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Spring Sewing ~ Spring Ruffle Top Tutorial
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From Beth: You’ll love this Spring Ruffle Top Tutorial by Rae from Made by Rae. Rae has a talent for cute and professional-looking sewing, and she creates items with a refreshing mix of color and style. Add your ruffle top to your new skirt and you can mix fabrics for your go-to spring and summer “uniform” (scroll down to look at more tops made with the same process). Rae is hosting Spring Top Week April 27-May 1. She writes, “The plan is that it will be a showcase week… of the tops I made, pictures of your tops, and links to your blogs.” Check it out Monday on Made by Rae. |
From Rae: This spring top is perfect for layering under cardigans in cool spring weather and can be worn right into summer! Choose two contrasting fabrics for extra pizzazz. The instructions here can be tailored to any size.
Side view with pockets.
Step 1: Take your chest and hip measurements.
Measure around your chest, with the measuring tape under your armpits and above your bustline (this is NOT the fullest part of your chest). Round this number to the nearest inch, add 1” for ease, divide by two, then add 1” for seam allowances.
Example: My chest measurement is just over 35 inches. So:
35” + 1” (ease) = 36” / 2 = 18” + 1” (seam allowances) = 19” (we will call this “X”)
Here is the formula for you to use:
____ + 1” = _____ / 2 = _____ + 1” = ________ inches
Next measure around your hips at their fullest point. Divide this number by 2 and add 1” for seam allowances.
Example: My hip measurement is 41 inches. So:
41” / 2 = 20.5” + 1” (seam allowances) = 21.5” (we will call this “Y”)
Back detail.
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Step 2: Cut your pieces out. For the chest and straps: Cut 4 rectangles, each 5” by X.” Note: most quilting cotton fabric is stretchier in one direction than the other (pull lengthwise and widthwise on your fabric to test). Since this top is a pullover, make sure you cut the long edge of each rectangle in the direction that stretches the most. Two of the rectangles will be for the chest band (front and back), and two of these will be for the straps (only two are shown in diagram). For the pockets: Cut 2 rectangles, each 6” x 12.” |
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For the ruffles: Cut 2 rectangles, each 3” x 22.” |
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For the body of the shirt: Cut 2 trapezoids as shown in diagram.
For the width of the top, take X and add 6” for pleats/gathers. For the bottom width, take Y and add 6” for ease (you don’t want it to be skintight at your hips). For height: 20” is more than enough height for a person who wears a size S, M, or L. In fact this will probably be too long (it’s actually more of a tunic length at that point), but remember you can always shorten but it’s much harder to lengthen. If you are unsure, you may want to measure vertically from your bustline to hipline, add a few inches for seam allowance and go from there. |
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For example: My trapezoid was 19 + 6 = 25 inches along the top, 20.5 + 6 = 27 inches along the bottom (I rounded up to the nearest inch), and 20” tall. |
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Step 3: Sew chest band and mark strap positions. Take the two chest band rectangles and place right sides together. Sew together with ½” seam along each side. Press seams open, fold in half along the length of the loop and press. Press under ¼” along one edge of the loop; this will be the inside of the chest . |
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Fold each of the strap pieces in half lengthwise and press. Press under ¼” along one of the long edges of each strap (this folded edge will be on the underside. |
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Mark the center front and center back of the chest band with a fabric marker. Safety pin each strap to the front of the chest band, equal distances from the center (mine were 3.5” from center), with about 1” of the end of the strap inside the chest band. Leave the back of the straps loose for now. |
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Try the chest band on and adjust strap spacing if necessary (remember that the ruffles will also take up about 2 more inches on each side). If possible have someone else pin the back of the straps in place, again equal distances from the center. It may help to slant the straps in the back slightly so they don’t pucker. |
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Mark the chest band where the sides of the straps hit. Mark straps where chest band overlaps. Trim straps. |
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Step 4: Attach ruffles (optional). Finish outside edge of ruffle by folding and pressing ¼” under twice and sewing down (alternative shown in photo: finish edge with rolled hem on serger). With a long straight stitch, sew two lines of stitching along opposite edge at 1/8” and ¼” away from edge. Gather edge of ruffle. |
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Finish short edges of ruffle by folding under ¼” and stitching down (alternative: finish hem with serger). Line up ruffle along unfolded edge of strap and pin in place with right sides together. Adjust gathering as necessary to make ruffle the correct length. |
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Sew ruffle to strap with 3/8” seam. Turn to right sides, press seam towards strap, refold strap so folded edge overlaps seam in back. Carefully topstitch along seam to close strap. |
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Tuck in short ends of strap and sew closed. Repeat for other strap. |
