WhatTheCraft.com - TUTORIALS

tube top

click here for PHOTO EXAMPLES

step one is to measure yourself. you'll need your bust, waist, and low waist measurements for a tube top. for a dress, you'll need your bust, waist, and hip measurements.

lay the t-shirt flat and mark it like so. you will be cutting through both layers of the shirt, making a front piece and a back piece.

this tutorial can also be used with regular fabric. just fold in half and follow the directions from here!

the top line of each piece should be half of your bust measurement (plus seam allowances).

if you have trouble measuring yourself and getting an accurate fit, try this.

turn the front and back pieces so that the right sides (the outsides) are facing each other. sew up the sides.

feeling a little lost? check out the sewing basics or post a question in the forum.

hem of the bottom of the dress or tube top, or add ruffles, pleats, or a flounce hem.

to finish the top, you can hem it, add a strip of elastic, or add a band of fabric.

HOW TO ADD A FABRIC BAND

cut a long strip of stretchy fabric. it should be the length of your bust measurement, minus about 2 inches.

EXAMPLE: cut a 34" long strip of fabric if you have a 36" bust.

the strip should also be twice a wide as you want it to be.

EXAMPLE: if you want a 2" band on the top of your dress/top, cut a 4" wide strip.

Looking for awesome knit fabrics?
Try: Ebay - Fabric.com
Or take a look at our Craft Supplies Directory for a huge list of great online fabric stores.

fold the strip in half and sew as shown. you should now have a "loop" of fabric.

fold the loop in half, so the seam is on the inside.

pin the loop to the top of the dress or top. it will be smaller than the bust, so you will have to stretch it as you sew. use a zig-zag stitch or a serger/overlocker.

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