Hello and welcome to another tutorial for a summer top. This top is basically fully adjustable thanks to the shirring, extra elastics at the bust and waist, and of course the ribbon tie straps. Although you can definitely sew regular straps instead or leave out the straps altogether if that’s what you prefer. Unlike sewing pockets to dresses, skirts, shorts, or pants, I won’t judge you for this.
I know shirring can be super intimidating so I did leave some tips for those of you who are shirring virgins. Although if you’re anything like me you’ll need to do WAY too much research of your own before you even consider setting up your sewing machine for shirring. But once you’ve conquered shirring you’ll open up yourself up to even more of a variety of clothes to sew that move with your changing body. And who wouldn’t want that?
Happy sewing!
You will need:
- chalk or a fabric marker
- fabric scissors
- 160 by 48.5cm/2.2 yards fabric (I actually used an old pillow case)
- shirring elastic thread
- thread that matches your chosen fabric
- 1cm (0.4 inch) wide elastic for the bust and waist
- 2 safety pins
- sewing machine
Some Tips for Sewing Shirring as a Beginner
Here are a few tips for sewing shirring. I was very intimidated by shirring at first but doing a lot of research beforehand and practising helped me overcome it. These tips are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tips for sewing shirring so be sure to check out Youtube and other blogs for more advice.
- Research any specific tips for sewing shirring when it comes to your sewing machine model.
- Wind the shirring elastic thread onto your bobbin by hand.
- Use a longer stitch length such as 3.5-4.
- Use chalk or fabric marker to draw the lines you want to sew on the right side of your fabric so your shirring is even.
- Leave long tails of regular thread and elastic shirring thread at the beginning/end of your shirring so that you can tie them together so that it doesn’t unravel.
- Use French seams when joining your shirring so that it’s extra secure.
- After you sew each row of shirring simply make sure your needle is in the fabric before pivoting your work so you can sew a short line before pivoting again to start your next row parallel to the previous row.
- Practise sewing shirring on a scrap piece of your project fabric, you want to aim for at least 4 rows of practice shirring.
How to Cut Out Your Fabric Pieces for the Simple Shirred Top
Step 1
Make the width of your top between 1.5 or 2 times bigger than your bust. My bust is 86cm so I made the width of my top 120cm/47.2 inches, including 1.5cm/0.6 inches seam allowance on each side (so in total the seam allowance I added is 3cm/1.2 inches).
For the length of the top measure just under your armpit to your waist. Then for the elastic band channels at the top/bottom of the top I added an extra 10cm/3.9 inches to the with.
So in the end I cut out a 120 by 28cm/47.2 by 11 inches rectangle for my top.
Step 2
For the straps I cut 4 pieces each 4cm/1.6 inches wide and 100cm/39.4 inches long. This includes 0.5cm/0.2 inches seam allowance on the sides.
How to Actually Sew the Simple Shirred Top
How to Sew the Channels for the Elastic
Step 1
Press and iron a hem of 0.5cm/0.2 inches on the top and bottom of the rectangle piece you cut out for the top. Then fold over again about 4.5cm/1.8 inches at the top and the bottom and press that as well.
Then sew as close as you can to the folded edge at the top and at the bottom. Then sew another line just over 1cm/0.4 inches (a little bigger than the width of your elastic) away from the first line you sewed at the top and bottom.
How to Sew the Shirring for Your Simple Top
Step 1
Use chalk or a fabric marker to draw lines on the right side of your top each 1cm/0.4 inches apart. For my top I drew 13 lines in total. Then wind up your bobbin with shirring elastic, thread your sewing machine, sew a test swatch, and get to work.
When your bobbin runs out make sure to leave a tail of regular thread and shirring elastic. This is so you can tie a knot or 2 so that your shirring won’t unravel down the line.
How to Sew the Simple Shirred Top Together
Step 1
Measure your elastic so it fits snugly around your chest just under your armpits but can still stretch over your hips. Measure your 2nd piece of elastic so that it fits snugly around your waist but can still stretch over your hips. Use a safety pin to insert each elastic piece into the correct channel. Then sew to secure it at either end.
Step 2
Now sew the top into a tube wrong sides together with 0.5cm/0.2 inches seam allowance.
Step 3
Trim off the excess seam allowance and now sew the top right sides together with 1cm/0.4 inches seam allowance. Make sure to backtrack at the beginning and end so your work is secure.
How to Sew the Adjustable Ribbon Tie Straps
Here you can also choose to simply sew regular straps that aren’t adjustable, but, as always, it’s completely up to you.
Step 1
Fold a strap piece in half lengthwise with the right sides are together and sew the sides with 0.5cm/0.2 inches seam allowance. At the tip of the strap you can sew a diagonal seam as shown in the image below. Or just sew a horizonal seam, whichever you prefer. Remember to trim the seam allowances at the corners to reduce bulk.
Repeat for the other 3 straps.
Step 2
Use a pencil or pen to turn the straps so that the right side is on the outside. Then use your iron to press the straps so that they lay flat.
Fold the open end of each strap so it’s on the inside and all the raw edges are hidden. Press it as well.
Step 3
Try on your simple shirred top and use chalk/fabric marker to mark where you want the straps to go. Then take off your top and sew the straps on the inside of your top on the ruffle, just above the bust elastic. Repeat until all 4 of the straps are securely attached to your top.
Then try on your top again, get someone to help you tie the straps into bows, and you are all done!
DIY not AI
If you are sick and tired of being bamboozled by those too perfect AI images and want some inspiration from actual human beings, my Pinterest board, DIY NOT AI, awaits. This is the link, AKA magical portal, that will take you there. DIY NOT AI is also a group board that is OPEN TO CONTRIBUTORS!!! Whether you’re a crocheter, seamstress, knitter, or any other kind of DIY/handicraft creator this is The Place for you to promote your work to people who appreciate REAL quality over quantity. So what are you waiting for? Shoot me a dm on Pinterest to be added!
If you have any more ideas for sewing patterns you would like to see from me just let me know in the comments below!
Lots of love & light,
Maria