Tapered rectangle top tutorial

Here it is as promised...one of my favorite things I've made to date! If you want to see this top in action, go here.

What it looks like when I'm in this really awkward position..see the rectangle?

Supplies:

yard of lightweight flowy fabric - like polyester chiffon

sewing machine

matching thread

pins 

fabric marker (optional)

scissors

Instructions:

1. fold the fabric almost in half, leave 6 inches to a foot hanging out (depending on how long you want the front or back

2a. sew two straight lines 2.5 to 3 inches from the sides and five + inches down from the top fold (this varies depending on the size of your arm - measure your arm's diameter just above your elbow, add a few inches and divide by two, there is your answer!). 

2b. Cut out the long rectangle under the soon to be sleeve and cut out your neckline. I find cutting the neckline is easier when matching the side seams together (like picture 5 and 6) and cutting a half U twice, making the sure the back part of the neckline or U is much smaller then the front.

3a. Hem the neckline by flipping it inside out and sewing a tiny bit inside, then once again both times nice and slow (like the real pictures show). 

3b. Flip the top right side out and pull the sleeve through, sew together the bottom of the sleeve together, then hem the sleeve outwards with right sides together.

4. fold the sleeve completely in half on top of itself with right sides together, then tack or completely sew to keep it a cuff (follow the hemmed stitch).

5. Measure and mark how short you want it in front and back first by trying it on, then cut the bottom of the blouse how you like, you can either do it like picture 5 or match the side seams up for a side angle and cut a nice gradual tapper. 

5. side view - This is what the side view should look like when all cut! It can be a straighter line or an even moor curved line depending on how you like it. 

6. Hem the bottom by flipping it inside out and rolling it inside, then again (like shown in the real hemming picture). Make sure to do it slowly, hemming on curves are very tricky.

7. Iron all the seams and hems to make it nice and flat!

*Optional: pockets

1. Try the top on and mark where you want the pocket to go

2. Cut out a square or rectangle piece of the fabric and sew one of the sides for the top part of the pocket

3. Iron under the remaining 3 sides of the pocket.

4. Pin the pocket to the skirt (I did a beautiful pin job…hmmm…right)

5. Top stitch the pocket to the blouse inside the area you marked, making sure the side you sewed under is at the top, and is left open.

6. Iron

Another way to view it: