Summer Tunic (Tutorial)

In addition to shorts, another clothing item high on my list for a pregnant summer was lightweight tops. As I dug through my fabric pile, I came across some leftover jersey from my trip to the LA fabric district. It was just enough to make myself a tunic that is perfect for summer, pregnant or not.

everything besides the tunic is from target

And since I just know you'll want to make one for yourself, here's a little tutorial:

Materials Needed:

• 1 yard (more or less depending on your size) of lightweight jersey knit
• matching thread

Step 1. Measure the width across your shoulders (adding an extra four-ish inches for the small sleeves), and the length from your shoulder to your mid thigh. Add a 1/2" seam allowance in all directions, and cut two (2) identical rectangles with these dimensions. Mine was about 21" wide and 30" long.

just fyi, I took this photo before doing any cutting. I evened out that right side, so make sure your rectangle is nice and even (unlike this ridiculous photo)

Step 2. Cut out the neckline with your desired measurements. I wanted a boatneck, so mine was about 9" wide and 2 1/2" deep.  Once your neckline is cut, slightly taper the shoulders from the neckline to the end of the sleeve (as seen below).

Step 3. To make the sleeves, decide how wide you want the sleeve opening (mine was 7") and mark it that many inches down from the shoulder -- this will be your armpit. Then starting at the bottom, cut along the side of the shirt (cutting off only about 3/4") until you reach your armpit mark and then curve out to the edge of the shirt (as seen below).

Step 4. With right sides together, sew the shoulders and the sides with a 1/2" seam allowance. Zigzag or serge the raw edge (if desired -- jersey will not fray), and press. 

Step 5. The last step is to hem the neckline, the sleeves, and the bottom of your tunic. These are all done the same way. As seen below, fold over the raw edge, then fold it over again, pinning the twice-folded hem in place as you go. 

Sew with a straight stitch (a slightly wider stitch is better), stretching the fabric as you go. This will keep your hem from being baggy and wavy.

The inside will look like this when your hem is sewn.

When your neckline, sleeves, and hemline are done, press them all flat with your iron. And you're done!

I'm planning to make about ten more, and wearing them with jeans, leggings, shorts, cardigans, and a myriad of belts, all summer long.

Comment or email me with any questions! Happy Sewing!