Girl's Summer Staple Top Tutorial

I know summer is coming to a close, but I've had this tutorial prepped for awhile now and wanted to share. This top comes together quickly, doesn't use much fabric, and looks cute with everything--leggings, shorts, or even long pants with a sweater over for the cooler months. It fits loosely and it you hem it long enough it can be worn first as a tunic and then as a top for next year (or the year after!).

I like lots of pictures and details when I use tutorials instead of actual patterns, so I apologize if it's a bit lengthy :)

Besides the basics (sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins and iron) you will need:

1/2 yard of fabric
3/4" elastic (measurement of chest plus 1")
trim, like ribbon, buttons or rickrack, if you want (but it looks cute plain, too!)

I came up with a size chart you can use as a guide if you aren't able to get a physical measurement. Keep in mind this is just a guide, but since the shirt is measured from the chest and uses elastic you have some wiggle room if your measurements aren't spot on.

Size guide for elastic and fabric strap:

Size 24 month/2T: 20" chest, 7" shoulder strap
Size 3T: 21" chest, 7.25-7.5" shoulder strap
Size 4T: 22" chest, 7.5-7.75" shoulder strap
Size 5T: 23" chest, 8" shoulder strap**

**Remember that these are the finished measurements, so you'll want to add on seam allowances--for this pattern, an additional inch to each will work. I made the 2T so I cut my elastic 21" and my fabric strap 8".

Here's the approximate size guide for the main fabric piece:

Size 2T: 15" long, 30" wide (this will give the finished top a nice gathered/ruffled look without being too full, but you can add or remove inches depending on your preference).
Size 3T: 16" long, 32" wide
Size 4T: 17" long, 34" wide
Size 5T: 18" long, 36" wide

Always start by ironing your fabric! Once ironed, fold the fabric selvedge to selvedge and cut on the fold so you only have one back seam instead of two side seams. For my 2T, I cut 15" long and then 15" wide--since it was on the fold, I only needed to cut half the finished width.

If you open it up, you should have one long piece.

Fold it back in half, right sides together, and pin.

Sew using a 1/2" seam allowance. Finish the seam by trimming off about 1/4" and then using a zig zag stitch or trim with pinking shears on the rest (or use your serger if you have one. I don't, so I zig-zagged!).

Next, press the finished seam to one side.

Now we'll make the elastic casing:
Fold the top down 1/4" and then another 1/4" and press.

From the top of the fold, measure down 4" and mark all the way around with a fabric marker or chalk. Fold the top down to this line and press, then pin all the way around leaving about 2-3" open near the back seam to insert the elastic.

Sew around, close to the edge, starting and stopping at the ends of the elastic opening.

Sew another line 1" above your first seam (mark if needed), but sew that one all the way around (don't leave an opening).

Cut your elastic according the chest measurement needed (plus 1") and insert safety pins to each end so you don't lose it in the casing! Scrunch and pull the elastic through and then place one end on top of the other, overlapping about 1", and sew. Sew several lines and backstitch to make sure the elastic doesn't come apart.

Sew the opening closed--you may have to pull your fabric a bit to get it to flatten out. Now pull and "fluff" the fabric around the elastic to make sure it's distributed evenly. "Fluff" is a technical term.

To make the straps:Cut two pieces 2.5" wide by the length you need per the size chart (don't forget the 1" extra for seam allowance). Mine was 2.5" X 8". Fold each piece in half lengthwise, right sides together, and pin.

Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance then turn right side out and press, with the seam in the center so it doesn't show when the strap is finished.

Topstitch each long side about 1/8" in from the edge.

Fold the edges under about 1/8" (fold toward the bottom center seam) and press, then sew close to the edge.

On the inside of the main piece, pin the straps in place about 1" in from each side--make sure the side with the seam running down the center is face down. Sew along the top casing seam, backstitching at both ends of the strap. Repeat on the other side.

Almost done, you just need to finish the hem!

Like you did with the top of the elastic casing, fold the bottom under 1/4" and then another 1/4" and pin. Sew around, close to the edge. Hemmed!

Ta-da!

It looks cute as is, so you can call it a day at this point if you choose. Or...you can add a little pizzazz. I pizzazzed by adding two decorative buttons and a small bow.