Summer, come at me.

Summer, come at me.

School is so close to being OVER (and if it already is over for you: YES). To embrace the freedom and impending summer heat, I created an easy tie-up halter top out of scrap fabric. This shirt can be tied on top of other layering pieces, or worn independently so you can take in the sun. Let’s get started!

What you’ll need:

  • A form-fitting T-shirt
  • Large drawing paper or pattern paper
  • A writing utensil
  • One yard of fabric (I used this.)
  • Matching thread
  • Shears
  • Straight pins
  • A sewing machine or needle and thread
  • Optional: An overlock machine or serger

How to do it:

Step One

WrapTop1

Lay your form-fitting T-shirt out on a flat surface. You’re going to use it to make your pattern!

Step Two

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Use the T-shirt as a guide to trace the length of the sleeve, the length of the shoulder, and the length of the chest. Connect the lines like I did in the photo above, and be sure to draw a tie, starting at the bottom center of the pattern.

Step Three

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Around the pattern’s perimeter, add a seam allowance that’s roughly five-eighths of an inch, then cut the pattern out. You can use this pattern for the front and back pieces of your halter top.

Step Four

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As long as your fabric doesn’t have a print or design, you can cut the pattern out once on a folded piece of fabric—just don’t cut up against the fold. If your fabric does have a print/design, cut the pattern out once on a single layer of fabric, than flip it and cut out a mirror image.

Step Five

WrapBack

Fold the tie part of the pattern back or cut it off. Fold the fabric; line the long, straight side of the pattern up with the fold, then cut around the pattern. This is your back piece!

Step Six

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Pin one front piece to the back piece at the shoulder and side seam. Face the right sides to each other, and leave the arm holes open! Sew along the length of the shoulder seam and side seam. Repeat this step with the other front piece.

Step Seven

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Finish the raw edges with a serger or overlock machine, if you have one. If not, just clip away any excess threads, and throw it on!

Wrap Tie

Tie it up, and you’re good to go! ♦