Batwing Sweater Top FREE Pattern – Cosy Outfit For Winter

batwing sweater top

The Batwing Sweater Top Pattern comes in sizes S to 3XL and can be made using a serger only.  It is a super easy outfit to sew and even easier to wear.  My preference would be stockings and high boots if worn as a mini dress.  Leggings and fur slipper boots would be my outfit at home with a book and a cup of tea.  

I am heading off to Tokyo, in the middle of winter. Yes, this is me, why do things easy when you can complicate your life by adding freezing temperatures?

No, I have not experienced winter or snow, since….. come to think of it it was Japan the last time seven years ago.  This will be my first time in Tokyo City and I will (of course) be looking for fabric.

batwing sweater top

Searching in my closet for winter clothing, I came to the realization that I do not have any winter clothing from this decade. Ouchhh! This pattern is from the 90's, Inspired by the movie Flash Dance and worn again in 2007.

This decade is almost over and the good thing is fashion just keeps coming back over and over.  All you have to do is wait long enough to be able to wear the same clothes again.

Sewing Level: Basic Intermediate

batwing sweater top

So what to wear that's warm and will hide a few extra kilos? This is it…

Materials

  •  2 to 2 1/2 yards of sweater or knit fabric (amount will depend on the width of the fabric)
  • Ballpoint needle Size 80 or 90
  • Thread to match the fabric

Fabric Suggestions from Fabric.com

Pattern Download

Print the pattern using Adobe Reader in Landscape mode, and actual size.

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Download the Free Pattern

You can download the pattern for the Batwing Sweater Top from our account at Payhip.

For help downloading and printing PDF patterns, please CLICK HERE.

Pattern Layout

Cutting Instructions

I have not made all the marks on the pattern, (yes! I do make some mistakes from time to time..)

For the hips ribbing cut TWO ON THE FOLD.

For the neck ribbing CUT ONE on the fold.

Do trace the other side of the sweater pattern to avoid forgetting to fold the fabric. Knits and especially sweater knits should be cut in one layer so it is best to trace the other side of the patterns and marked on the fold.

Finished Measurements

Size Width Length Hips Wrist
S 52″ 22 3/4″ 37″ 7″
M 52 1/2″ 23″ 39″ 7 1/2″
L 53″ 23 1/4″ 41″ 8″
XL 52 1/2″ 23 1/2″ 43″ 8 1/2″
2XL 54 1/2″ 24″ 45 1/2″ 9 3/8″
3XL 55 1/2″ 25″ 47 1/2″ 10.2″

How To Sew The Batwing Sweater Top

You can sew the batwing sweater top using only a serger if you have one.  If you don't have one you can use a normal sewing machine but first, do a scrap test, this is a must.

You need to find out if the tension, size of the stitch, and the thread quality are correct for your fabric with your sewing machine.

Here are my best tips to navigate sewing a sweater fabric.

  • Decrease the tension, think knit fabrics require less tension than thin knits.
  • Use a Teflon foot (if you have one) on your sewing machine to help the fabric glide easier under the foot.
  • If your fabric is waving at the seams you will have to place a strip of 2″ wide of thin paper under the fabric to help the fabric glide easier.

You may find it useful to review this helpful tutorial on Sewing Sweater Knits before you start.

sewing sweater knits

Read Article

 Step One:  Sew The Shoulders

Using a wavy stretchable stitch, or a serger sew the whole project at 3/8″.

If your machine has an overcasting stitch, overcast the edge of the fabric to prevent the fabric from raveling.

Use a seam reaper to help feed the fabric under the foot.

Place the front and back pieces print sides together.  Sew at 3/8″.

Step Two: Sew the sides

Sew the sides at 3/8″.

Step Three: Sew The Hips Ribbing

A great alternative here would be a ribbing fabric in a contrasting color.  This would give the top/minidress a hip look.

Place the two pieces print sides together and sew the sides at 3/8′ (1cm)

Turn the ribbing print/right side out.

Fold the ribbing in half.  You should have a band with double layers now.

Once you have made the hips ribbing you will sew it to the bottom of the top/mini dress.

batwing sweater top

Step Four:  Sew The Neckline Ribbing

This is done exactly as the hips ribbing.

Sew the strip of fabric prints sides together. Fold the ribbing lengthwise and sew to the neck area at 3/8″.  This is of course optional.  You can just serge the neckline and leave it.

batwing sweater top

batwing sweater top

Step Five: Hemming

There are two places where you will serge, at the neckline if you have chosen not to add the ribbing there, and at the wrists.  If this finish does not please you turn the hem 3/8″ and stitch with a small zigzag.

Wearing this top is easy, stocking, thermal leggings, jeggings and skinny jeans are all perfect choices.

How to wear the top:

The pregnant lady. 

The Biker Chick:

The Cafe girl:

This is how I am planning to wear it. (maybe)

I am missing the hat, the leggings, and the boots.  Maybe I will have to rethink this outfit. I better get back to sewing…Until next time!

batwing sweater top

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Vicki Mansell

I look forward to trying this and I have a serger!! But have never sewn anything like this (age 67 self taught seamstress!) Appreciate the loving freebies! And I live in Hokkaido Japan, where the snows fall and no, don’t have the boots or the legs to wear like that but I will do something!! 😉 Thanks a bunch! You need to come to Hokkaido next time! We have lived here for 37 years now! (from USA).

Serene Cheung
Serene Cheung

I’m thinking I’d make the bottom band narrower as I’d like to wear it more as a top than a dress. Love the bat wings. Thank you!

Sarah
Sarah

Do you think this pattern would work in fleece? I love cuddling in fleece tops when it’s cold and it comes in lots of colors and patterns.