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Step 5: Create arm divots (optional). Mark where ruffle edges end on chest band. |
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Transfer marks to inside of chest band. Turn chest strap inside out. With fabric marker, draw a semicircle between the two marks at each side, with the bottom of the semicircle 1” away from fold. |
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Sew along this line. Trim seam, clip top corners, turn right side out and press. |
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Step 6: Pleat front and back of top. Mark center of front (purple mark in diagram). Starting 1” away from center, make three pairs of marks 1” apart, skipping 1.5” in between each pair. In other words, the spacing would be 1, 1, 1.5, 1, 1.5, 1 inches from the center going outward (blue marks on diagram; note that only right side is shown). |
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Repeat for other side of center; note that this diagram shows all of the pleat marks. |
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Each blue mark in the diagram is the edge of a pleat. Fold fabric so that the blue marks overlap and pin in place. Each pleat will now be ½” wide. Fold the fabric so that the folds face away from the center on either side. |
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Before sewing pleats in place, measure along top of pleated edge to make sure it is exactly X inches wide (see Step 1). Adjust pleat widths if necessary. Sew down 2” along each pleat and press. Note: those with larger busts may want to leave pleats unsewn, and should instead sew across the top of each pleat to hold in place. Repeat pleats for back of top. |
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Sew front and back together with ½” seam along sides. Press seam open. |
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Step 7: Attach chest band to front and back of top. Unfold chest band as much as possible. Pin front and back to chest band along unfolded edge, lining up side seams. Sew together with 3/8” seam. Press seam towards chest band, refold chest band so that folded edge covers seam. Carefully sew along seam, catching folded edge of chest band on the underside as you sew to close it. More-time-consuming-yet-more-foolproof-alternative: Baste the folded edge down first, topstitch in the ditch on the outside, remove basting. |
Step 8: Attach straps to chest band.
Reposition straps on chest band using marks. Topstitch in place several times back and forth along edge of chest band to secure.
Step 9: Shaping (optional) and finish hem.
The shaping step is included to give the top a slightly more fitted (and possibly more flattering) look. Try it! If you don’t like how it looks you can always pull out the stitching.
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Turn top inside out and find center of side seam. Make a mark at center 1” away from seam. Now draw a slightly curved line from the chest band to the center mark, and from the center mark to the hem. |
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Sew along this line. Trim fabric along seams, press open.
Hem bottom edge. Fold ½” under along raw edge, press. Repeat (raw edge is now hidden). Sew along edge of fold. Alternative: use blind hem foot to create an invisible hem or use serger to finish edge with a rolled hem. |
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Step 10: Make and attach pockets (optional). Fold pocket piece in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew around edge with ¼” seam, leaving 2” open at bottom of pocket. Press, clip corners, turn right-side-out, press again. Place pockets where desired on outside of top (I centered mine along the side seams). Topstitch sides and bottom of pocket to attach, sewing opening shut as you go. |
Step 11: Stand back, admire, take a picture and put it in the SMS Flickr Pool!
Green top variation with contrasting fabrics.
Yellow top variation (minus ruffle details).
For the yellow top:
The ruffles, pockets and arm divots were omitted. Instead, a piece of 1/4″ bias tape was sewn 3/8″ away from the unfolded edge of both the straps and the chest band pieces. Gathering was done in place of pleats: make a mark along the top edge 7″ away from either side of center (for both front and back). Gather between marks until size matches chest band, then sew front and back together and continue as in pleated version.
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Join us for Spring Sewing in April. Comment this week to win prizes from Fiskars/Gingher. This week you can win Softouch Scissors and a 12-in-1 Sewing Multi-Tool. We’re also giving away four $20 gift certificates to Sew,Mama,Sew! |
I love this shirt!
Thank you for sharing.
love it. am starting one today!
Love the yellow banded top. Thanks for the tutorial.
so gorgeous! i am just a beginner but i am bookmarking this one to learn how to make! these are my favorite tops to wear – i would love to pick out my own fabric!
This is a great layout with great directions. I’m thinking I can adjust the front panel and pleats to accomodate the baby belly I’ll be sporting in another few weeks, too. Wouldn’t I just cut the front panel longer than the back, maybe on a curve with the lowest point in the center? I am thinking so. Thanks for the idea.
Ooooh great tutorial!!
This is the sweetest top. I’m going right now to pick out fabric to make one for my sister.
Thank you for this tutorial! I am excited to run downstairs & start sewing!
Thanks!!!!
Very cute! I can already imagine all sorts of variations… time to pull out some fabric!
I was admiring this shirt on your blog and so you can imagine my happiness to find a tutorial for it here! I cannot wait to try it! Thank you!!!
Wow I love this! Just in time for the warm weather!
