Summer is all about simple tops for me — lightweight pieces you can just toss on and go, but that still look great and purposeful. This slouchy tunic is exactly that, and it’s super flattering to boot (and helps hide that soft post-baby stomach I’m working on)!
This is such an easy project you could whip up in an afternoon, and then make about ten more of them to live in all summer long. Plus, you could make them long sleeve, short sleeved, sleeveless, or whatever you want. So many possibilities!
Click the READ MORE button below to find the full tutorial!
MATERIALS:
1 1/2 or 2 yards soft knit fabric
matching thread
double needle
Step 1 // First let’s cut out all our pieces. You’ll need a BACK, FRONT, 2 SLEEVES and 2 NECKLINE lining pieces. Use a tank top or tank dress that you own, fold it in half, and then lay it flat on your fabric with the fold of the fabric matching up with the fold of your tank. Cut around it (adding a 1/2″ seam allowance), and then adding your desired length and a flared width (mine was 20″ across at the armpits, and 42″ at the hem for both FRONT and BACK pieces). Do the same for the FRONT piece, making the neckline lower on this one. Use a fitted 3/4 sleeve from a shirt that you own and use it as a guide to cut out the 2 SLEEVES, then use your FRONT and BACK pieces as guide to cut the correct widths of NECKLINE pieces.
[tip: if you don’t know how to make a pattern from your own clothing, use this video here].
Step 2 // With right sides together, pin the FRONT and BACK pieces together at the shoulders and sew together.
Step 3 // With right sides together, pin the top of the SLEEVE and the top of the shoulder together, as shown. Continue down the rest of the arm hole, pinning the sleeve in place.
Step 4 // Sew the sleeve to the arm hole with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other sleeve.
Step 5 // With right sides together, sew from the elbow to the knee with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Make sure your seams match up at the armpit!
Step 6 // With right sides together, sew your NECKLINE pieces together to make a circle. Make sure this circle is slightly smaller than your dress neckline so it has to be stretched to fit around — trim if necessary before sewing the two NECKLINE pieces together.
Then, with right sides together, pin the NECKLINE circle the neckline of the dress, matching them up the shoulder seams and then stretching evenly so it fits around the neckline. Sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance around the entire neckline, stretching slightly as you sew so the pieces lay flat. Trim the seam allowance and then tuck the lining inside the dress and press flat.
Step 7 // Using a wide stitch and a double needle (for some stretch!) top stitch around the neckline to tack the lining in place. Then hem the sleeves (also with a double needle) and the dress to your desired length. [tip: for a more professional look, blind hem stitch the bottom hem of the dress].
Press all your seams flat and you’re done! Happy weekend sewing!
Loved reading this! Please check out my latest casual style lookbook.
Kisses xo | From Aliona With Love
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Twitter @alionawithlove
Such a nice dress! Love that casual vibe!
Love,
http://www.thestyleventure.com
I want to try this! It may be a disaster but it’s worth a shot!
I love tunics! They’re great for covering up when you need it. Great outfit!
Unique Geek
I love the tunic, I love the entire outfit, and I LOVE THOSE SHOES <3
Xoxo
Serein
https://sereinwu.com/
Looks super easy to make! Those shoes are fabulous, every time I see you wear them, I fall more for them!
Awesome tutorial! I love the tunic and outfit together!
My Blog: Pip Addis
Super cute outfit! Love the tunic 🙂
http://www.travelmatters.co/
So cute! Love it!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com