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Simple Tunic Top Tutorial

Today I’m sharing my Simple Tunic Top Tutorial {say that three times fast} with you. 
 
I have been wanting to make myself a tunic style top for a long time.  With plenty of curves, I find that tops with an empire waist are the most flattering.  But… I can never seem to find them in the stores!  This is my first, wear worthy top and I Love It!!! 
 
Simple Tunic Top Tutorial

Follow my simple tunic top tutorial:

Simple Tunic Top Tutorial
 1.  First I had to figure out the measurements.  Using a measuring tape, I measured the largest part of my torso.  For me that was my bust line, which measured 50″ {I usually wear size XL on top}.  Then I added 8″ for seams and seam allowances.  Next I measured from the top of my shoulder to my hips {30″} and added 2″ for seams and seam allowances. 

My materials:

58″ x 32″ piece of fashion fabric (affiliate link).   A light cotton blend works best.
96″ single fold bias tape
12-14″ of 1/4″ elastic
Coordinating polyester thread
I used 1/2″ seams throughout.
2.  Now I cut the material into 4 rectangular panels.  Each measuring 14.5″ x 32″.
3.  Next I sewed two of the panels together, creating a shoulder seam and repeated with the other two panels.  I also folded over the edges, ironed  and sewed them to help prevent fraying.
4.  I cut the bias tape into 4, 24″ pieces and sewed one onto each side of the two long panels.  With 12″ on either side on the shoulder seam.
Simple Tunic Top Tutorial
 5.  Here I have completed sewing on the bias tape.  
6.  Now I sewed the two long panels together, creating a front and back to the shirt.  I started sewing where the bias tape met and right down to the hem on the front and back.  
7.  Here my front and back panels are sewn together.  
8.  Now I sewed the sides of the shirt together.  Again starting from the bias tape and down to the hem.
Simple Tunic Top Tutorial
 9 / 9.  Next I measured how much elastic I needed by stretching it tight under my bust line.  When the elastic retracted it was 13″ long.  Using a zig zag stitch and keeping the elastic stretched out, I sewed it to the shirt, below my bust line.  Photographs show the front and back of this step.  10.  Finally I folded, ironed and hemmed the bottom of the shirt.
Simple Tunic Top Tutorial

 This tunic top is perfect for curvy girls!

I paired it with my DIY Tree of Life Necklace… I might just have some fashion sense after all! LOL
I plan on making many more of these ~ they’re the perfect addition to my closet for spring/summer.
If you make one, would you let me know?!?!  I would love to see it!
Simple Tunic Top Tutorial
Simple Tunic Top Tutorial
Version Two ~ I created my own bias tape and shirred the line under the bust.
Simple Tunic Top Tutorial
Love this print!
Simple Tunic Top Tutorial
Version Three ~ I used a knit, stretchy fabric {super comfy} and made it longer to go with leggings.
 
Love ’em!
Thanks so much for visiting.
Have an awesome day!

 

about heather

Hello, I’m Heather!

I'm an active mom of twin boys who is always looking for opportunities to inspire creativity through fun crafts, do-it-yourself projects and delicious recipes. This blog has been an integral part of supporting my little family and I am so grateful to have you become a part of our journey! Let's create together... Read more...

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I REALLY love your tutorial and I agree with everyone above about how hard it is to find cute tops that flatter you and (are comfortable too)! It is also a very versatile design -you can customize the lower part as a maternity top (larger) and after the baby you can size it down along the sides as you get smaller… I was also thinking of there was some way (using knit fabric) to crisscross the top front part, that would be ideal for a nursing top (OR ALSO, maybe just add elastic somehow to the neckline??) I am totally trying this, for myself AND also my 9 year old daughter -it is EXTREMELY hard to find her nice tops because when I get things to fit her around the waist, it is way too large across the chest/shoulders (the chest will come soon enough(!) but until then..) I always worry about her self confidence especially as young as she is… She likes to look cute and be comfortable! Who doesn’t! Lol thanks again-I will show them to you when I’m done!!!

Can’t wait to try this!