Chevron Swing top - sewing tutorial

I love a layered look. You can layer color, pattern and texture in 1 outfit. I created this easy, fun top using a couple of squares, no finished edges (that's why I love knit!) and few stitches! And this pattern is so simple it could be made in any size or length!

supplies:

1 yard of knit/poly fabric

scissors

measuring tape

straight pins

Seam ripper (optional)

sewing machine

coordinating thread

chevron stencil/template pattern to trace (my chevron was 2 - 2.5" wide)

Step 1: Lay your fabric flat and cut a 27x27" inch square on the fold. Cut down the fold to create two 27x27" squares.

Step 2:  Cut a strip 2" x 58" long. This will be threaded through the neckline. Place right sides together lengthwise. Sew along the top creating a tube. Turn right side out and tie a simple knot in each end.

 

Step 3: Add interest to the front by adding a pattern and texture. Using a chevron template as a pattern, cut a couple of long strips using the same knit fabric OR cut strips from an accent color fabric.

Step 4: Measure out a 15x15" triangle. This will be folded over the back so do not place anything in this space.

Place and pin 1 chevron strip onto 1 of the 27x27" squares in a design that you like. Be sure to "tilt" the square or turn it to a diamond shape while placing and pinning the strips. Add the chevron strips just at the top, over the entire top, just around the edges, etc.  

Step 5: Sew 4 lines on each Chevron strip. 1 along the top, 1 along the bottom and 2 in the middle trying to keep equal spacing between the lines. Repeat on all the strips.

Step 6: Using a seam ripper or your sewing scissors, carefully clip in between the top 2 lines and the bottom 2 lines. ONLY cut through the top layer of each strip. This will create fun lines and texture on the top.

Step 7: Turn the main piece over and fold down the top corner creating a Triangle with sides that measure 15". Sew a 1" casing along the top. Repeat on the back square piece as well. Clip away the excess fabric.

Step 8: Take the finished strip from step 2 and thread it through the casing of both the front and back pieces.

Step 9: Lay the front and back piece flat with right sides together. Measure in from the corner on each side to sew the 2 pieces together. (I have a smaller frame so I measured in about 6" on the top and 10" on the bottom. Then drew a connecting line between those points and that is where I sewed the 2 pieces together) Trim the excess fabric.

Step 10: Turn right side out and slip on. Adjust the gathers to be the width you like and tie over 1 shoulder. Light and breezy summer top with texture that can still be layered upon if Spring hasn't quite hit in your area yet like it hasn't in mine ;)

I will be linking up HERE this week! 

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More SOS Ideas starting monday with a giveaway next week as well! see you then!