All Love Notions Sewing Patterns are digital downloads, you may print them at home or send to a copy shop. A physical pattern will not be mailed to you.
The Forte top and dress is a great transitional piece to add to your wardrobe. Included are four body styles, two dresses and several sleeve options to mix and match. Mix and match the sleeve flounces or leave them off entirely. The Forte is meant for light to medium weight knits. Views B & D can even be made as dresses!
A- gathered skirt peplum style with scoop neck
B- waterfall skirt with v-neck
C- classic tee with scoop neck
D- gathered inverted with v-neck
Forte Top and Dress Features:
Meant for knit fabrics
4 Top views
2 Dress views
6 Sleeve options: short with flounce, bell, gathered, plain short, plain mid-length, plain long
Print at home for US letter & A4 paper, trimless format with layers
Large format file for copy shop printing. This file will print on six A0 (33″ x 46″) size sheets. Be sure to instruct your printer to print actual size in black and white on their cheapest paper. We recommend PDFPlotting for printing the large format files.
A projector file is also included for those using projector technology.
The Forte Top & Dress instant downloadable pdf pattern contains:
The Forte Top & Dress contains pattern pieces for four top styles, two dress styles (standard bust & full bust) and 6 sleeve styles.
Included is a print chart to only print the pages you need for your style choice.
In addition to the print-at-home file, an A0-sized large format file for copy shop printing is also included.
A projector file is also included for those using projector technology to cut their fabric
1Â page to customize the fit.
2Â pages of inspiration photos from pattern testers.
Cutting guide.
7Â pages of bright and clear step by step illustrations.
Optimized for most tablets with links to each part of the pattern. Print only the pattern pieces and use a tablet or computer to read the instructions to save on ink and paper!
This pattern has the ability to print just desired size(s) and in addition features trimless pattern assembly! Open the PDF in Adobe, select the layer thumbnail on the left hand menu and then select the size(s) to print. See this tutorial for more information.
Designed for both letter and A4 paper printing.
Because we value work at home business, feel free to use this pattern in your home sewing businesses.
Size chart & Fabric Requirements
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Line Drawings
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ERRATA
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11/8/19: Updated file with sizes 4X & 5X
9/23/2020: Fixed mislabeled bodice and side seams view B top.
1/27/23: updated projector file to be a little more user friendly
11 reviews for Forte Top & Dress
Rated 5 out of 5
Stacey Gambetti (verified owner)–
I am in LOVE with my Forte tops! They all look different. I have made 2 so far and planning a grey one like your ambassador with the ruffle to the bell sleeve. Absolutely love them.
Rated 5 out of 5
doolittlea (verified owner)–
I really love view D of the Forte, very easy to make. You can easily sew one piece for the top front piece and just one for the bottom, I followed the tips from the Facebook group 🙂
Rated 5 out of 5
lindajermy (verified owner)–
Love this pattern, it’s so versatile. I’m sure I will be using it forever.
Rated 5 out of 5
Paula (verified owner)–
Oh my goodness!
Such a versatile pattern!
I bought this to copy a top I saw at *** which cost way too much! Forte was great for that, but so many more options. I’m having a ball with this pattern!
Rated 5 out of 5
Robin Twerdok (verified owner)–
The stort flounce sleeves are my favorite. So easy to sew up. Great staple.
Rated 5 out of 5
schroeder1987 (verified owner)–
This is one of my favorite patterns. I have used view C multiple times. It is a beautifully draped top in the right fabric. Use a fabric with a little more body and you can get some nice ruffles on the sleeves.
Rated 5 out of 5
Roberta Yochim (verified owner)–
I had so much fun making my first Forte top. I selected view D. I hacked the sleeves to make them 3/4 length exaggerated bishop sleeves with a small edge binding. It is so easy to make this pattern individual and it turned out perfect. Love it!
Rated 5 out of 5
Deborah Mah (verified owner)–
Made my first LN pattern and it was a very enjoyable experience. Sewed View D and it came out perfect. New to sewing and nearly gave up due to frustrations or fit (other pattern companies). I’ve been watching Karina’s videos (Lifting Pins and Needles) to learn more. Her Forte interpretation using knit and woven fabrics sold me. Keep up the good job – inclusive sizing and rigorous testing shows in your offerings. Planning to make more purchases.
