This week is Spring Top Week over at Made by Rae. This week she is posting images of her Spring top creations, as well as those of other people who are participating. She is also hosting a Flickr group where you can see all the submissions and share your comments. She also posted a free shirt tutorial! Very cute, and very versatile!
Here is my shirt for Spring Top Week! I have a tank top at home that I really love. It is really comfy, but still looks nice. The problem is that I only have one, so I can’t really wear it more than once a week. To solve this problem, I decided to put together another one, using the tank as my pattern.
To remake your favorite shirt:
- a tank top
- about 1.5 yards of light knit fabric
- matching thread
- Lei Neckline Instructions, if you would like to add it
Start with your favorite tank. Fold the front in half, down the middle. Fold your chosen fabric down the middle (make sure to pay attention to the direction of the knit). Align the center fold of the shirt along the center fold of the fabric.
Outline the shirt, marking 1/4 inch away from the edge where the side seams and the shoulder seams are, and marking 1/2 inch away from the arm hole edge and the neckline are. Fold the back of the shirt down the middle and repeat.
Align the front and back pieces of shirt fabric, right sides facing. Stitch the shirt together along the two sides and at the shoulders at 1/4 inch. Finish the seams with a zig-zag stitch.
Fold the neckline, arm holes, and bottom hem over twice, each fold at 1/4 inch. Sew using a running stitch.
Attach the neckline, if desired.
That’s really cute, but I can’t get the pdf to open. :( Any trick to it?
Eek! Sorry…thanks for letting me know! I just updated the post to fix the link.
It really came out cute! Nice job.
Love the neckline! I think I am going to have to spruce up a tank top or two as well :) Thanks for sharing.
p.s. thanks for the lovely comments on the dress i made – so sweet.
I love this neckline. It looks SO good. I read the tutorial, but I’m wondering about the fabric fraying. Is this a problem with your neckline? I’m a beginner in this area!
Emy- great question! For the neckline I used a knit fabric (I think it is a cotton/rayon mix). So far, I have not had trouble with the fabric fraying…I think knits don’t fray as easily as woven fabric. However, I would definately wash on the delicate cycle, maybe in a mesh bag (like you would a bra) just to be on the safe side.
*LOVE* that neckline. And the plum color. WOW :-)
Your top is really lovely! Love the colour and the Lei neckline. I am so going to try this!
I am also interested in your comments about the Sew U book. I am currently considering buying the second book in the series – Sew U Homestretch. It seems you highly recommend the book.
Thanks :-D. I do recommend that book…I was too scared to try sewing with knits before I read it. The book really lays out the basics clearly, and the patterns she includes are very adaptable. If you end up getting it, let me know what you think!
THIS is LOVELY!! Gorgeous job, and thank you for the tutorial!
I love this and I am going to make on for sure!! I have been looking for a tank tutorial with a ruffle collar for my girls. Thanks!
very cute neckline. i’m going to have to try that. maybe this weekend!
[…] 7, 2009 by Kate Martinez Both of my tops made it to the top ten of Made by Rae’s Spring Top Week! Now what would this contest […]
[…] Lei Neckline Tank: Another neckline detail – this one comes out looking like a small hawaiian lei (without the coconut bra cups and grass skirt). Curiositys also has this Magnolia tank that I like. (Curiositys) […]
[…] tanktop but wanted something a little nicer than a plain neckline, so I found a tutorial for a Lei Neckline by Kate at Curiositys. Cute, […]
Hi Kate! Your instructions were super clear and easy to follow. It went a lot faster and easier than I expected. It was my first time making something so gathered, so if (when) I make it again I think it will turn out better– I think yours looks nicer. I just love the design and I’m thrilled with my new black top! Goes with everything. Thanks for all your inspiration!!
Hi, I love this idea! Its gorgeous. I’m having a bit of trouble with the gathering. My lei doesn’t look quite as neat as yours. Do you have any tips for me? Thanks for passing on this great idea!