Our 4 versions of the Belle Épine top from Maison Fauve

Céline gave in first… and then we followed 😂!

You know that moment when you say, “This top is lovely—what pattern is it?” And then, there you have it, you’re caught; you have to sew it!

Marie gave in, then Ségolène, and I succumbed afterwards… given the temperatures, it was the obvious choice.

Join us on our sewing adventure with the Belle Épine top by Maison Fauve!

Here we go for a colourful quartet!

The design

Belle Épine is a little top with bohemian charm and a decidedly summery look.

Delicate and highly feminine, it stands out with its radiating bust clips, its V-neckline at the front and back (with an opening that allows you to wear a bra), its pretty tie-up shoulder straps, and its shaped, gathered frill.

The pattern is fully lined, and the top underneath is constructed with classic bust clips. An unlined version is also possible thanks to clean-finish neckline pieces. The perfect companion for hot summer days, the pattern comes in several versions: with or without a frill, with or without lining, so you can adapt your design as you wish.

This sewing pattern is very easy to sew, with lovely finishes—in short… irresistible, just as we told you!

Information about sewing this design

Belle Épine is suitable for beginner sewing level, so if you’ve just started sewing, don’t worry—go for it! If you’re more advanced, Belle Épine makes a lovely quick project with original details, particularly the bust-centre clips, which are a highly distinctive feature of this design.

Belle Épine is available in sizes 34 to 52.

Seam allowances are included in the pattern (1 cm).
The pattern pieces do not overlap.

A video tutorial is included, as is an illustrated step-by-step booklet.

In the dressmaker's basket

Belle épine est prévu pour du tissus tissé comme de la popeline de coton, satin de coton, voile de coton, broderie anglaise, double gaze, cotton lawn, viscose, tencel, lin viscose, seersucker... les options ne manquent pas!

Les fournitures nécessaires sont:
- Du tissu pour une laize de 140 cm :
Top dessus avec volant : 34-42 : 100 cm, 44-50 : 110 cm, 52 : 120 cm
Top dessus sans volant : 34-36 : 65 cm, 38-44 : 80 cm, 46-50 : 100 cm, 52 : 115 cm
Top dessous : 34-48 : 60cm, 50 : 80 cm, 52 : 100 cm
- 35 cm de thermocollant ou support droit fil
- Fil assorti

Nos fournitures, choix et expériences

Eugénie:
I made my top in size 34. I chose the straight version without a peplum and made no modifications. I chose Renoncules viscose satin in pink tones and a white cotton lawn to line my top.

Céline:
I made two versions: one in Japanese cotton poplin. The other one is in pink gingham double gauze.
For the poplin version, I made my top in size 38. As the simplest version was a little too big, I added a small clip at the centre front and another at the centre back. For the double gauze version, I made the version with the ruffle, kept size 38, but removed 1 cm from the centre front and also from the centre back. It’s still too big, but that doesn’t bother me.

I cut the ruffle on the bias so that the checks would run in the other direction, and I used a rolled hem as the finish. I didn’t encounter any particular difficulties; I think it’s great that the pattern already includes French seams. And as usual with little tops, it’s a lovely little project that’s quick to finish.

Ségolène:
I made my Belle Epine top in this magnificent Japanese cotton, a colourful and vibrant fabric called Nora. I made it in size 40, but I find it a little too big. Next time, I’ll make it in size 38. The only modification I made was to lengthen the straps by 10 cm so they would be long enough to tie a bow on my shoulders. Belle Epine is a lovely pattern that comes together very quickly and is perfect for the current temperatures!

Marie:
When Céline told me that her next sewing project would be “Belle Epine” by Maison Fauve, I immediately jumped at the chance to sew it too. I love the pattern’s fresh feel—light and airy, absolutely perfect for my next holiday in Italy!

As the pattern has a lovely amount of positive ease and I didn’t want it to be too loose either, I cut a size 36 from a very old coupon in my stash.

Belle épine is great to make; it comes together quickly for a very romantic result, just the way I like it. It's a rewarding project for a beginner who wants to work on precision: the version I chose features four bust clips placed in a very original way at the center front, and they need to be carefully aligned with the seam line for a beautifully finished, picco bello result.

It also gives you the opportunity to discover facings, straps, and such lovely French seams (and a little linguistic aside: did you know that in English, a French seam is called a "French seam"?) Since I wanted it to be a little longer and as lightweight as possible, I didn't make a traditional hem; instead, I guided the edge under the serger's presser foot to create a narrow, tight rolled hem. I love this little top, and I've already cut out a second one in raspberry embroidery!