Tutorial:
(This is my first tutorial, let me know what is unclear and I will attempt to fix it)
Ruffled Halter Tutorial
1. Create bodice pattern.
I used one of my fitted shirts as a starting point and traced an outline of it. Make your pattern something like this in your own size. I added ½ inch extra on all sides because it gives me wiggle room to fit it later. I sometimes add more if I am making a top for someone with a larger bust and smaller waist. You can take it in with darts later. Here is what the front and back will look like. The back should simply be the front cut off at the bottom of the arm hole. The lining will be the top third of the front piece.
2. Layout and cut. Center pattern on front of oxford so it buttons down the middle. Cut the back from the back of the oxford. Carefully cut off collar if you wish to attach it later. From the bottom of the oxford, measure up about 4 inches (more or less, depending on size of ruffle you want) and cut straight across. Cut apart 1 sleeve and use to make straps. I cut 2 pieces – 1.5 x 12 inches. Cut front lining from leftover back piece, or another coordinating fabric.
3. Front. Cut lining in half. Sew each lining to front piece (unbutton front to get 2 pieces too), rights sides together. Sew armhole up to top of strap, leaving the top open. Then sew neck and stop at button end. Turn right side out. Press. Fold lining under at button or buttonhole edge and sew, following thread line. Finish ends. Repeat with other side. Button front back together.
4. Add collar if desired. Cut it in half and finish raw edges. Pin in place, folding collar over edge. Lift up collar and sew.
5. Straps. Fold the two 1.5 x 12 inch pieces in half wrong side out. Press. Stitch long side. Turn right side out. Press. Repeat. Tuck strap into open end of front of bodice at halter, tuck ends under and sew. Repeat with the other side. Finish raw ends of straps… shorten if desired, and tuck raw edges in and sew closed.
6. Back. Place wrong side up. Fold top edge over ¼ inch, press. Fold over another1/4 inch and press. Sew top edge.
7. Darts. Tie up your halter and stick the front over your head and tie it in place where you want it to lie. Create darts at sides under bust. Sew up the darts.
8. Sew back to front. Place right sides together, matching up at armholes. Pin and sew.
9. Cut away any extra material at the bottom. Try it on and make any adjustments now, before you put on the ruffle.
10. Make ruffle. Take the bottom fabric you cut and adjust it in length. If you want a flouncy ruffle, keep it as is. For less ruffle, cut it down at the 2 seams and then resew those seams. I cut mine down a little. To create ruffle, set your tension to 0 and stitch length to longest possible. On unfinished edge, sew 1 long continuous line. Then, take 1 thread, and pull until material gathers.
11. Attach ruffle. Unbutton shirt. With right sides together, line up at seams and adjust. Pin in place. Sew.
12. Trim, finish raw edges. Turn right side out. Admire your handiwork.
