I posted this shirt (
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=257364.0 )
I just finished and was asked to make a tut, so here it goes. This is my first sewing tut so if you have any questions feel free to ask and I'll try to answer. Also, please note that all measurements are approximate as I can not find a tape measure to save my life. (My daughter LOVES to "measure" everything and it's hard to find my tape measures after she gets a hold of them)
-First you need to decide how long you want your shirt to be, then add 2 1/2 inches. This will be your length, mine was 15 inches
-Then measure your chest and add 9 inches to allow the shirt to overlap in the back. Divide this measurement into the number of strips you would like to use. I used eleven 3 inch strips. I recommend an odd number of strips cause it gives you a center strip in the front.
-Sew your strips together vertically, you should get something like this:
(I made mine from 3x5 inch patches sewn together to get 3x15 inch strips.)
-Cut a piece of material the same size as the front of you shirt. This will be your lining. Sew the front to the lining (right sides together) on three sides leaving the top open. It should look like this:
-Turn your shirt right side out, fold top over 1 inch and press, like this:
-Fold top over again and attach straps where you would like them to be. I used rick-rack on this one, last time I used quilt basting. Be sure the strap is all the way under you fold for extra strength, like so:
-Sew two seams one along the top and another across the bottom of the fold over like this:
-Next you need to make four button holes. You want one at either corner and two more at the points where they overlap.(If this doesn't make sense, I'm sorry!keep reading to the end it may make more sense when you see how it fastens)
-Now all that's left to do is sew the buttons onto your straps. I like to leave the straps a little long so I can adjust the buttons as she grows. Your left with a rectangle with two straps and four button holes like this:
-To fasten this shirt you put the buttons through the holes on one side, like this:
(I like to have the straps cross in the back)
-Then fold the second half over and button again like this:
That's it you're all done. Hopefully you end up with something like this:
Comments are always welcome!
Thanks for looking!