I really like the top, thank you for the tutorial. It is on my ToDo list.
Wow! That is *so* cute! And it even looks do-able! I’m wondering if one could turn it into a maternity top by making the front trapezoid significantly bigger than the back one? The back, plus a belly? Anyone? I would *love* to make one of these, but the only way it’ll work this spring is if it accommodates a big ol’ belly!
This top is so cute and can be made for anyone. It amazes me when people make their own patterns and now I’m learning too. Thanks
Really clever tutorial. One size TRULY fits all. It would certainly work as a nice sundress too!
That is seriously awesome!!! If anyone has any links to a tutorial about how to add short sleeves to this, I would love it…
this is such an awesome tutorial, I can’t wait to try this! Thank you so much for sharing
Oh my gosh….thank you for this WONDERFUL tutorial. My sweet daughter is a second grade school teacher. That means she works SOOOO hard, is sadly underpaid and since she and her husband both teach, her budget for new clothes is nil. I try my best to make things she would enjoy and wear and I know she will LOVE this!!!! Thank you again for your generous contribution to her wardrobe and to my being able to help!!!! XXX Annie
What an adorable top and a great tutorial.
Thanks for sharing!
Wow, that is really cute. I don’t usually make clothing, but I may just have to try this.
So cute! I love it. i was looking for a summer top to make and this is perfect. Thanks!!
love this! I’m going to the fabric store right now!
This is GREAT! I will be stopping by the thrift stores this weekend in search of some vintage sheets to make myself a top or three.
This top is so cute! I’m definitely going to have to give this a try.
super cute and great for hot summer days. thank you for the pattern!
That’s such a cute top! I look forward to trying it out!
this is really cute! i can’t wait to try to make one this weekend!
What a fun top! I may have to try this tonight.
Bookmarked! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial. It looks like it can easily be adapted into a little summer dress, too.
This is the most darling summer top ever!! Cant wait to dig through my fabric stash to make a few of these beauties!! Nice work on the tutorial.
Wow! These tops are SO cute! I can’t wait to make one!
oh my gosh! I love them! I’m making a hundred RIGHT NOW
I love this!!
I wonder if I doubled the ruffles in the front and made the front longer than the back I could alter it to accommodate my 30-some weeks preggo belly?
Any tips from the pros on this one?
I’ve been looking for some summer maternity tops to make and I think I can adapt this one pretty easily – thanks!
Sew cute and wonderful instructions. I need to make a few of these!!
This is so cute! I want to make a little babydoll dress like this!
apparel scares me, but I think I can do this. it is very cute.
I’m adding this to my project list. What fun it will be to make something for myself to wear!
wow, great top!
I love love love this shirt. Who is the designer of the yellow flower fabric (the main fabric in the tutorial?) thanks a lot for the tutorial
This top is fabulous! It will be a perfect maternity top for me as it gets warmer, really excited about this!
So cute! Thanks for the tutorial!
I noticed quite a few questions about altering this for a prego belly. Tips or suggestions on where to find tips on this would be awesome.
Cute shirt. Thanks for the tutorial.
I love how feminine and soft the top top is.
Thanks or sharing your creativity (and variations, makes it irresistible to try) ! Maybe now that it’s getting nice and warm a break from blankets & quilts would be appropriate…
This is so cute! I will be making this for sure:)
Cute shirt – I love the yellow!
Rae, you are a rockstar! I’m super short-waisted and this is one of the few styles of summer top that I can wear without looking like the side of a barn. Thank you so much!
Love it! I am going to try to make one for me and my daughter. Great tutorial, thanks!
Cool top! Thanks for sharing.
I wore one very similar in the mid-70’s and I loved it then and I love it now! May have to make my 20 year old daughter one of these.
This cute top is going to the top of my to-do list!! Can’t wait for warmer weather!
Rae, I love it! I want to make it!
So cute! I really want to make one. Thanks for the tutorial!!
Rae-You are awesome. This top is perfect. Thank you so much!
This looks fantastic, and, ultimately, very do-able. Thanks, I just might tackle it!
Adorable! Thank you so much for sharing. This looks easy enough even for me. I think I’ll try it this weekend (will blog and share if I manage it).
This is really cute!!
Love this top! I have to make one for myself, one for my daughter, on for my S-I-L, one for a friend……..
This top is being added to my to-do list and I’m putting at the top (for me) – for once everyone else can wait!
That is a SUPER cute top. The pleating detail really makes it look tailored and stylish. Great tutorial!
VERY cute. I love it Rae!
So so so so cute!!!! I am going to have to make a couple!
So cute! Now to choose my fabric! Thank you!!
love it! want to make one for my girls!
So cute! I want to sew one for me and one for my daughter!
