Forte Top & Dress
$12.50
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
- Full Bust option
Sizes: XS-5X (See Size Charts here)
Skill Level: Confident Beginners
Pattern Formats Included:
- 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.
Read more about this pattern on our blog:
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
Christine (verified owner) –
I did View B top with short sleeves. Although I thought it was going to be complicated, it was a very quick easy sew and MOST flattering on my plus sized body! I want to try all the options!
Stephanie Worley (verified owner) –
Love this pattern, made close to half a dozen so far of the View D top, next to make the dress
andrea lazar (verified owner) –
I love this pattern ♡♡♡
Sewed 4 times for me and my daughter and it is very easy with the great step by step explanations
powejj01 (verified owner) –
I love all the options and having some tops that aren’t just the same thing. Every time I wear one, I get so many random compliments
Frances Campbell (verified owner) –
I love the variety of options on this pattern!
I’ve made a few now and they all have different sleeves, necklines or flounces… so many looks from one pattern purchase!
I have to adjust the pattern for my larger bust so that the front seam sits beneath rather than cutting across my chest. Once that’s tweaked this is an easy and satisfying sew!
Joanne Creech (verified owner) –
As soon as I saw this one on Feature Friday, I knew I had to have it – I made it in view B and it has been a great addition in short sleeves as it warms up!
Kristi (verified owner) –
This is one of my most used patterns from Love Notions! My favorite view is View B. I have numerous tops and dresses in this view. The perfect pattern for beautiful flowy tops and dresses!
Kathy Norris (verified owner) –
I made a wearable muslin for my daughter. It was such an easy sew that I can’t wait to make another one. I will add a few inches to the bodice. She did not like how it fit on the bust area.
Kristin Robertson (verified owner) –
I made View D as a top to test the pattern, then made it as a dress. It’s an excellent pattern! Well fitted through the bust and shoulders paired with a cascading skirt that gently glides over your waist and hips. And it sews up quickly!
christinemoore38 (verified owner) –
I bought this on a featured friday and sewed up version D that weekend. Love the pattern. Well written. I am looking forward to seeing up some of the other versions soon.