Muna and Broad Iduna top: fit, fabric, and a friendly review

The Iduna top from Muna and Broad has been sitting in my pattern stash for a good few months, and with the weather finally warming up in Brisbane, I knew it was time to cut into some fabric. Muna and Broad is one of those Australian indie labels that quietly designs patterns for bodies that often get overlooked by the big pattern companies, and the Iduna is a brilliant example of their thoughtful approach. It is a relaxed-fit woven top with considered cup-size options, which immediately caught my attention.

What drew me to this make was the promise of a loose, drapey silhouette that wouldn't cling or require constant adjusting throughout the day. Between school drop-offs, arvo walks along the river, and the occasional trip to the shops, I need clothes that move with me rather than fight me. The Iduna offers that effortless feel while still looking intentional and put-together, which is a hard balance to strike in a simple top.

In this review, I will walk you through the pattern details, the fabric I chose, how the sewing went, the fit on my frame, and whether I think the Iduna deserves a spot in your handmade wardrobe. I have tried to be honest about the fiddly bits as well as the things I loved, so you can decide if it is the right project for your next weekend of sewing.

Getting to know the Iduna top

The Muna and Broad Iduna is a PDF sewing pattern for a relaxed-fit woven top, available in sizes 6 through to 30. What makes it special is the two cup-size options: a B/C cup block and a D/DD cup block, which is still quite rare in indie sewing patterns. It comes with your choice of a V-neck or scoop neckline, an optional patch pocket, and either a sleeveless or short-sleeve finish. The hem is gently curved, and the overall shape is a loose boxy tee that skims the body.

The PDF is well-organised with a layered print option, so you only need to print your size rather than wade through every line. The instructions are in colour with clear diagrams, and the pattern includes a seam allowance of 1.5cm, which is generous and easy to work with. I also appreciated that the pattern was tested by a wide range of sewists across Australia and beyond, so the fit notes are extensive and trustworthy. You can find more of my makes and pattern notes over on my sewing page if you are looking for additional inspiration.

Picking fabric for the Australian climate

For my version, I chose a lightweight linen from The Fabric Store in Sydney, which I picked up during a visit to see family. Linen is perfect for our hot summers and humid days, as it breathes beautifully and softens with every wash. It also has enough body to give the Iduna the structure it needs without looking like a sack. If linen is not your thing, a cotton lawn or a viscose/rayon challis would also work well, though they will give a slightly different drape.

I paid around $35 per metre for the linen, which is on the higher end for my budget, but it was worth it for the quality. For something more affordable, a cotton from Spotlight or Lincraft would be a great alternative, especially if you catch one of their frequent sales. Local op shops are also brilliant for finding unique woven fabrics at a fraction of the price, though you need to allow extra time for washing and checking the fabric for flaws. If you are buying fabric online, you might want to check my privacy policy to see how your data is handled when you shop through links. Whatever you choose, make sure to pre-wash your fabric, as linen can shrink significantly on the first wash.

Cutting and sewing the top

Cutting the Iduna was straightforward, with only ten pattern pieces once you decide on your view. I traced my size using Swedish tracing paper because linen can be slippery, and I wanted to preserve the original PDF. The notches are clearly marked, and the grainline is easy to follow, which made laying out the pieces simple even on a single-width fabric. I did have to play pattern Tetris a bit, but nothing too painful.

Construction begins with the bodice front and back darts, followed by the shoulder seams and side seams. The neckline is finished with a facing rather than a binding, which gives a clean finish and helps the top sit nicely on the shoulders. I sewed the whole thing on my regular Janome machine using a size 80 universal needle, and I found the linen fed through evenly without any drama. If you are new to sewing with linen, checking a few guides for beginners for tips on handling the fabric might be useful before you start.

Fit, adjustments, and finishing

I made the size 16 in the B/C cup block, and my measurements sat comfortably within the size chart. The relaxed fit means there is quite a bit of ease throughout the bodice, so I didn't need to make any major adjustments. I did shorten the top by 2cm at the lengthen/shorten line, as I am only 5'2" and preferred the hem to hit at my high hip rather than mid-thigh. I also narrowed the sleeve cap by about 1cm on each side, as I have narrow shoulders and found the original sleeve a touch too wide for my frame.

The neckline sits beautifully without gaping, and the facing lies flat with no bulk. One thing I noticed is that the armholes are quite deep, which is perfect for summer but might require a little modesty adjustment if you prefer more coverage. I topstitched the neckline facing down by hand, which is a bit fussy but gives a much cleaner result than stitching in the ditch. The curved hem is a lovely detail and works well with the boxy shape of the top. I also added the optional patch pocket to one side, which is handy for holding my phone or a tissue when I am out and about.

Styling the Iduna around town

This is one of those tops that earns its keep in the wardrobe because it goes with absolutely everything. I have worn it with my favourite wide-leg jeans from Kmart and some leather sandals for a casual arvo look, and it has also worked beautifully tucked into a linen skirt for a slightly dressier occasion. In Brisbane, where the weather can swing from sunny to a sudden downpour in the space of an hour, layering is key, and the Iduna works well under a denim jacket or a cardigan without adding bulk.

I can also see myself making a few more versions for the cooler months, perhaps in a heavier linen or a cotton flannel. The loose fit means it layers easily over a long-sleeved tee, extending its usefulness into autumn and winter. For a pop of colour, I am eyeing up some of the printed linens at Tessuti in Melbourne, though online shops like Darn Cheap Fabrics or The Remnant Warehouse are also worth a look if you don't live near a major city.

How the Iduna compares and final verdict

To help you decide if the Iduna is the right pattern for your next project, here is a quick comparison of the most suitable fabric types based on my research and sewing experience.

Fabric type	Drape and weight	Best season in Australia	Skill level
Pure linen	Crisp, structured	Summer and early autumn	Beginner-friendly
Cotton lawn	Soft, lightweight	Spring and summer	Beginner-friendly
Viscose challis	Fluid, drapey	Most seasons, good for layering	Intermediate
Linen-cotton blend	Medium body	Autumn and spring	Beginner-friendly

A few things I loved about sewing the Iduna:

• The two cup-size options make fitting so much easier for those of us who are rarely a standard B cup.
• The instructions are clear and thorough, with diagrams that make sense even when you are tired.
• The relaxed shape is forgiving of fitting issues, which is great for a weekend make.
• It sews up quickly, so you can have a new top in an afternoon if you set aside the time.

A few things worth considering before you commit:

• The deep armholes might not suit everyone, and you may want to adjust them for more coverage.
• The PDF has quite a few pages, so printing and assembling takes longer than a simpler top.
• The boxy fit is very relaxed, so if you prefer a more fitted silhouette, this might not be the pattern for you.
• Fabric choice significantly affects the final look, so it is worth taking the time to source the right material.

Overall, the Muna and Broad Iduna is a fantastic addition to the indie pattern scene, especially for sewists in Australia and similar climates. The thoughtful sizing and relaxed shape make it a pleasure to sew and wear, and I will definitely be making more versions in different fabrics. If you have been on the fence about trying Muna and Broad patterns, this is a wonderful place to start. As mentioned in my disclaimer, all opinions are my own and I purchased the pattern with my own money, and any affiliate links used help support the running of the blog at no extra cost to you.