It's Nikki here at CKC. I
have a fun, creative tutorial on using the new Donna’s Dolman shirt and making it
backless! If you can’t wear a backless
shirt, don’t worry. You can just wear a tank under it.
It still makes for a wonderful top.
I
am going to tell you both ways to do it and they both end with similar
results. The
two options are to either sew the neckband on or to just add a band to the
back:
For
either version you will need to start by cutting out the V back shirt and the
solid front shirt pieces.
If you want to do the neckband then you will
need to cut the bias tape neck band for the size you are making (listed in the
pattern). If not then use the chart below to cut a strip for the band on the back.
Size
|
Back Band
|
XS
|
3” x 8”
|
S
|
3” x 8.5”
|
M
|
3” x 9”
|
L
|
3” x 9.5”
|
XL
|
3” x 10”
|
Now
we will follow the pattern instructions for ironing the V opening toward the
wrong side of the fabric. Instead of
using the insert we will just stitch along the opening 1/8” from the edge of
the fold to hem it.
Now
that the V is ready we will be doing things different for the 2 different
styles.
If
you are doing the neckband version you will just follow the pattern for sewing
the shirt together and attaching the neckband but when you get to the back you
will just topstitch the neckband since there is not a back to attach it too. This option gives you a wider opening than
the band option.
If
you are using the back band option, continue below since it is different from
the pattern.
We
need to create the band for the back. To do this, we will be folding the strip
like bias tape. Take the strip of
fabric and fold it in half length-wise, wrong sides together, then iron in
place. Now open it back up and fold the
2 outer edges in to meet the fold line we put in the center. Fold down the
center again enclosing the edges in the fabric, iron and pin in place. Stitch
1/8” from the edge along the open edge.
Now we need to lay the
back piece out wrong side up. Measure
down 3.5” and pin the band. I overlapped
my band ¾” on each side. Now stitch it in place.
Now
that the back is ready we need to hem the front neckline. To do this, we will
fold over the front neck line the same as we did the V in the back and stitch
it to hem it.
All
that is left is to assemble the shirt following the pattern directions and you
have an awesome new open back shirt that you can wear without anything under or
add a contrasting tank top under it for a new look each time you wear it.
Now how easy was that! I can’t wait to see what you all do with this
tutorial. Please be sure to share with
us!
~ Nikki at Create Kids Couture ~
