Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Measure the circumference of your chest; multiply this by 1.5 and then divide that number by 2. Call this measurement "A." Measure from the top of your chest to your hip; add 1 inch and call this measurement "B." Make these measurements on the person who will wear the top if that person isn't you.
Cut two pieces of fabric that measure A wide by B tall. Position these fabric pieces together with the right sides facing one another and pin them in place.
Sew a straight seam along each side (the "B" length), positioning your seam 1/4 inch in from the cut edges of the fabric. Go back over the edge of the fabric with a zigzag stitch to stabilize the seams.
Fold down the top edge of the fabric by 1/4 inch, then by 1/4 inch again and pin in place. Sew a straight seam all around the top edge to secure the hem. Repeat this on the bottom edge as well.
Turn the fabric right side out and lay it flat on a table. Starting at the top of the fabric, measure down 1/2 inch and draw a horizontal line across the fabric on the front and back at this point, using a fabric marking pen that will fade or wash out. Continue to draw several more lines every 1/2 inch down the fabric until you have filled the top one-third of the fabric with lines.
Hand wind your sewing machine bobbin with elastic thread, keeping regular sewing thread in the top of the machine.
Start at one side seam and sew a straight seam all along the first line you drew on the fabric, going all the way around the front and back. Backstitch at the beginning and ending to secure the thread.
Repeat Step 7 for the rest of the lines that you drew to gather the fabric for the shirt; you may need to stretch the fabric slightly with your hands in order to sew straight on the lines.
Turn the top inside out and tie knots in the ends of all the elastic threads just to make sure that they don't unravel while you wear the top.
Cut two pieces of your fabric that measure 4 inches wide by 20 inches long. Fold each piece lengthwise and sew up the long end and one short end, then turn them right side out.
Sew the unsewn end of each strap piece from Step 10 inside the front of your shirt, positioning them on either side of the shirt where you would want the straps to fall. Sew the strap along the same lines where you already stitched the shirring so that the new stitches won't be obvious; just use regular sewing thread in the bobbin this time.