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!!!
Follow my 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Version Two ~ I created my own bias tape and shirred the line under the bust.
Love this print!
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!
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!