Linen Tie Top Tutorial

my shoes / shoes with heels / my shorts / my shirt (by me) /similar here

This easy breezy linen tie top is a sewing tutorial I’ve had in my closet for a while now. I hadn’t gotten around to getting the right photo, and I knew it needed perfection. Plus, the winter in New England thing really got in the way of my fashion and DIY tastes. However, as the fourth rapidly approaches, I wanted to push out some content that would be great to pack up before the festivities. I’m obsessed with this top because it goes with everything. Overall, I just love this DIY because it makes a great wardrobe staple and is perfect for beginners.

This linen tie top is one of the only pieces I’ve considering making to sell. Last year I had a girl stop me in one of my favorite stores to ask me where I got my shirt. I was basically glowing all week. What an amazing compliment from the world. Since then, I’ve started grad school, took up social media consulting and have poured myself into my blog. I am the queen of the hustle. I am not happy unless I am trying to do three things at once. So, please stay with me and check often to my shop page & newsletter in the upcoming months!

pairs perfectly with Block Island sea grass

my shoes / shoes with heels / my shorts / my shirt (by me) /similar here

Materials for Linen Tie Top

1-2 yards linen

1 inch elastic

sewing machine

my shoes / shoes with heels / my shorts / my shirt (by me) /similar here

Instructions for Linen Tie Top

Step one: First, always take your measurements. This is key when drafting your own patterns (even easy ones!). Take two measurements: the widest part of your chest and right above your bra (or upper chest area). Multiply the widest part of your chest by 1.5. For example, my chest is 32″ across. Therefore, this measurement will be 48″.

step two: Next, let’s cut our pattern pieces. To create the bodice, you will cut a rectangle, using the calculated measurement from step one (48″) as your width and the length of your torso ( +4 inches) as the length. Second, cut the straps. For the straps, cut four peices of linen measuring 24″ x 4″. The longer the length of the strap, the bigger the bow. Lastly, cut your elastic. The elastic will be the measurement of your upper chest (right above your bra line).

step three: Fold down 2 inches from the top of the bodice and press with an iron. Pin and sew with 1/2′ seam allowance from the bottom to create a tube. Next, create another seam 1″ above the previous. This will create the clever overlap and bag-like appearance of the top edging.

step four: Hem the bottom of the shirt (if desired). My linen had a lovely raw edge so I didn’t hem. The step next is to thread the elastic through the pocket created in step three, making sure that it doesn’t twist on the way through. Pull the elastic through to expose 1″ overhang on each side. Pin the bodice pieces together and sew down the length of the shirt to connect.

Creating the straps

step five: creating the straps. fold each of the four strap pieces vertically. Next, press, pin and sew. Finally, turn the strips right side out to hide the seams. Press again to flatten. Close the tops and connect to bodice (two on front / two on back).