Tracey King
Tracey King

Looks great! Super easy and cozy. I need to find me some sweater knits QUICK!!

Lucinda Culp
Lucinda Culp

Do you think it would work with a stretchy fleece?

Alpha
Alpha

Hi Mayra,
Happy Australia Day to you from frigid Canada (we’re in the middle of winter)!
Is this by chance a rework of the “simple boat neck top” pattern? I actually just downloaded that one and made it up in an eyelash cheetah knit. Very simple and easy pattern by-the-way.

S L Hosack
S L Hosack

This is an awesome pattern. Thank you so much. I had purchased some fleece to line a hoodie, but didn’t get enough for the hood! This looks perfect for it. It will be a while before I make it, but it is so on my list to do after I make the hoodie pattern I got from you a few weeks ago.

Patti
Patti

If I can find the right fabric, I am going to make this top. I appreciate all of the patterns that you offer. I have made several and find the sewing instructions to be well written, easy to follow and thorough. Thank you!

amadoofus

Beautiful Sweater! Your instructions are stellar. Thank You for this Gem!!

patsystitch@gvtc.com
patsystitch@gvtc.com

I would like the pattern in teen and girl size. My 5 Great Granddaughters would love it. I if I was younger, I would make one.

trackback

[…] De winter komt er weer aan en mijn dochter (11 jaar) heeft als zoals het een echte vrouw betaamd, gewoon niet genoeg truien, volgens eigen zeggen, dus mama heeft vandaag maar even snel een trui in elkaar genaaid, nu gauw 1 voor mezelf in elkaar zetten, mama vind hem ook leuk. Klik hier voor het patroon. […]

Marlena
Marlena

In regards to Katerin’s comment on Feb. 24 2018, I discovered the same issues. I just completed the batwing top and had to make some adjustments to the pattern. This is what I changed: For the hip ribbing piece I cut two on the fold; fold line provided. For the neck ribbing I cut one on the fold; fold line provided. The only change in directions for the neck ribbing was to center the neck ribbing seem, which gave me a “back” to the top instead of having two seems matching the shoulder seems. I also marked a fold line on the main body of the piece just to remind myself to cut this piece on the fold. My top came out very nicely. I hope this is helpful to anyone else wanting to make this top.

Moira Cell
Moira Cell

I can’t find this pattern download

Tracy King
Tracy King

Thank you so much! Can’t wait to try it.

Natasha
Natasha
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

I’ve made several of these and love them! I’m not clever enough but I’d like to make it as a romper too. Shorts instead of a mini dress! I love your patterns x

Rachel Rose
Rachel Rose

I have a question regarding the width of the pattern. Is it possible that this pattern requires a fabric that is wider than 60″ across?

Natasha
Natasha
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

I’ve made several of these and love them! I’m not clever enough but I’d like to make it as a romper too. Shorts instead of a mini dress! I love your patterns x

trackback

[…] patterns that are perfect for fall! Now that it's getting a little colder, I've started looking for winter gear – warm hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, cowls, and even a fun hand […]

debra
debra

Hi, I’m having trouble figuring out the layout. Are the cirlces on the sides of the page meant to meet or overlap?
Thanks very much
Debra

Betty Dalton
Betty Dalton

I was looking for a copy of Aretha Franklin’s ‘famous hat’ and your site came up as a possible source. Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you. Betty Dalton

Katerin
Katerin

Very beautiful! I just cut the pattern and I’m very confused: 1) The neck ribbing (cut two on fold) is bigger than the neck hole (almost double). Is something going wrong or should I must stretch the neck to be same size as the ribbing? 2) The ribbing of the belt (cut two ribbing) must be “on the fold”? Pattern have two arrows but does not write it. Sorry if I don’t understant well. Thank you! Very pretty sweater.

Charlene Cairn
Charlene Cairn

Also I really like the dress or top worn by the lady in glasses in your welcome photo. Is there a pattern available for this?

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Charlene Cairn

Hi Charlene, I think that top was made with this pattern: https://so-sew-easy.com/wrap-top-free-pattern/

Charlene Cairn
Charlene Cairn
Reply to  So Sew Easy

Re the wrap top, I think you’re right. After I had a look at your link I went to my Craftsy pattern library and I had already downloaded it. Thank you for that, time now to take a break from quilting and start making some clothes.

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Charlene Cairn

You’re welcome Charlene. Thanks for your comments and happy sewing!

Charlene Cairn
Charlene Cairn

I am also missing the hat, the leggings and the boots, as well as the body shape to go with it all, and the cool weather to wear it. I live on the Gold Coast hinterland now, in Queensland, Australia, and I’m thinking it might work it a light cotton knit for days that are a little cooler than usual. I love batwings.

Beverly Campbell
Beverly Campbell

I love this sweater and want to make it NOW!!! I will have to drive to Portland Or. where they have so much more fabric to choose from. Gas up the car and make a run for some sweater knit fabric. Thanks so much for sharing your patterns with all of us. I have made soooooo many things from your patterns that I can’t even count them all.

Val??
Val??

Love this pattern. Thank you for the freebies. I can’t wait to make it but I have to finish what is on my machine first. Cheers Val??

Maggie
Maggie

I am very excited about this! Sunday is my favorite day (I look for your e-mail, first thing.)

Gaila
Gaila

Cute! Cute! Ah . . so cute! Did I mention that I love this batwing sweater? I for see it in my sewing future. Thank you so much for sharing and enjoy wearing this in Tokyo.

Helen P
Helen P

Would look good over jeggings, skinny leg jeans or even boot cut jeans. Also if made with a thicker warm fabric could be used instead of a coat or jacket in the spring / autumn.

Barbara Tonkins
Barbara Tonkins

This looks great! Can’t wait to make it. Thanks so much for all these free patterns.