A matching summer coord set is one of the most rewarding garments to sew because it offers endless styling possibilities. Whether worn together for a coordinated outfit or mixed and matched with other wardrobe staples, a lightweight tank top and high-waisted shorts make a comfortable and versatile combination that's perfect for warm-weather dressing. They're also beginner-friendly projects that introduce useful techniques like darts, bindings, pockets, waist facings, and invisible zipper installation.
The Winslet's Olivia Summer Coord Set Sewing Pattern combines two elegant garments into one coordinated project: the Olivia Tank Top, featuring an A-line silhouette with a back keyhole detail, and the Olivia Shorts, designed with a high waist, side pockets, and an invisible side zipper. Together, they create a polished outfit that's equally suited to vacations, brunches, and everyday summer wear.
Why Sew a Summer Coord Set?
Creating a coordinated top and shorts set gives you multiple styling options while building confidence with woven garment construction.
- Sew a complete matching outfit from a single pattern.
- Wear the tank top and shorts together or style them separately.
- The relaxed A-line tank top is comfortable and easy to wear.
- The high-waisted shorts feature functional side pockets and a concealed side zipper for a tailored finish.
- Lightweight woven fabrics make the set ideal for warm weather.
- Learn practical sewing techniques including darts, binding, pocket construction, waist facings, and invisible zipper installation.
Why Choose the Winslet's Olivia Summer Coord Set Sewing Pattern?
Olivia Tank Top
Olivia Shorts
The Olivia Summer Coord Set is designed for sewists who want a coordinated outfit that's stylish, versatile, and enjoyable to make.
Skill Level: Easy
Key Features
- A-line tank top.
- Back keyhole opening with button loop.
- High-waisted shorts.
- Functional side pockets.
- Invisible side zipper closure.
- Designed as a coordinated matching set.
Available Sizes: US 02 - US 32 | UK 06 - UK 36 | EU 36 - EU 64
Supplies & Notions
Prepare the following supplies before starting your project.
For the Tank Top
- Main fabric
- Button
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Pins
- Sewing needles
- Iron
- Chalk
- Thread cutter
For the Shorts
- Main fabric
- 8-inch invisible zipper
- 3-ply polyester thread
- Sewing machine
- Tape measure
- Fabric shears
- Pins
- Sewing needles
- Iron
- Chalk
- Thread cutter
Fabric Recommendations
Both garments are designed for lightweight woven fabrics.
Recommended fabrics include:
- Cotton
- Satin
- Viscose
- Woven fabrics with embroidered border detailing to recreate the featured hem finish.
Sample Fabric Used
Both garments shown in the sewing guides are made from georgette embroidered fabric, which is recommended because it offers:
- Elegant drape.
- Crinkled texture.
- Lightweight, sheer, and flowy characteristics.
Size Charts
Check the size charts and measure yourself to select the correct size, using the garment and body measurement tables in the guide.
Verify how much fabric you need by referencing the fabric yield table in the guide.
Pattern Inventory: What Pieces to Prepare
Olivia Tank Top
- A. Front Bodice – Cut 1 fabric
- B. Back Bodice – Cut 1 fabric
- C. Binding Strip – Cut 3 fabric
Olivia Shorts
- A. Front Leg – Cut 2 fabric
- B. Back Leg – Cut 2 fabric
- C. Front Waist Facing – Cut 2 fabric
- D. Back Waist Facing – Cut 2 fabric
- E. Pocket – Cut 2 fabric
If you're printing at home, use the A4/US Letter pattern.
If you're printing at a copy shop, use the A0 pattern.