That top is awesome! I am definately going to make at least one for my summer wardrobe!
That’s amazing! I need to go buy some fabric.
I’ve been looking for some cute spring/summer tops and this fits the bill. It gets hot here in Hot-lanta so this will come in handy.
Super cute! I have a mental health day coming up soon and this may be just the thing to do!
What a great spring top! Thank you for another great tutorial…makes me want to sew!
Wonderful tutorial/pattern and just in time for Spring!
Love this! So going to whip a few. Maybe even one as a dress
Thank you for sharing your pattern.
I LOVE this top! If only I didn’t have oh about a thousand other sewing projects right now!! Maybe I will have to move this one to the top.
Welcome, Rae! What a lovely top!
what a cute top! and another thing on my to do list
Thanks everyone for the kind comments! I’m so glad you like it and can’t wait to see your finished ruffle tops!!!
I just had to comment because a few of you have asked about maternity modifications; I am actually currently six months pregnant too so I tried hard to make this pattern work for both pregnant and non-pregnant folks (I’m sucking in my baby belly in the pic above BTW, but the tops do fit me fine even when I’m not…). Because there’s about 12 inches of ease in the hips I think you’ll find that it will fit for quite a long time even if you are pregnant. If you are closer to 8-9 months, you may want to add another couple of pleats in the front, and maybe an inch or two of length in the front, but I wouldn’t add much more than that; 20 inches is actually quite long and I think you’ll find it covers the belly just fine; maybe just shorten the back slightly if you want it to look more balanced when you stick out in front! (:
I’ve been wanting to try making a top…maybe this should be the one. Very cute!
So cute. It might make a cute dress for my three year old too, depending on the scale. I’ll have to try it out.
I love how this can be made to fit anyone, any size! I’m going to try one for me and one for my daughter. SMS – would you consider putting this in a pdf for easier printing? Thanks for the great resource!
I definitely need to find some fabric for this one – thanks for sharing!
HOLY! you have read my mind. i soooo wanted to start sewing something exactly like these-indebted. THANK YOU!!!
WowI Incredibly cute! Definitely going on my to do list! Thanks!!
oohh aaahhh, can wait to try it!
I love this! I am so behind on my sewing, but hopefully this will get me in gear so I can enjoy before fall hits!
So cute, just what I was looking for. Now I have to clean my work are up.
such a cute top! i can’t wait to try this!
My teen daughters will adore this pattern (me too). Thanks!
what a fun top!
Oh I love this! This is moving up on the to-do list and bypassing some projects that have been there awhile…I never make anything for me, but I think that will change with this cute top!
I am going to make one of these!!
oh so cute! Any chance of tips on how to estimate yardage required?
Very cute! I’m not sure how it will flatter the, um, rack, but it looks so comfy I’m going to give it a try.
So cute! I can’t wait to try it. Thank God for all these amazing crafty women who share their creativity with us.
Very cute!
Ooh! Making this will be a perfect treat for when I finish my exams! Can’t wait – and THANK YOU!
LOVE it, I will be adding this to my to-do list!
thanks for the tutorial. I love the blouse. it’s perfect for spring and summer! I’m adding this tut to my favorites!
I never make stuff for myself, because it takes so much longer than making for my girls. But I think this one is demanding to be made for me! Yippee!
Great i can now start working on my top and i better get cracking with it. Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial.
Wow that top is so cute. I am going to have to make one.
This top has great potential for lots of variations! ~H
Very cute and looks super easy. Thank you for the tutorial.
How did you know that I found some fabric just last week and wanted to make this exact, I mean exact top! Thank you so much for sharing Beth!
Verry Nice…really like the green and red combo!
Very spring! I wonder if it would work for a pregnant belly….hmmmmm.
Super cool shirt top. Thanks for the tutorial.
Yet another wonderful tutorial! Thanks!
yay, so cute and i am so excited that us maternity people can wear it as well!
Thank you for another awesome tutorial! I loved your buttercup bag and this top is just gorgeous. I especially love the pockets
Keep up the great work!!!
Love this top will def need to give it a go. We don’t get too much sun here but a long sleeved white T underneath this would look cute.
Have noticed so many comments about turning this into a maternity shirt (which I think would be quite easy). I think sew-mama- sew should think about doing a little maternity special (a few weeks too late for me – sob! – but would be nice to see all the same)
Have to make it!!!
This top looks like a good one to modify into a maternity top! What a lovely idea!
Adorable. I will be making this in Mommy & toddler size…
I love this shirt but it doesn’t tell me how much fabric I need to buy for each piece.
This is the first item of clothing I have ever sewn for myself, it was fast and easy and totally cute on!!! I did find that I would like my shoulder straps about 1 inch shorter but the rest of the measurements are spot on. Thank you!!!
