3 Ways To Make Off The Shoulder Tops - WikiHow

Maybe your like

1 Create your pattern base on a sheet of folded fabric. Fold a sheet of lightweight, woven fabric in half. Draw a rectangle using a piece of chalk or a pen.[16] X Expert Source Shaelynn HaningProfessional Tailor & Business Owner Expert Interview The rectangle needs to be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) longer than what you want your top to be. The width needs to match your bust circumference.[17] X Research source
- When you sew the 2 rectangles together, your shirt will be twice your bust circumference. This will allow you to gather the shirt with elastic.
- Great types of fabric for this include cotton and linen.
- To get your bust circumference: wrap a cloth measuring tape around the widest part of your bust, then record the measurement.
2 Add curves to the top corners for the armpits. Draw a curve in each top corner. Make the top of the curve 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the corner, and the bottom of the curve 6 inches (15 cm) from the corner.[18] X Research source
- Alternatively, you can trace the armpits from a tank top that fits you onto the corners of the rectangle.
3 Cut the pattern out of your fabric. Make sure that you use sharp fabric scissors and that you cut through both layers of fabric. There is no need to add seam allowances since your pattern already includes them.[19]
4 Pin and sew up the sides of the pieces with the right sides facing in. Pin the 2 rectangle pieces with the right sides facing in. Sew along the left and right side edges using a straight stitch and a 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 in (0.64 to 1.27 cm) seam allowance. Backstitch when you start and finish sewing. Finish the raw edges with a serger or zigzag stitch, if desired.[20] X Research source
- Match the thread color as closely as possible to the fabric.
- Only sew the straight side edges of the rectangle. Do not sew the curved armpits together.
5 Hem the armpits. Fold the edges of the armpits down by 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm). Press the fabric with an iron, then fold them by another 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) and press again. Sew the hems down as close to the inside folded edge as possible. Remember to backstitch when you start and finish sewing.[21] X Research source
- Make sure that you are folding the fabric towards the wrong side, not the right side.
6 Cut an 8 1⁄2 in (22 cm) wide rectangle that's twice your shoulder circumference. Draw a rectangle on your fabric that is 8 1⁄2 inches (22 cm) tall and twice your shoulder circumference. Cut the rectangle out; you only need 1 piece. This will make a ruffle for your top.[22] X Research source
- The ruffle will act as a decorative element as well as a casing for the elastic. It will also double-up as flowing "sleeves" for the shirt.
- To get your shoulder circumference: hold a cloth measuring tape behind your back, then wrap it around your shoulders and take the measurement in the front.
7 Sew the narrow ends of the rectangle together to form a tube. Bring the narrow ends of the rectangle strip together so that the right sides are facing out. Sew them together using a straight stitch and a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Finish the seam with a serger or zigzag stitch, if desired.[23] X Research source
- Remember to backstitch when you start and finish sewing.
8 Hem the bottom edge of the ruffle and shirt. Fold the bottom edge of the ruffle piece by 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm), and press it flat with an iron. Fold the edge by another 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) and press it again. Sew the hem down as close as possible to the inside folded edge. Repeat this step for the bottom edge of the shirt.[24] X Research source
- Make sure that you are folding the edges towards the wrong side of the fabric.
9 Pin the ruffle to the top of the shirt, with the back seam in the back. Make sure that the shirt and ruffle are both turned inside out. Tuck the top of the shirt into the ruffle so that the top raw edges are aligned. Make sure that the seam on the ruffle is centered in the back of the shirt. Pin the back of the shirt to the back of the ruffle, and the front of the shirt to the front.
- The tube is wider than the shirt. The excess material needs to be hanging off to either side of the armpits.
10 Sew the top of the shirt and ruffle together. Use a straight stitch and a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Sew the back side first, then sew the front. Don't sew the excess ruffle material to the armpits. This gap will allow you to insert your arms.[25]
11 Turn the shirt right-side-out, and fold the top edge of the ruffle down. Turn the shirt right-side-out first. Fold the ruffle down so that it hangs in front of the shirt, also right-side-out. Fold the top, raw edge of the ruffle down by 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) so that it matches up with the rest of the shirt.[26] X Research source
- The left and right edges of the ruffle should be hanging off to the sides. You won't be sewing them to the shirt.
12 Sew the top edge of the shirt and ruffle, leaving a gap for the elastic. Start sewing in the back of the shirt, where the back seam of the ruffle is. Sew your way around the top edge of the shirt and ruffle, then stop when you are 1 inch (2.5 cm) from where you started.[27] X Research source
- Sew as close as possible to the inside edge of the hem on the ruffle and shirt.
13 Use a safety pin to insert an elastic into the top of the shirt. Secure a safety pin to a piece of elastic that's long enough to wrap around your shoulders. Push the elastic through the 1 in (2.5 cm) gap in the top of your shirt.[28] X Research source
- Choose an elastic that is a little bit narrower than your top hem.
14 Sew the elastic together, then stitch the gap shut. Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1 inch (2.5 cm), making sure that it is tight enough to hold the shirt up around your shoulders. Sew the elastic using a zigzag stitch. Tuck it into the gap, then sew the gap using a straight stitch.[29]