Pattern Marking
Olivia Tank Top
The tank top pattern includes markings for:
- Grainline
- Front neckline
- Back neckline
- Front armhole
- Back armhole
- Shoulder seam
- Side seam
- Dart lines
- Keyhole
- Hemline
Olivia Shorts
The shorts pattern includes markings for:
- Grainline
- Waist seam
- Top edge
- Bottom edge
- Pocket opening
- Pocket opening notch
- Pocket notch
- Side seam
- Inseam
- Front crotch
- Back crotch
- Back dart line notch
- Dart leg
- Hemline
Cutting Layout
Olivia Tank Top
Olivia Shorts
Separate cutting layouts are provided for both garments using 45-inch and 60-inch fabric widths.
For the best results:
- Keep all grainline arrows parallel to the fabric selvage.
- Pin pattern pieces securely before cutting.
- The layouts are intended for non-directional fabrics.
- Purchase extra fabric if using directional prints or fabrics with a nap.
- The illustrated layouts use the small size for reference.
Fabric Cutting and Preparation
Prepare your fabric before sewing by following the cutting layouts provided for each garment.
Lay Out Your Pattern Pieces
Arrange all pattern pieces according to the cutting layout diagrams, ensuring every grainline arrow runs parallel to the fabric selvage.
Cut Your Fabric
Trace around the pattern pieces if using fabric shears. Cut carefully, removing any marking lines as you cut, and remember to clip all notches to help align the pieces accurately during construction.
Transfer Pattern Markings
Transfer all markings, including darts, circles, fold lines, buttonholes, and center markings, onto the wrong side of the fabric using chalk or another suitable marking tool.
For the tank top, note that the pattern does not include a hem allowance, as it is intended for embroidered border fabrics. If you are using plain fabric, add a ½–¾ inch hem allowance before cutting.
Seam Allowance
Use the seam allowances marked on each pattern piece. These are provided specifically for accurate construction.
Both the Olivia Tank Top and Olivia Shorts use a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance all around.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Olivia Tank Top
1. Sew the Bust Darts
1a.
Transfer the dart markings onto the wrong side of the Front Bodice (Pattern A).
1b.
Fold each dart with the right sides together, matching the dart legs precisely.
1c.
Pin in place and sew from the widest end toward the dart point, tapering smoothly at the tip.
1d.
Press the darts downward toward the hem.
2. Join the Shoulder Seams
Place the Front Bodice (Pattern A) and Back Bodice (Pattern B) with their right sides together.
Align the shoulder seams and sew both shoulders.
Finish the seam allowances and press them toward the back.
3. Prepare the Binding Strips
Fold each Binding Strip (Pattern C) in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press to create a crease.
These strips will be used to finish the neckline and both armholes.
4. Bind the Neckline
4a.
Open one binding strip and place it along the neckline with the right sides together.
4b.
Sew the binding around the neckline, easing it smoothly around the curves.
4c.
Trim the seam allowance where necessary.
4d.
Fold the binding over the raw edge toward the wrong side.
4e.
Press thoroughly and stitch close to the folded edge to secure the neckline binding neatly.
5. Bind the Armholes
5a.
Repeat the same binding method for one armhole.
5b.
Fold the binding over the raw edge toward the wrong side.
5c.
Press and stitch close to the folded edge.
5d.
Repeat for the second armhole.
6. Sew the Side Seams
Place the front and back bodice with their right sides together.
Align the side seams and sew from the armhole to the hem.
Finish the seam allowances and press them open or toward the back as instructed in the guide.
7. Finish the Keyhole Opening
Finish the back keyhole opening according to the sewing guide by securing the opening neatly with the prepared binding.
Create the loop closure at the top of the keyhole.
8. Attach the Button
Sew the button opposite the loop at the back neckline.
Check that the keyhole closes neatly and comfortably.
9. Final Press
Give the completed tank top a final press, shaping the neckline, armholes, and hem to complete your Olivia Tank Top.
Olivia Shorts
1. Sew the Back Darts
Fold each Back Leg (Pattern B) with the right sides together, matching the dart legs.
Sew along the dart lines on the wrong side of the fabric and press each dart toward one side to reduce bulk.
Pro Tip
- Pin the pieces before sewing for greater accuracy.