Wow, I love this top – maybe I should actually try to make something for myself! Love it!
Beautiful! Thanks for the tutorial!
I like the yellow version especially. I may need to make something with pockets for summer.
Really cute! Thanks for the simple tutorial. I hope it looks that fun when I try to make it! =)
So cute. These would look adorable on my daughters. I can’t wait to make them.
Wow, adorable. Think even I could try sewing the one without the ruffles!
Wow, this is a definite must!
This is beyond adorable. It’s definitely going on my to do list!
Adorable! great tutorial, too. Thanks.
This top will be perfect for the hot summer days chasing after two boys! Thanks for another great tutorial!
Cute top! I think I need to make a couple of these. Thanks so much for the tute!
This is a surprisingly cute top for so little work required, thanks to Rae hopefully I have at least one cute new top in the near future!
A-DORABLE! thank you for the great tutorial!
I’ve gotta quit my day job so I can stay home and sew! Very cool.
Great, I need to try this!
Love the last variation without the ruffles, especially love the fabric.
Looks like a fun project.
THis may be the cutest top ever….even better I can say I made it!
This is such a cute shirt! Here in the south, it will be the perfect addition to my wardrobe.
Great tutorial! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks Rae! you’re awesome!
So cute and great tutorial!
I love, love this kind of tutorial. Thanks.
I am sooo trying this top…..I just love it. I have such a hard time finding clothes that fit properly – this is such a wonderful and easy way to do a custom fit.
Super cute! If I get a chance, I want to try this with extra fabric/longer fabric in the front to make a maternity shirt. I don’t think it would be hard to do at all with the way it’s already fairly full.
LOVE IT! I linked to this!
I love this top! It is so cute and I’m dying to make one…I have the hardest time with patterns. But, I totally need sleeves! Anyone with any ideas on that one?
Wow, that is such a cute shirt and it actually seems like quite a doable pattern! I might have to give it a try. Thanks for the continual inspiration!
Arg! So awesome! I need some work appropriate tops – I’m going to try one with & one without ruffles!
I like the front for an apron idea. Super cute.
ahhh! i LOVE this! its soooo perfect for me! thanks for posting it! love how you made it customizable for everyone. can’t wait to try it out!!!!
It’s really nice. I loved looking at the other colors and I liked the one without the ruffles also
ooohhh… i love it – especially without the ruffle thanks for the pattern:)
Those examples are beautiful!
Your blog is great! I made the Buttercup Bag and just love it!
Love it!
Looks like I have a project for next weekend!
perfect solution for this summer, since I have no tank tops that fit
Such a great shirt! I’m going to try it as soon as I can put this baby down…
What a fantastic tutorial – can’t wait to try this! I had planned to use my piles of pretty fabric for my girls but I think I’ve just be sidetracked! Thanks!
A-dorable! OH my gosh! I want to make many of these! Off to rifle through my stash…
Thank you! Thank you! I have been searching for a great top pattern. Can’t wait to give this one a try.
I love it! Can’t wait to make one (or two, or three) Thank you for sharing.
Ohhh… thank you , thank you, thank you for posting this tutorial … and many more thanks to Made by Rae for sharing it as well !!! I have being looking for exactly a top like this… specially the gathered variation but adding the ruffles ! Hopefully mine will turned out as pretty as the one in the pictures and maybe I can also try making one for my pre-schooler ! Thanks Again !!!
Yay for Rae! She’s done it again
What a star. Thanks for sharing, love this, so so cute. xxx
How cute!! And someone made a comment that this would make a cute little dress, too. LOVE it. This tutorial was so easy to read. And I’m tutorially-challenged. I need it as clear as possible. Good job!
Do you have any photos of the top and bottom worn together? I just want to see how they lay.
Oh! I am in love…so delicate and feminine…but not too frilly! Now I just need some sunflower colored fabric…
Do you have this in PDF? It’s 13 pages if I print from the website.
very cute and it seams fairly easy too. thanks.
I love, love, love this top. Thanks to you all for putting it up here and to Rae for showing it to us. I really have to get something nice to make it with now! I’m enjoying seeing what everybody has made at the photo pool too. Well done everyone!
The top looks fantastic – thanks!
The tutorials and contributors are always so great on SMS! Thank you for providing this info to us!! jodym7@yahoo.com
LOVE this top, I think this will be the first piece of clothing I’ve ever made for ME
Thanks so much for the tutorial
This is the perfect summer top, anyone could wear this. Thanks for sharing.
awesome! I am going to make this!
thank you, thank you. i think this is a top even I – a complete beginner can make. it’s definitely made it to my to-do list! thank you.
