Square loose ruffle top tutorial and the photobomber

top: self-made     pants: citizens     shoes: thrifted    watch: gift from sister-in-law (thanks erin!)

I've taken my square top and changed it in so many many different ways and this is just one of them! Just slap on an easy-peasy large ruffle around the natural waist. I love how flowy and fun it is, I find it very flattering and quite easy to make! I actually found this pink and white polka dot fabric from a sheet bought the thrift store. This can be great pregnancy and post pregnancy shirt, hides a lot of areas we women may not like.

This bottom photo was only one of the many Beck's photo bombs, he has perfected his smile in front of the camera.

Supplies:

1 - 1.5 yards of fabric (i chose a light cotton - preferably flawy and/or light)

sewing machine

thread

scissors

measuring tape

pins

Instructions:

1. Measure from your shoulder (where the middle seam would hit) to your belly button and add an inch. Measure around the biggest part of your chest (unless your natural waist is bigger then your chest then measure that) and add a 3 to 5 inches depending on how flowy you want it and included seam allowance.  I added only a 3 extra inches and this included the seam allowance. Cut out 2 squares according to your measurements.

-then sew up the side seams and the shoulder seams leaving an open hole for the neckline and the armholes.

2. Fold in the center so the side seams are touching on the side and cut a little opening for the your head. Then slide on what you have so far and test it out. Figure out how low you want the neckline.

3. Open the top up so the side seams are touching the in the center this time and cut out a deeper neckline if you like. Do this by cutting a half U shape from the start of the shoulder seam to the middle front of the shirt. Remember not to cut out too much at first, work your way lower and lower and try it on each time you cut. You need to make sure to leave a little for hemming.

4. Hem the neckline and the sleeves.

5. Cut out a long strip of fabric that is at least 2 - 3X the size of you waist. I wanted the back a little longer so I made half of the stripe wider. Gather it so be the same width around as your shirt's waist part.

6. Pin and sew right sides together the gathered piece to the square top. Then serge or finish the edge with a zig zag stitch (to prevent fraying).

7. LIne the side seams of the shirt and now gathered piece on bottom and cut the gathered piece into the shape you like.

8. Hem the bottom.

9. Top stitch the serged edge down by facing it up toward the neckline and running a straight stitch a little bit above where the gathered part and the shirt is joined on the main shirt part.