Hi everyone! My name is Heather and my little corner of the blog-o-sphere is Twin Dragonfly Designs. I love to Inspire Creativity with projects that are often geared toward my twin, four year old boys. And I’m Canadian eh?! So you’re sure to get a super friendly welcome when you stop by!
Today I’m sharing my Simple Tunic Top Tutorial {say that three times fast} with you. It’s been inspired by this pin.
Great right?!
I have been wanting to make myself a tunic style top for a long time. With plenty of curves, I find that tops with an empire waist are the most flattering. But… I can never seem to find them in the stores! This is my first, wear worthy top and I Love It!!!
Simple Tunic Top
1. First I had to figure out the measurements. Using a measuring tape, I measured the largest part of my torso. For me that was my bust line, which measured 50″ {I usually wear size XL on top}. Then I added 8″ for seams and seam allowances. Next I measured from the top of my shoulder to my hips {30″} and added 2″ for seams and seam allowances. My materials:
58″ x 32″ piece of fashion fabric. A light cotton blend works best.
96″ single fold bias tape
12-14″ of 1/4″ elastic
Coordinating polyester thread
I used 1/2″ seams throughout.
2. Now I cut the material into 4 rectangular panels. Each measuring 14.5″ x 32″.
3. Next I sewed two of the panels together, creating a shoulder seam and repeated with the other two panels. I also folded over the edges, ironed and sewed them to help prevent fraying.
4. I cut the bias tape into 4, 24″ pieces and sewed one onto each side of the two long panels. With 12″ on either side on the shoulder seam.
5. Here I have completed sewing on the bias tape. 6. Now I sewed the two long panels together, creating a front and back to the shirt. I started sewing where the bias tape met and right down to the hem on the front and back. 7. Here my front and back panels are sewn together. 8. Now I sewed the sides of the shirt together. Again starting from the bias tape and down to the hem.
9 / 9. Next I measured how much elastic I needed by stretching it tight under my bust line. When the elastic retracted it was 13″ long. Using a zig zag stitch and keeping the elastic stretched out, I sewed it to the shirt, below my bust line. Photographs show the front and back of this step. 10. Finally I folded, ironed and hemmed the bottom of the shirt.
The perfect shirt for a curvy girl!
I plan on making many more of these ~ they’re the perfect addition to my closet for spring/summer.
If you make one, would you let me know?!?! I would love to see it!
Thanks for having me visit guys!!!
Have an awesome day.
~ Thanks Heather. You have some great sewing skills and I am so happy you shared them with us. You are always welcomed to stop by. The link party goes live tonight! Be there!