Rated 5 out of 5
CJ (verified owner)–
I’ve made Version A without the flounce on the sleeve (fabric shortage). The pattern was great, good directions but I don’t think I chose the correct fabric (although it did meet the stretch requirements). It was very ‘bouncy’ and I probably could have gone down a size. I will use this pattern again.
Rated 5 out of 5
Gaby20ster (verified owner)–
This top is super confy and casual. Easy to sew even though it looks not super easy, The best is the fit!! LN patterns have helped me to develop my sewing skills so much!! completely recommended!
Rated 4 out of 5
SewLynn (verified owner)–
Drag lines from the sleeve seam into the bodice were disappointing, something I’d never experienced in any patterns I’ve used in the past, although I suppose I should have noticed them beforehand on many of the images shown on this page. I’ll make adjustments and give the pattern one more try as I do love the style and it fits well otherwise.
Keira Wood (verified owner)–
So sorry to hear of your struggles with the sleeve. Unfortunately, I am unable to see any images on this page that show draglines. I do hope you’ll give the pattern another try. Be sure to join our Facebook group for fit advice and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovenotionspatternsupport/ ~K
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Stacey Gambetti (verified owner) –
I am in LOVE with my Forte tops! They all look different. I have made 2 so far and planning a grey one like your ambassador with the ruffle to the bell sleeve. Absolutely love them.
doolittlea (verified owner) –
I really love view D of the Forte, very easy to make. You can easily sew one piece for the top front piece and just one for the bottom, I followed the tips from the Facebook group 🙂
lindajermy (verified owner) –
Love this pattern, it’s so versatile. I’m sure I will be using it forever.
Paula (verified owner) –
Oh my goodness!
Such a versatile pattern!
I bought this to copy a top I saw at *** which cost way too much! Forte was great for that, but so many more options. I’m having a ball with this pattern!
Robin Twerdok (verified owner) –
The stort flounce sleeves are my favorite. So easy to sew up. Great staple.
schroeder1987 (verified owner) –
This is one of my favorite patterns. I have used view C multiple times. It is a beautifully draped top in the right fabric. Use a fabric with a little more body and you can get some nice ruffles on the sleeves.
Roberta Yochim (verified owner) –
I had so much fun making my first Forte top. I selected view D. I hacked the sleeves to make them 3/4 length exaggerated bishop sleeves with a small edge binding. It is so easy to make this pattern individual and it turned out perfect. Love it!
Deborah Mah (verified owner) –
Made my first LN pattern and it was a very enjoyable experience. Sewed View D and it came out perfect. New to sewing and nearly gave up due to frustrations or fit (other pattern companies). I’ve been watching Karina’s videos (Lifting Pins and Needles) to learn more. Her Forte interpretation using knit and woven fabrics sold me. Keep up the good job – inclusive sizing and rigorous testing shows in your offerings. Planning to make more purchases.
CJ (verified owner) –
I’ve made Version A without the flounce on the sleeve (fabric shortage). The pattern was great, good directions but I don’t think I chose the correct fabric (although it did meet the stretch requirements). It was very ‘bouncy’ and I probably could have gone down a size. I will use this pattern again.
Gaby20ster (verified owner) –
This top is super confy and casual. Easy to sew even though it looks not super easy, The best is the fit!! LN patterns have helped me to develop my sewing skills so much!! completely recommended!
SewLynn (verified owner) –
Drag lines from the sleeve seam into the bodice were disappointing, something I’d never experienced in any patterns I’ve used in the past, although I suppose I should have noticed them beforehand on many of the images shown on this page. I’ll make adjustments and give the pattern one more try as I do love the style and it fits well otherwise.
Keira Wood (verified owner) –
So sorry to hear of your struggles with the sleeve. Unfortunately, I am unable to see any images on this page that show draglines. I do hope you’ll give the pattern another try. Be sure to join our Facebook group for fit advice and support: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovenotionspatternsupport/ ~K