Learn To Sew A Simple Cotton Top

Cotton is a great fabric to start sewing with! It's one of the easiest fabrics to sew and care for. It's also easy to find in beautiful colors and patterns! I picked up this plaid fabric last summer at a garage sale. You'll need a yard to 1.5 yards of fabric to start with. 

How to measure and cut: Width- Take half of your hip measurement (measure around the fullest part of your hips and then divide by two) then add 5-8 inches. Length- Measure from the top of the shoulder to the desired hem length (choose if you want it to be a cropped top, a long top or a dress) and add 1.5 inches. Use these measurements to cut two pieces. 

Straps- Cut 2 rectangles 45x2.5in. Fold right sides together (lengthwise) and stitch a tube closed on one end only. Then, flip the tube, press flat and tuck the open end in. Press and stitch tube closed.

To make: 1. With right sides together, stitch both side seams starting 7-11 inches down from the top. This creates the side seam and the armhole opening at the same time. Once finished, press the seam open and topstitch the seam allowance of the armhole (see photo below). To do this, start from the top of the left panel, stitch down to where the closed seam begins, lift the foot and turn the corner to make a right angle. Stitch across to the right panel and once you have reached an equal distance from the center of the seam, lift the foot and turn the corner again to stitch up the front panel. Repeat on other side.

2. Choose and stitch which hemline you prefer. We chose a double folded 3/8" seam.

3. To create the casing at the neckline, stitch or press 1/4" seam down so the raw edges are finished once turned again. Once this fold is made, fold over again leaving enough room for your straps to be pulled through (we did a 1/2" seam). Stitch down on both front and back panels creating two casings.

Feed your straps through the neckline casing and tie on sides! ♥

This is a great practice piece! This pattern can easily become a dress too. Try this pattern with different fabrics, you might even want to add pockets and hand stitched details! 

TIPS FOR SEWING COTTON: 

-Choose a light weight to medium weight cotton, don't start too heavy because heavy fabric is harder for the machine to handle.

-Start with solid colors, patterns can be tricky to match and seam together. 

-Learn to straighten the grain of your fabric. (resource)

-Always pre-wash cotton because it will shrink. 

-Start with patterns like tent dresses, tote bags and skirts! 

-Work up to patterns with sleeves and collars. 

-Cotton is great for beginner sewers, so have fun! 

Have fun sewing your first top or dress! xo. Elsie 

This sewing basics series was created in collaboration with Missy Creed of Momentum Fashion. Missy is a talented seamstress who sews for Red Velvet!

Comments

[heather darling]

What a cute, versatile top/dress.. I'm already itching to make one of my own! Thank you :)

[Desiree Fawn]

Cute!

[debbie]

love the result! Super adorable.

[Mama Smith]

I especially love the sketch. If I start trying to figure this out now I just might figure out how to make it by summer... which will be the perfect time for a fun loose top. Thanks.

[Michelle]

Genius (complete with capital G!). This is a must-try once it warms up :) Who am I kidding, I live in Texas, its ALWAYS warm!

[THE-LOUDMOUTH]

So adorable! Love it!

[irene wibowo]

cool idea! love it! :)

http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/

[Mary]

Very cute! I have a ton of fabric from the remnant bin and this would be a great way to use up some of it. This would also be a great pattern to use to make a summer dress for my daughter.

[Stephanie May*]

Love it love it soooo much! :)

Love,
Stephanie May*

http://www.maydae.com

[Shannon]

That is so pretty. Love the fabric you choose.

http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/

[ashley nicole.]

This stuff is REALLY hard for me. Since becoming slightly obsessed with your blog {lol}, I've decided to make learning how to sew a line item in my bucket list. When I actually get around to doing this {it intimidates the shhhh out of me lol}, I will absolutely refer back to this post.

Thanks for the tutorial!

ashley nicole.
http:wineandwanderlust.com

[Mandi]

Super cute! Would be great for a hot summer day, for sure! I think I may have to make a couple before summer is here! I really love the fabric you used too.

[vivienne kathryn]

This is perfect for summer!
I can't wait to try this idea, thanks for the inspiration!

Much love, Vivi

[gemma]

so cute! what a great idea for starting out!
tops seem so hard to sew!!
you could easily make a dress out of that too!

www.seacreaturess.blogspot.com

[katrina]

Love the colours in this fabric and the top is looks so perfect for the warmer weather to come!! Can't wait to see what else is part of this sewing series.

[Mandy @ Miss Indie]

This is amazing! One of my goals for this year is to start sewing again. Thank you do much for sharing! <3

[cynthia]

I love the blouse !! I will do !! it´s a promise in this spring .

[Sandra]

Thanks for this idea, this is going to be one of my first projects for spring! :)

[pia]

wow what a great idea !!
will be following
<3
pia

everlightly.blogspot.com

[jeany rose]

WOW . it nice !