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
101 Comments
I like pleats. As a matter of fact I am trying to create some simple crocheted skirts using both the knife pleat and box pleat.
I like the look of both pleats and gathers. Which one I use depends on the outfit and look I want. I’ve made t-tops using this same method. Just place one strip of ruffles, a third of the way down the middle of the shirt. and added buttons on top of the ruffle.
I like both pleats and gathers. Pleats are definitely more formal and gathers are less fussy. They seem more fun. Both are easy to do.
Do you like pleats or gathers better? Why?
Pleats because no matter how I try, my ruffles never seem to evenly distribute.
Do you like pleats or gathers better? Why?
I like to use rufflers! I have one for each of my machines. The thing I like about the about the rufflers is the consistancy of the pleats. You set it and off ya go! :o) I also do gathers when doing, say a Prairie skirt, because the consistancy in the appearance is not needed for that style, but actually prefer the pleats JMHO Also I have used my rufflers to make flowers to add as trim to jackets and they came out really cool. I am sort of a gadget geek – love to play with those darn things lol! Thanks for the interesting question & contest!