I think I will make it a bit longer and make nightgowns for my daughter and me, how cute!
Ooh, this shirt is great! I was so glad to read the suggestions for us preggy folk, and encouraged that other ladies are thinking the same thing I am (this shirt will be PERFECT as my belly gets bigger this summer!). Thanks for this!
Love the yellow variation!
I made one for my niece last night! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! this is totally adorable. I can’t wait to try it!!
This is so cute, and so very adaptable to some very fun pattern/color combinations…the trouble is figuring out where to start!!
Thanks for the great tutorial! Wonder if I have time to make it today…
LOVE this!!!! Can’t wait to make it THIS week!!
These are so adorable! Thanks for sharing!
I am totally loving this top! Won’t everyone be jealous of me when I finish mine and show off my fashion and skills!! Thanks for the tutorial.
This top is great! I can’t wait to make it.
I’m making this right now, must have been fate that took me to the fabric shop on friday, and found this tonight, cant wait to finish it up and wait for the wiltshire rain to stop!!! thanks so much, love your blog!!! x
I bought the fabric for this today. I hope to have it ready to wear this week and posting it for the Spring Top Week.
What a cool looking shirt. I like how it’s done by measurements. This way I can make one for my daughters as well. Thanks bunches!
~Tootles for now!
cute top. I love the green version!!!
This is adorable and amazingly simple too. Thank you SO much for this wonderful tutorial. Great job!
That is so cute!
I was LITERALLY just searching blogs and etsy for this type of top pattern. THANK YOU again for providing us with a great pattern!!!
Thanks Rae, you always have the best ideas! Love it!
*Gorgeous*! Definitely going in my pile of summer sewing projects.
This top is adorable!
Really cute top! Thanks for this SO easy-to-follow tutorial – the instructions and pictures are crystal-clear!
this top is so sweet. I goin to make it longer and wear it as a dress.
The top is so cute. I have been wanting to try and make some clothing. Looks like a great place to start.
This is adorable – what great project for next weekend. Thank you for sharing.
I just found out that my daughter is expecting and this pattern would be perfect for her this summer! Thanks
Wow, it’s not easy to find a tute for a top that can work as maternity as well. This is super cute, thanks so much!
so cute! I love it. thanks for sharing this easy idea for mama:).
I love this top! I am always looking for cute things to make for myself. I seem to spend most of my time making dresses for my daughters. I cannot wait to try out this top! hopefully I can find the time to make it before my vacation at the end of next month!!!
OK, this is on the To Do list!!
I didn’t think I wanted to sew today. Now I do! Thanks for this darling top. I am making one for me and one for each of my daughters. Adorable.
LOVE it! I’m going to make a pile of these for the summer…they’ll hide my baby belly until I get around to sharing the news with the boss!! Thanks!
This top is super cute. Thanks for the tute. =)
Thanks for the great tutorial and making it so that we can adapt it to our own size!
It needs to be 80 degrees right now… because I just finished this top – and don’t want to take it off. –and thanks for the note about leaving the pleats unsewn if bigger bust. I never thought I’d be in that category (thanks to baby!) It fits perfectly! —and covers up the straps of the nursing bra! Thanks!
This is the best tutorial EVER! I can’t wait to get an hour (or a million) to myself to try this out! Love the idea of not needing a pattern, which also equals not needing extra cash to blow on sewing, which I don’t have atm, lol. Thanks for the brilliant post!
Fantastic pattern! Just changed made one for my 3 year old
My daughters want me to make this for them. Would the measurements work for kids as well?
I’ve had Rae’s bag on my to-do list for a while… and now this summery top that will easily accommodate my expanding baby belly… geez I need to get sewing! Thanks for some more great inspiration and the info about using it as a maternity pattern.
Awesome top and great tutorial! I’m raiding to my stash right now so I can make this!
Oh my goodness, too too cool! Must try!
This is CUTE!! And I love that it can be made any size! I’m thinking one (or a few) for me and some for the munchkin! Thank you!
i love this shirt- super cute. how would you change the measurements for a maternity shirt?
I Loooove this top! I just came up with an idea for one I am going to make this Fall even though I don’t have the fabric yet!
http://genevievegail.blogspot.com/2009/04/super-cute-ruffle-top.html
Thanks for sharing this great tutorial! Can’t wait to make myself one…or twenty
Very cute. Love the yellow flowered fabric.
Super cute top…I wish i was a better sewer to follow along…but I am learning!
anyway to get this as a pdf for downloading? gracias.
Wow! So cute! What a wonderful pattern. I absolutely love it! Thanks for sharing. Definitely going to try this one when I get the chance.
This is really cute. I came from Blissfully Domestic. I’ve bookmarked your blog and will be back!
