THE OFF THE SHOULDER TASSLE TOP TUTORIAL

TOP MADE BY ME (TUTORIAL BELOW) SIMILAR TOP HERE AND HERE | WHITE SHORTS | COGNAC SANDALS | STRIPED STRAW TOTE BAG | SUNGLASSES | PANAMA HAT | LIPSTICK NARS 'CLAUDIA'

I've been wanting to make an off the shoulder top for a few months now, and I thought it would be perfect to take on our vacation to Hawaii last week! You might have seen a little sneak peek of this over on my Instagram a few days ago. I love this tutorial because it really is just a few rectangles sewn together ;) Adding the trim is a fun touch that adds visual interest to the cut ruffles along the top. And the gingham pattern is perfect for summer! Check out the full tutorial below!

GET THE FULL TUTORIAL FOR THIS TOP AFTER THE JUMP BELOW..

Materials:

• 2 yards of fabric (I used a light weight cotton)
• 2 yards of trim
• 1 1/2 yards of 1/2" elastic
• matching thread

STEP 1:

Cut out 2 rectangles of fabric that measure about 1 1/2 x your chest width, and 20 1/2" long (add 1-3" if you have a longer torso). Cut out small arm holes (keep in mind these can be very short holes, since the top will hit you a few inched underneath your armpit).

STEP 2:

Lay your 2 bodice pieces Rt sides together and stitch up either side with 1/2" seam allowance (sa).

STEP 3:

Open your bodice and serge around the armpit opening, then fold under 1/4", press, and stitch.

STEP 4:

Cut your 2 strips of fabric 15" wider than your bodice pieces, place them rs togther, and stitch up the sides with 1/2" sa.

STEP 5:

Serge around the bottom of your stitched together strips of fabric, fold under 1/4", pin your trim along the edge and stitch.

STEP 6:

Fold the top of your long strip over 1" and stitch all around leaving a 2" opening.

STEP 7:

Slide the bodice through the exact middle of the long strip of fabric and place the seam allowances together. Stitch all around the top of the round strip with a 5/8" seam allowance, leaving a small opening where the elastic will fit 

STEP 8: 

Insert one of the ends of the elastic into the top of the bodice through the 3" opening. Pin the end of the elastic in place so it doesn't pull all the say through, and stitch the 2 ends together. Hem along the bottom of the bodice with 1/2" sa.