Summertime calls for easy throw on tops and this cute open back tank from Matchy Matchy ticks all the boxes! Picnic perfect in navy gingham, this breezy top will suit a wide range of fabrics - think gauzy cottons, soft linens and shimmery silks. Read our review of this beginner-friendly pattern, kindly modelled by Olivia from our HQ team.
Pattern Review
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club — Open Back Smock Top
The Open Back Smock Top is a fun summer tank pattern, designed for woven fabrics. It features an A-line silhouette with a high front neckline, cropped length, and a split back with a single button closure. Matchy Matchy describe the Open Back Smock Top as a quick and satisfying sew which it totally is! It's also very economical on fabric, we made up a size S and this used less than 1m of a lightweight linen gingham deadstock fabric from our online store. The instructions are very straightforward to follow, and we chose to pattern match the side seam, as well as use french seaming, rather than overlocking. This top fit Olivia really well, and we can see it being super popular with shorts and sandals at the beach or park on hot summer days!
Download the Open Back Smock Top from the Matchy Matchy Sewing Club here.
Fabric Recommendations
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club recommend using light-midweight woven fabrics for this pattern, such as linen, cotton, and silks. We picked a lightweight linen/cotton blend, using under 1m at 140cm wide. How cute does this top look in gingham?! If you're a gingham fan, we have loads available in stores and online.
Alternatively, here are a few suggestions below that would work well for a pattern like this. Clockwise from top left is Self Stripe Soft Cotton - Glaucous, Daisy Cotton Broderie Anglaise - Firethorn, Gingham Cotton Shirting - Navy, Graphic Plaid Cotton Voile - White Mix, Vine Leaves Cotton - Russet and Jumbo Stripe Cotton Poplin - Red.
Below, Oliva wears the Open Back Top with a pair of our Make by TFS Sparrow Shorts in Organic Hemp!
If you are a beginner sewist looking for a summery, fun make, we'd definitely recommend trying this pattern out! Don't forget, we would love to see what you're working on, tag us @wearethefabricstore over on Instagram and TikTok, so we can follow along!