Materials:
Tank
40 inches of tulle
36 inches of fabric (can be pieced together)
sewing machine
This tank is very easy to make, and there are so many variations you can play with. I just used what I had on hand, but a combination of silk and jersey is going on my next tank. I also found that if your tank is a size large or x-large, you should follow the measurements listed, but if it's a xsmall-medium, reduce the width of the tulle to 6 inches and 4 inches for the fabric. I felt like my final product was a little wide, hence the measurement adjustment suggestion.
Cut out your piece of tulle. The tulle piece is a little longer than your fabric piece will be, because it is so thin, and you want a little more gather to it.
Cut out your fabric. Remember the measurement adjustment if you are a size xs-m. If you don't have a piece of fabric that is 36 inches long, you can piece fabric together. The seam will be almost hidden after you ruffle it.
Make a zig zag stitch around the entire perimeter of your fabric piece, as close to the edge as possible. This will keep your ends from fraying. If you have a serger, that will look great too, just make sure your edge isn't too heavy or wide.
Adjust your tension on your machine to the highest it will go, and your stitch length should be the longest your machine will allow. This is going to allow us to make a nice even ruffle without having to pull the ends and make any major adjustments.
Start with your fabric and run it through the machine with a straight stitch down the length of your fabric.
Now run your tulle through, but set your tension a little lower. DO NOT backstitch the tulle. When you finish sewing your tulle, leave a very long hanging thread. Tulle gathers really tight and you will need to pull and adjust it to the same length as your ruffled fabric.
Lay out your tank and place the tulle down first and then lay your fabric on top. Adjust the gather and length as needed to fit the length of your tank. I folded about 1/4 inch of the ruffle under at the top and bottom for a more finished look. Pin your fabric and tulle together but not to the tank yet. We want to keep the ruffles as even as possible before it gets sewn onto the tank.
Sew the tulle and fabric together with a running straight stitch. Make sure you readjusted your tension and stitch length.
Pin your ruffle to your tank. Use more pins than the picture shows. You will thank me later. Sew a running straight stitch down the length of the ruffle. Trim any loose threads.
Enjoy wearing your tank!
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12 comments:
Oh this is adorable! Might need to make a few of these! Thanks for sharing (visiting from Just a Girl) -Kelsee
Very cool idea! Thanks for showing us how to do it. And, yes, I have a ton of shirts with spots! :)
~Kim
Your opening line cracked me up! Between drool spots, kids wiping their faces on me, and me dropping food all over myself - - most of my shirts could use this coverup. ;)
Don't you just love all the ruffle inspiration out there right now? I'm totally trying this one!
Thanks for popping in at my blog and for your sweet comment!
Hi Nicole! Congratulations on being the winner of my 100th Post Giveaway! You won the copy of Martha Stewart's new book. Please email me at d.dyrda@yahoo.com with your address info so that I can send it to you. Hopefully it will inspire you to create even more amazing sewing projects!
P.S. What a great idea! I'm so into ruffles right now :)
What a great looking top! I love the fabric that you put on it
I like your instructions and even better the end result. Well done!
Oh So Cute! I love the photos, they make it so easy to follow. I cant wait to try it!
This is so cute! What a great way to bring new life to a shirt.
Adorable!
m ^..^
That is so pretty! I love the fabric you used. I just discovered that ruffling technique and now I want to put a ruffle on everything!
Thanks for linking up to Make it Yours Day!
Really pretty! I'm jealous of your talent! Thanks for playing Toot Your Horn Tuesday!
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