What an adorable top! Thank you for the inspiration!
Love the shirt! It looks so cool and comfy. Perfect for summer! Thanks for sharing!
Such a cute top even if it’s a little over my ability right now! Who knows, I may give it a try when warmer weather hits my part of the world!
just took my measurements, can’t wait to get started!
This is just what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing it! I love the top with the piping and birdcage fabric.
It’s so cute, thank you so much! I’ve already made mine, click on my name to go see!
Lovely, perfect for summer…I willbe making afew of these!
So here’s a quick question. I love the top and want to make one but as a girl with a big bust line I’m worried it may hang off my chest like a circus tent. What do you think?
This top is so cute. I may try it so that the straps button in front. I love big buttons!
I just love this top. And you have done an excellent job with giving pictures of each step which is oh so helpful. I find that standard clothing directions in a pattern are often confusing, but I feel I could make this top. Thanks so much!
Such a fabulous top! I want to make some for my kids, and for me!
I’m getting ready to make a version of this for my nearly 5 year old~maybe til we are done, I will make for all of us! = ) Thanks so much!
love the easy look of this top and feel like sitting down to make it right away
Very cute top, my 11 year old daughter is in love with it. I am not a sewer but will try to make it.
Thanks. Rosa
Have any plus sized gals tried this? I am a little concerned about whether or not it will make a zaftig girl like myself look preggers.
Very cute, I already made one and my daughter loves it. Off to make some more
I LOVE this and I’m going to order some fabric so I can make it. I’m just wondering if this can be made into a dress. Does anyone have suggestions on how I can go about this?
When I saw this shirt I thought that I MUST do one. On the same night I started working on my own and it came out perfect!
Thank you!
Oh, I’m totally going to make this. Hopefully I can squeeze in a trip to the fabric store this week… Thanks for sharing!
wowowo really simple and nice!!!!
hi rae,
wow just too darn cute, u could nvr buy this in a store!!! i wish i had skinny arms cuz i would make this in a heart beat. love love love!!!
cakes_ri aka karen
Wow! Thank you very much! I always wanted to write in my site something like that
Thanks so much for the tutorial! This was great–easy to follow and with great results. Thanks again!
Can’t wait to get started on this project!!! I hope it is a simple as it looks!!!
Thank you for the awesome tutorial! I have some fabric in mind already. This might just be the foundation my new spring/summer wardrobe!
I love the birdcage fabric…please if anyone know where to get some let me know! Thanks!!
great tutorial. thanks for sharing!
i agree that someone needs to do a tute on how to add sleeves to this.
AAAAAHHHH!!!! I just adore this shirt! I made one a week ago without the pockets, and today I decided to add them and THEY ARE SO CUTE! I feel so cute in this shirt!!! I also started my second one today and I’m going to try to add sleeves to it. If I succeed then I will post a tutorial on my blog of how to do so!
Rae, you are awesome, thankyou thankyou thankyou!
Love this! Anyone have any tips on the type of fabric? If I use 100% cotton, will that be enough give to be able to put this on?
i was SO excited to try this top, but it was a bear! some modifications necessary to make this wearable: i would not consider myself to have “a larger bust” at a B cup, but i had to pick the front pleats out as per the directions for those with a larger bust, or i looked 8 months pregnant. in the back, i had to extend the pleats down another 3+” and essentially turn them into darts, otherwise i had a weird bubble of fabric between the pleats and my butt. the bottom wasn’t tight around my hips, at all–the back just made an odd sort of bubble on me. i’m pretty short-waisted and have a good lumbar curve, so maybe that was it?? i love babydoll tops and have quite a few already, but this one i basically had to turn into a different shirt than the pattern: top-anchored front pleats, 5-6″ darts in the back, and shorten it to hip length (which i meant to do anyway). i still have to play with the pleats/darts in the back to make them behave the way i would like, but i think i have managed to salvage this top.
I am just taking a break from making this shirt to say how much fun I am having!!! I am a begginer in sewing,and I was pleasantly surprised to find how easy to understand the directions are!! That is one problem I usually have with online sewing patterns! My mom is very happy with this,too,because I had to use math to make this. *YUCK* I can’t wait to finish and wear it for all to see!!! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to make something else! Any suggestions?
I just finished making it,and I would like to say that to anyone who is making this as a maternity shirt,you don’t need to modify it at all! In fact,I had to modify it so it WOULDN’T look like a maternity shirt,which is good,seeing as I am not pregnant,I just wanted to make a summer shirt that is girly looking.
Once again,I had such a blast making this shirt!! It fits perfectly,and I love that I made it myself!! It looks like I bought it from the store!
