A simple sewing project with tutorial
A shirt for a 9 year old girl.
Needed: scissors,iron, pins, thread that matches fabric, main fabric, lining fabric, coordinating fabric for straps, sewing machine.
I am a beginner sewer...so I hope this is clearly explained.
My lining was an old pillowcase that I had thrown into the fabric pile for 'someday.' Cut two pieces of your main fabric and then two pieces of your lining fabric (the same size as the main fabric). As I didn't have a pattern, I just used a shirt that fit Princess Sunshine as a guide. Pinning is helpful...
Sew a main piece to a lining piece (right sides of fabric together), (armpit, across top, armpit...not sides). Repeat with the back main and lining piece. Return to armpit area and carefully cut some notches (without cutting into the stitches)...this helps the fabric to lay smooth in a rounded area. (maybe 5-6 notches...a notch looks like a V with pointed side aimed toward the seam...on each armpit).
Pin your four pieces together, with main pieces right sides together (lining with be on the outside as you sew) and sew side seams from armpit bottom to bottom of the shirt. Leave hem on bottom for last.
Now for the neck casing...iron a 1/4 inch seam. Then fold again, I had a 1/2 casing, on both the front and back neck area. Sew it across to make the casing (front and back do the same.) Now make your long tube (mine was about 32 inches long by 5 inches wide). Fold in half right sides together and sew a 1/4 seam all the way, leaving one short end open to turn.
Then iron the bottom of your shirt with a 1/4 inch seam. Roll it over another 1/4 of an inch or so, iron, pin, then sew the bottom seam up.
Hope this makes sense. I am self taught and hope I haven't confused you. Ask away if it isn't clear.
*a warning-if you make your strap tubes too skinny, you will be miserable, as it will be hard to reach inside to turn the right side out. Sigh, don't ask me how I know or I might have to tell you the drama that occurred here ;-) when I sewed some other straps.
Happy sewing!
Posts
12 comments:
That is a gorgeous shirt, perfect for a Sunshiney girl! ;)
You know, I came across a really cool website last night that has TONS of sewing (and crafting) tutorials. You might be interested in checking it out and maybe putting up this tutorial.
http://www.craftster.org/
That is great, so sweet and summery. I think you are very clever.
Kate
FANTASTIC! I think I could manage it, even. Thanks for posting the instructions and pictures.
Lovely.
Your girl has a sweet, happy smile. :)
What a cute, cute shirt! Makes me wish I had a tiny bit of sewing skill!!
Sarah
www.xanga.com/houseofsmooches
I love these dresses. So simple and cute!
Hi Kimmie!
I love this shirt, it's such a cute style and the fabric is precious. Your Princess Sunshine is a very blessed girl(as are all your children) to have a mom who'll take the time to make her a shirt. It's great that you're self taught, I wish I had your tenacity!
Love, Velvia
YOU ARE AMAZING! So cute!
Lovely Shirt Kimmie.
I gave you an award, its on my blog.
love the shirt. I am a size xs... oh wait, you did not ask my size :)
It's so cute, and little Princess Sunshine is a little doll! :-)
How cute! I'm new to sewing as well...forget patterns...its Greek to me. Last year I made a ton of "fly by the seat of my pants" dress up clothes for my Best Friends daughter. I had skirts, tutu's, halter tops, aprons made out of a hotpad and matching dishtowel...it was super fun. I just used a bunch of odds and ends that I bought cheap at the fabric store. I think your design for your shirt would work really well for quick and easy play clothes. I'm adding it to my list of costumes for my little neice.
That's a wonderful and cute shirt.
Post a Comment