Before we head to the cutting table, we need to take note of some important measurements:
● Measure your BUST
● Measure the distance between your bust and shoulder point (Bust To Shoulder: BTS)
● Measure the distance between your bust and your waist, or wherever you prefer the hem of your shirt to hit (Bust To Hem: BTH) ( TIP: you could totally create a dress using this tutorial if you have enough fabric)
Now some math ( I know I’m sorry, it's the “M” word, but I promise it's worth it!)
MEASUREMENT 1. Bust - 2” = X
MEASUREMENT 2. X / 6.28 ( round the result to the nearest whole number. My result was 5.653 so my rounded # was 6)
MEASUREMENT 3. BTS + (2 x Seam Allowance) + 3”
MEASUREMENT 4. Add your seam allowance (SA) to your BTH
Now let's get to the tutorial
● Fold your fabric in half lengthwise
● Fold it again along the width creating 2 folds as pictured
● Starting at the corner where the 2 folds are, measure down along each fold the number you noted for MEASUREMENT 2 . ( for me this # was 6)
● Cut some string the length of MEASUREMENT 2, and tie it to a marking pen/chalk
● Place the end of the string at the corner of both folds and mark your cutting line, starting from the marking you made at one of the folds. Swing the pen over to the older fold, marking as you go.
● Starting at the cutting line you just made. Measure down along each fold using the measurement noted as your BTH.
● Using your BTH measurement, create your second cut line with your chalk and string the same way you did for the first cutting line.
● Now that your cut lines are marked, cut away! ( you will need to cut two separate pieces of fabric in this way for this tutorial. One will be your main fabric, and the other will be the lining)
● To mark our strap placements, open the fabric once.
● From each folded end, measure inwards 5” and make a notch, snipping within the seam allowance. This will be where we attach our straps at a later step.
Now here’s how to put your shirt together: For reference, I will be using a ½” seam allowance
1, Determine which layer will be the lining and which will be the main fabric
2. Roll hem both the lining and main fabric pieces. The Easiest way to do this is to use the roll hem foot included with your Horizon Memory Craft 9480 QC. You can find specific instructions on how to use it in the manual)
3. Create the straps by cutting 4 pieces of fabric that measure 2” wide with a length that measures your result from MEASUREMENT 3 .
4. Fold each strap piece with Right Sides Together (RST) and sew along the raw ends opposite the fold, and along one of the short ends. Turn Right Side Out.
5. Pin the straps at the notches created along the neckline of the main fabric.
6. Place your lining with the Wrong Side facing the Right Side of the main fabric piece, making sure that the straps are sandwiched in between.
7. Sew all pieces together. Clip at the curves within the seam allowance, edgestitch and turn Right Side Out.
8. Press your seam and you are finished!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this DIY. If you decide to take on making one for yourself, please tag Janome and I ( @sewwithstephanie) so that we can cheer you on and help if needed.
Until next time!
XO
Stephanie
