Dolman Sleeve Top {Tutorial}

I love dolamn sleeve tops. They're so loose and flattering, perfect for summer. I've only found a couple that I love in stores, and wanted more, so I thought about making my own.

I found this sweet little knit at our fabric store and knew it would be perfect. The red is knit, and the cream is a tightly-knit lace, making it super girly.

Here's a little tutorial on how I put mine together. It's not as in-depth as my usual tutorials, but it gets the job done!

Start with about 1 1/2 yards of stretchy knit. Make sure it's not too heavy so it drapes nicely.

I measured across my body from elbow to elbow with my arms stretched out for my width. Then I measured from my collarbone down to my hips for the length. We'll be adding a band later to add some length.

Cut out two rectangles of these demensions. Line up the stripes on the sides if you can!

Then using a shirt you already have, cut out a neckline on the front and back. I made mine the same on both sides.

This is where you use your imagination. Cut a slight angle down for the sleeve from the neck of the shirt. Then cut a couple of wonky "U" shapes under the arms to complete the sleeves. Leave yourself plenty of room under the arms, the looser the fit the airier it is.

The bottom will be too big...this is okay, we'll fix it later.

Sew the shoulder seams, the underarms and down the sides with your fabric right sides together.

For the bottom  band, measure around your waist exactly. You want the band to be fitted to your hips, the knit will stretch to help it fit. Measure from your hips how much length you want to add, then double that. You'll be folding the band in half.

Fold the short ends of the band together and stitch the ends making a tube.

Fold your band in half, hiding the edges of this seam in the middle.

Slip the band over the bottom of your shirt, with the raw edges at the bottom.

See This Tutorial for more pictures on how to do it.

Sew the band to the shirt, catching all the layers as you go. You'll have to stretch the band as you sew to get all the shirt fabric, but it will gather nicely once you're done!

I made my neckline a little too wide, so I added a little gathering stitch in the middle and drew it in some. I ended up really liking how this looks!

Make some bias tape with your knit and fold it over your raw neckline to finish it off. I left my sleeves unfinished because they draped better, and knit doesn't fray!

Steam your seams really well to give them a pollished look, and you're done!!

One super-drapey dolman sleeved top.

Okay, not the most flattering picture, but you get the point! It's drapey, and hip-hugging, and wonderful.

It was perfect for the heat and humidity of Charleston.

Queen Street....yes. In my own little world.

*Happy Sewing*

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