Everyone should have at least one of these in their wardrobe!! I am already planning the next one I am going to make!!!
Wow. Thanks! You could lengthen this and make a great nightgown too.
As a teenager, I can remember sewing several tops/smocks in this style. I come from a large family with limited resources and I would go to the thrift stores and use fabric from old garments to make these. Friends were envious because my creations were one of a kind. Funny how the style has come back… The memories are priceless. Thank you.
i am an apparel sewing novice (i quilt, but haven’t tried clothes). how does one make the ruffles? i was a bit lost in the tutorial. do you gather the fabric as you sew? or does the ruffle automatically happen as you sew? i don’t understand how the 3″x22″ rectangles gets ruffle-y. thanks!
To make the ruffle all you have to do is baste along the edge 2 times (mayvbe 1/8in apart) Then you gather the fabric along the basting and voila, you have a ruffle.
E to the M–
Just a warning!
I have a large bustline, and it does kind of hang off me like a tent…I kept thinking, this would be great if I were several months pregnant.
[...] on my sewing table … waiting. I walk past them and sigh. One project particularly, the Made By Rae Spring Ruffle Top, I had been dying to [...]
I love this top and thank you for the patterna. My top can be found at http://strommingdesign.blogspot.com/2009/06/spring-ruffle-top.html
The tutorial was great and easy to understand even for someone who do not speak englis as a first language.
Susanna
Sweden
Just made this shirt this last weekend. It turned out great! I wore it to work and received tons of compliments. I have plans to make two more. So exciting! Thanks for the pattern
Im so making one for me and my sister
I made this in 2 coordinating batiks for my daughter’s birthday(19th). I did not cut or hem it because I wanted to make sure it was the proper length. She loved it and we kept it long for a summer dress. It is the first thing I have made for her in a long time. She does not always enjoy Mom’s projects but loved this one. Now my other 2 daughters want one too. It is easy and fun to make.
Thank you!!
I love this look! I love the pleats in front. I am a novice seamstress and have never sewed this many pleats before. I hope it turns out well. I am going to try this today. Thanks for sharing!
So cute, I’m going to make one as a dress!
I absolutely love this pattern! I am a big girl… my ‘girls’ are a 42F to give you a clue! I just made this in about 30 minutes, minus the ruffles. I made it with a divot and in the front, two small pleats. I put it on and walked outside to see my husband… his first words, “Where did you buy that shirt?” I said that I made it. “YOU MADE IT!!!!!?? It looks professional!” Yeah… he just made my day and you did as well giving me a great pattern to work with! Thank you!!!!!!!!
Absolutely adore this shirt. thanks for sharing your pattern.
VERY CUTE. HAD TO MAKE AN OUTFIT FOR MY DAUGHTER WHEN SHE SAW THIS AND BEG FOR ME TO MAKE HER ONE WITH THE LADYBUG FABRIC. ALSO MADE A SKIRT TO GO WITH IT AND SHE DECLARED THIS WILL BE HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL OUTFIT. THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME HOW SIMPLE IT IS TO MAKE.
thanks for posting this! good, easy to follow instructions! wasn’t quick though as i have no sewing machine and did it all by hand! didn’t turn out to bad considering i’d never sewed anything in my life! thanks!
This top is so easy and fabulous!
Thank you so much Made by Rae, you just made my day
Check my one out : http://www.birdsandbees.it/news/31/55
thanks for your tutorial..i made a ruffle dress for my daughter based on your tutorial..
Thank you for this pattern!! I’ve been needing a new shirt, and this was what I had in mind. Unfortunately, I don’y know how to draft my own patterns. Yours looks easy to follow. Thanks again!
Wow I REALLY love this tutorial, it is really clear and so easy to adapt! As soon as I have my mojo back I will be making this into a multi-layered dress (I hope). If it is a success I will upload to the Flickr pool!
this is soo cool thank you for making this blog for sewing I `m a begging sewer so these projects are just so awesome! thanks so much.
Me again to say that I’ve translated this AWESOME tutorial in Italian to give some joy to my italian craft mates too. If there’s any problem with this please let me know and I’ll take it off straight away. Otherwise I thank you dearly for sharing such a cute cute thing!!!
Here’s the link: http://birdsandbees.us/2009/08/lovely-top-made-from-great-tutorial/
Muito Obrigado .That means Tks so much in Portuguese ! From Brazil my tks to you to explain so well how to make this top. Very well done, very easy to understand nice pictures too!
Just thought I would share…just learning how to sew…Thank you for the Ruffle shirt pattern…I DID IT!….It came out cute…Thank you!
Ah!!! at last I found what I was looking for. Somtimes it takes so much effort to find even tiny useful piece of information.
Nice post. Thanks