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Pattern Hacks

Ruffled Tank Top

Here's another fun twist on a basic tank -- add ruffles!

GIVEAWAY UPDATE: Thanks everybody for entering! Our winner is Sharon, who said, "Ruffles. I would add sequins also for some bling!" Can't argue with that one, Sharon! We'll be in touch via email soon.

This is really easy to do. All you need is a tank top, some knit fabric in a matching color, and (if you are feeling fancy!) some sparkly beads or crystals.

Step 1: cut the knit fabric into strips 5/8" wide. For this design, you'll need five strips: one that's 4 1/2" long, two 7" long, and two 9 1/2" long.

Then, use your sewing machine to run long basting stitches down the middle of each strip. Gently pull up on one of the threads to gather each strip, until each strip is half its original length.

Pin the shortest strip onto the tank, right down the center. You can use a ruler to keep from pinning the tank to itself :) 

Sew the ruffle down, right on top of the basting stitches. Trim off any extra threads.

Keep gathering, pinning, and sewing strips, working out from the middle. The two mid-length strips should go on either side of the center ruffle, and the two longest ones should go on the outside.

When you're done with the strips, you could also sew on a few beads or crystals for a little extra sparkle.

Then, go have fun styling your new tank into your doll's wardrobe!

Giveaway closed -- thanks to everybody who entered!

Have fun with this tutorial!

For Pixie Faire,
Melinda

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101 Comments

I personally like to use gathers because they are so simple.I recently learned this cool technique where you can use dental floss to gather!

Natalie

i love gathers because they can be big, small ,lots or a few, they lend themselves to everything

sharon

Pleats are my personal favorite. I think they make any outfit more dressy.

Maryann

I love making gathers and enjoy spacing them out kind of like pleats but have never officially done pleats.

Sheila C

I’ve never tried pleats. I’ve done items with gathers a couple/few times, and they turn out okay for the most part, but it’s not my favorite. I must admit though, sleeves with gathers in them dress up a shirt nicely. :)

Rachel K.

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