- Press the garment after every step for a cleaner, more professional finish.
2. Attach the Side Pockets
2a.
Place one Pocket (Pattern E) on the Front Leg (Pattern A) with the right sides together, aligning the pieces along the pocket opening.
Sew the pocket opening seam.
2b.
Clip the pocket seam allowance.
Turn the pocket toward the wrong side of the front leg and topstitch along the pocket opening.
2c.
Fold the pocket at the pocket notches with the right sides together.
Sew around all open edges of the folded pocket, leaving the pocket opening unstitched.
Repeat Steps 2a–2c for the second front leg.
3. Sew the Side Seams
Place the right front leg over the right back leg with the right sides together.
Sew along the right side seam.
Repeat for the left side, but leave the top 8 inches unstitched to allow for the concealed zipper installation.
4. Join the Legs
4a.
Align the front crotch seams with the right sides together and sew.
Repeat for the back crotch seams.
4b.
With the right sides together, match the inseams of the front and back legs.
Sew both inseams to complete the shorts body.
5. Prepare and Attach the Waist Facing
5a.
Place one Front Waist Facing (Pattern C) and one Back Waist Facing (Pattern D) with their right sides together.
Align one side seam and stitch.
Repeat for the remaining waist facing pieces.
5b.
Open both prepared waist facing pieces from the seamline.
Place them with their right sides together, align the bottom edges, and stitch along the seam.
Turn the prepared waist facing right side out.
5c.
Turn the shorts right side out.
Place the prepared waist facing over the shorts with the right sides together.
Align the open edge of the waist facing with the waist seam, ensuring the back notches match the dart seams on the shorts.
Sew around the waist seam.
Turn the waist facing to the wrong side of the shorts.
6. Attach the Invisible Zipper
6a.
Position the open invisible zipper along the 8-inch opening on the left side seam, with the right sides of the zipper and fabric facing each other.
Place the waist facing over the zipper tape, aligning all edges neatly.
Pin the zipper tapes evenly to the front and back seam allowances.
Using a zipper foot, stitch close to the zipper teeth along both zipper tapes.
6b.
Sew the remaining side seam, starting 1–2 cm above the zipper end and continuing to the zipper stop.
Pivot the fabric and sew horizontally across the bottom of the zipper tape to secure it firmly.
Backstitch several times to anchor the zipper.
6c.
Turn the shorts right side out.
Topstitch along the zipper edge to cover the zipper seam and create a clean finish.
7. Finish the Hem
If you're using embroidered border fabric, trim the excess fabric closely around the embroidered edge to create the decorative hem shown in the sample garment.
Alternatively, fold each hem twice by 3/8 inch toward the wrong side and sew around the folded hem to secure it neatly.
Ready to Sew Your Own Summer Coord Set?
A handmade summer coord set is a versatile addition to any wardrobe, giving you two stylish garments that can be worn together or mixed and matched with your favorite pieces. The Olivia Summer Coord Set combines a flattering A-line tank top with tailored high-waisted shorts, creating an outfit that's comfortable, polished, and perfect for warm-weather occasions.
Whether you choose lightweight cotton, viscose, satin, or elegant embroidered georgette, this easy sewing pattern is enjoyable for both beginner and intermediate sewists. Follow the step-by-step instructions, take your time with each stage, and you'll create a coordinated outfit you'll enjoy wearing all season long.
Ready to start sewing? Pick up the Olivia Summer Coord Set Sewing Pattern and create a beautiful handmade outfit that's perfect for vacations, weekend outings, brunches, and everyday summer wear.
Explore More Sewing Patterns
Browse our Coord Set Sewing Pattern Collection for more stylish handmade tops, shorts, dresses, skirts, and coordinating outfits perfect for warm-weather wardrobes.
Join the Community & Get Support
Share your finished Olivia Summer Coord Set on social media with #MadeWithWinslets. If you have questions, feedback, or customization requests, contact the Winslet's team at support@winslets.com.
