Today we’re making literally the easiest top sewing pattern you will ever sew. There are no complicated pattern pieces, no confusing calculations, and no fancy pattern-drafting skills required.
The entire top starts with one simple rectangle of fabric that you’ll shape and drape to your body.
And it gets even better: this top is ridiculously quick to sew.
You can easily make it in under an hour, and there’s no hemming, no basting, no serging, and basically nothing complicated standing between you and your finished top.
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What Is the Viral Rectangle Top All About?
The name pretty much gives it away. The viral rectangle top is literally a top made from a simple rectangle of fabric. No darts, no complicated shaping, and no pile of tiny pattern pieces waiting to make you question your life choices.
The magic is in the way that simple rectangle drapes around your body. Instead of trying to force the fabric into a complicated shape, we let the fabric do the work. The result is this beautiful top that is shorter in the front and longer in the back, creating a gorgeous draped effect that hangs beautifully over your back and cleavage.
And the best part? You can completely customize the length. Make it shorter for a cute cropped version, or make it longer for more dramatic draping in the back. Even a small change in length can make the finished top look completely different.
The top has two spaghetti straps that extend all the way to the back, where you tie them into a small, pretty bow. It gives the whole thing a feminine little detail without making the construction any more complicated.
This is also why I think it is such a perfect beginner sewing project. There are no darts to sew, no complicated curves to navigate, and no intimidating pattern pieces to assemble. You’re essentially starting with a rectangle, adding a few simple details, and letting the fabric create the shape.
And yes, this top has been trending all over social media for months, so of course I was dying to try it myself. I kept seeing it and thinking, There is no way this is really that easy.
Well… it is.
Tips Before You Start Sewing
Before you grab your scissors, there are a couple of things I recommend thinking about first. The fabric you choose can completely change the look and feel of this top.
A lightweight, flowy fabric gives you a completely different look from something with more structure. You can make it party-ready, dress it up for a night out, or pair it with casual jeans or shorts for an everyday outfit.
The silver top I’m wearing in this tutorial was actually made from a surprisingly thick fabric, and I was convinced it was going to be way too stiff for this design. But to my surprise, it draped beautifully! The extra structure also made me feel like the top was really secure to wear, even more so than the satin version.
Recommended Fabrics:
If you have enough fabric, I highly recommend cutting your straps on the bias. Bias-cut fabric has more flexibility and creates softer, more fluid straps that sit beautifully on the body.
If you cut the straps on the straight grain or cross grain, they can feel and look a little stiffer, which is especially noticeable with this particular top.
So if your fabric allows for it, save enough fabric to cut those straps on the bias. It’s a small detail, but it can make the finished top look so much more polished.
And don’t be afraid to experiment with the length of your rectangle. Try a few different lengths and see how they change the drape and silhouette. You might end up with several completely different-looking tops using essentially the same DIY sewing pattern.
How to Draft Your Rectangle Top Sewing Pattern
Now let’s define the measurements we are going to use for our rectangle top sewing pattern.
As I mentioned before, don’t worry! We are not doing any complicated math or tricky pattern-drafting formulas here. In fact, you don’t even have to measure yourself if you don’t want to. But if you want to be a little more precise and make the top specifically for your body, I’m going to show you exactly what to measure.
And trust me, it’s ridiculously simple.
How to Determine the Width of Your Rectangle (a)
To determine the width of your rectangle, start at your center front and pass the measuring tape around your body toward your back, keeping it slightly angled downward. Stop when you reach the point where you want the back of your top to hang.
This is where you can really customize the top. The farther you take the measurement, the more fabric you’ll have to drape around your back.
But here’s the funny part: I didn’t measure myself at all for my top.
I simply used the full width of my fabric, which was 60 inches, and cut both rectangles to that width. For me, this created a regular-length version of the top, but you can absolutely make yours longer if you want more dramatic draping.
How to Determine the Height of Your Rectangle (B)
For the height, simply measure from your neckline down to determine how long you want the top to be.
I made mine into a crop top because, well… I love wearing crop tops.
My rectangle measured 10 ½ inches in height, but you can make yours longer or shorter depending on the look you want.
And that’s really all the measuring you need to do!
Add Your Seam Allowance
Once you have the width and height of your rectangle, we just need to add the seam allowance.
