the boxy, loose fit would have enough ease to maintain the shape without needing this adjustment.
The instructions were great. Simple, clear and really easy to follow. The only time I slipped up was because I wasn’t paying attention and twice (yes twice!!) sewed the same arm band on inside out.
I haven’t yet made the long sleeve version, but with winter coming, this is on my list to make.
Sewing Process
Muna and Broad pitch this as a level 1/5 on sewing difficulty and they are absolutely right. It is a really simple sew, and as long as you pay more attention than I did even the unique arm band style is straightforward.
I did swap out the neck facing for some bias tape. That’s just a matter of personal preference for me. I don’t like facings… I don’t like the extra fabric they often add to my bust and I like the more sustainable scrap busting of bias tape.
Other than that I made no adjustments and had this sewed up in an hour and a half… and remember I had to unpick the same arm band… twice ! doh!
Great top, a definite wardrobe staple!
A flattering boxy top for curves….?
Yes, that is the Torrens Boxy Top! It covers all my lumps and bumps and the cut just drapes beautifully. It doesn’t just hang from my boobs maternity clothing style! Whoop whoop for the Torrens!
I made mine out of a gorgeous forest green viscose from Atelier Brunette and when I wore it to work a colleague asked I I had bought it from a very expensive store….
I’ve definitely got a need to sew more of this pattern. Since making this I have also made a long version Torrens dress, which is just the ultimate comfort summer dress.
And if you are looking for some inspo on what you can do with the Torrens Box Top Patter, look no further:
– 500+ #Torrensboxtop posts on instagram
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Than you for this review. I’ve been thinking about this top for a while now. I think I;m going to do it!
How awsome to see such a versatile pttern for bigger sizes, I’m definitely going to look this one up!