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 –
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 –
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 –
Love this pattern, it’s so versatile. I’m sure I will be using it forever.
Paula –
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 –
The stort flounce sleeves are my favorite. So easy to sew up. Great staple.
schroeder1987 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
Love this pattern, made close to half a dozen so far of the View D top, next to make the dress
andrea lazar –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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 –
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.
J Score –
Very cute pattern with so many options to change the look up! I was very intimidated to sew my own clothes but you have helped me overcome those fears!
Pamela White –
I made a version of this top and love it. I have lost weight and now it is too big so I “have” to make a new one. Such a great problem to have.
Kathy Garnett –
An easy dress/top to make. I love v-necks and this pattern makes it easy!
soaper.yt –
I’ve made two so far… View B, dress and top. Both turned out really nice. My fabric choice for the dress view wasn’t the best, but it’s still wearable. My advice is to not use ponte. It just doesn’t have the drape.
danitajc –
This amazing pattern in bamboo Lycra made my year! Comfy, cool, and styling I was so happy I tried making just one of the Forte tops! This year I can’t wait to make more of the designs and add to my closet beautiful blouses that fit my style! I can highly recommend this pattern.
Deanne Dexter –
Y’all are So Generous! I love your ” interview” video. I have had only success w each pattern. The Forte is the best value, offering 4 very different looks..I ve sewn multiples.
I send people on Reddit in your direction often, because of the great designs, instructions & mostly personal fit guidance! Happy New Year!
Sally Holmes –
Such a versatile pattern, I have only made view B so far and it is a staple in my wardrobe
Terri Strong –
I made view B. Maybe it was my fabric choice but it looked like a maternity top on me (and I am waay past the age to be pregnant!). So beware if you are someone like me with a bit of a belly. Hoping the other views are more flattering on me, it looks so good in the photos.
lucymarie2907 –
My absolute favourite LN pattern! I lowered the bust seam to sit below my bust and this small modification is so flattering on me. I love this pattern do much and have made several already, with plans for many more!
Mary McCoy –
WOW! So many options with this pattern. For my first make I used option D and a Rayon /Lycra knit. Absolutely love the way it turned out.
I think I will try version B next.
Thanks Love Notions for creating such a fun pattern!
semarcel –
The Forte is my first knit pattern. I love the directions on how to customize the pattern- it’s so clear and easy to follow. I also appreciate the blog and YouTube support when I needed a bit more. I would recommend this as a great pattern to learn from, particularly for beginners.
Sara Seefeldt –
A quick sew with so many options and a flattering fit. I am not one to repeat patterns but Love notions patterns are the exception, especially this one! It’s a staple in my closet. The simplicity of a t-shirt with added fun flair of ruffles is perfect as a stay at home mom when I want to be comfortable but not frumpy. Highly recommend!
Donna Louch –
This one is great although I have only made version D. I also changed the sleeves and modified the neckline a bit (wanted a higher neck). I need to try another version next.
Stephanie Worley –
I have made quite a few of view D; it is my fave and I love the way it sews, the way it wears, and its look. I will be making more, of that there is no doubt
Zuleika Lambe –
I haven’t sewn clothing with knit fabric for over 20 years, so I made view C to ease myself into it. It was so easy to make that I made two tops this afternoon! I turned them into short sleeves as I realised I didn’t care for the flounce detail and decided to chop the sleeve off. I also lengthened it 2 inches which makes it suitable for wearing with jeans. I’ll make another tomorrow which I’ll lengthen about 6 inches to wear with leggings and will also make view B. Awesome pattern!
Lynn –
I have made the forte 3 times. I find I get the most compliments from those shirts over any other pattern. I use the D version. It makes me feel so pretty.
mirandahawke –
This was my first Love Notions make. I made view B with short sleeves for my niece, who is pregnant with twins. Not only was it easy to complete, but it looked beautiful. It was made with a lovely light lilac colored rayon knit with dark pansies scattered on it. Not only did my niece love it, but she also received many compliments and wore it until her pregnancy advanced enough that it was too short. The pattern instructions were excellent and easy to follow.
I look forward to making many more Love Notion makes!
Melanie –
This pattern has so many options!! I made a version A (hacked to be sleeveless) and Dress version B. Both are great! The dress is very unique and I love the techniques used in this pattern!
Stephanie Worley –
Such a wonderful top to sewing. I have 2 more cut out and ready to sew, with material ready for more!