I added ¼ inch of seam allowance to each side of my rectangle.
That’s it.
That is the entire pattern.
No darts. No complicated curves. No multiple pattern pieces. Just one simple rectangle.
Now you’re ready to cut your fabric.
Cut two rectangles using the measurements you just determined, and then cut:
- 2 straps measuring 1 ¼” × 32″
And that’s everything you need to start sewing your DIY rectangle top.
How to Sew the Rectangle Top
Now it’s time to sew!
And I promise, you’re probably going to spend longer reading these instructions than you will actually sewing the top.
Step 1. Sew the Straps
Start by folding each strap in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric together.
Sew along the long edge using a ¼-inch seam allowance.
Then grab your loop turner and turn the straps right side out. Give them a really good press so they are nice, flat, and polished.
Step 2. Mark the Strap Placement
Next, we’re going to decide where we want the straps to sit on the front of the top.
For my version, I measured 4 ½ inches from the center front on each side.
Measure from the center out and mark your placement.
But this isn’t a rule you have to follow. If you want your straps closer together or farther apart, simply put the rectangle on your body and experiment with the placement until you find what feels right.
This is one of the nice things about making your own sewing pattern — you can adjust it to your body instead of adjusting your body to the pattern.
Once you’re happy with the placement, pin the straps to the right side of one rectangle.
Tie the two straps together in a small knot or bundle, so they stay tucked inside the rectangle while we sew.
Step 3 — Sew the Two Rectangles Together
Place the second rectangle on top of the first one, with the right sides together.
Pin all the way around the rectangle.
Then sew around the entire piece using a ¼-inch seam allowance, but leave at least 3 ½ inches open along one of the shorter sides.
We’re going to use this opening to turn the top right side out.
Step 4 — Trim the Corners
Before turning your top right side out, trim the corners.
Be careful not to cut through your stitching. Trimming away a little of the excess fabric at the corners will help them turn much more easily and give you cleaner corners once the top is right side out.
Now turn the entire piece right side out through the opening.
Take your time pushing out the corners, then press all of the seams really well until the rectangle is nice and flat.
Step 5 — Close the Opening
Once everything is pressed and looking beautiful, close the opening with an invisible stitch.
And that’s it for the main construction!
We’re almost done.
Step 6 — Create the Back Loop
There is just one more little detail that makes this top work beautifully.
Put the top on your body and gently pinch the fabric at the back to see approximately where you want the back loop to sit.
Make a small mark.
For my top, I placed the loop 12 inches from the strap, measuring from the strap outward.
But again, don’t treat that measurement as a rule. Everybody’s body and preferred fit are different, so try your top on and double-check the placement before sewing anything permanently.
The loop should sit in a position that leaves a small opening at the center back, giving you enough room to comfortably tie your straps.
Step 7. Make a Tiny French Tack
Now we’re going to use a needle and thread to create a French tack.
For this top, make a French tack approximately ½ inch long and attach it very close to the seams.
The wonderful thing about this technique is that it’s almost invisible when you’re wearing the top.
I specifically chose this method because I wanted my rectangle top to have a more elegant and discreet finish. Many versions of this top use large fabric loops made from the straps, but I didn’t really love the look of those. I wanted something much more delicate.
And this little French tack does exactly that.
Step 8 — Finish the Straps
Finally, finish the ends of your straps.
Tuck the raw edges of the fabric inside and close them with an invisible stitch.
Give everything one last press, and you’re done!
That’s it, my love.
You just made your own rectangle top sewing pattern and turned two simple rectangles of fabric into a beautiful top that you can customize to your own measurements.
And honestly? I told you this was going to be easy.
Final Thoughts
Hey, please let me know what you think about this tutorial in the comments!
And that’s it! A simple rectangle of fabric can turn into a beautiful, wearable top with just a few seams and a little creativity.
I hope this tutorial inspires you to give this easy DIY sewing pattern a try and experiment with your own fabrics, lengths, and variations. Once you make one, I have a feeling you’ll want to make another!
And if you make your own rectangle top, I would absolutely love to see it. Take a picture and tag me on Instagram @mygoldenthimble so I can see what you made. There is nothing I love more than seeing you take one of my tutorials and make it your own.
Happy sewing, my love!
