How to Make Ribbon Tie Strap Top

SUPPLIES

• Brother Sewing Machine
• 1 yd Cotton Fabric
• 1.5 yd Ribbon
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Safety Pin
• Coordinating Thread

I recently opened my sewing studio to the public. In this space, I’ll be teaching kids how to sew. Sewing is a fun and playful way for kids to express their creativity. With just a few simple tools and some fabric, they can create all sorts of cool and unique projects, from clothes to accessories to stuffed animals.

But sewing isn't just about making pretty things. It's also a valuable life skill that can teach kids important lessons about patience, perseverance, and problem-solving. When they sew, they learn how to follow instructions, measure and cut fabric accurately, and troubleshoot when things go wrong. Sewing can also help improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are important for many other activities, such as sports and playing musical instruments.

But perhaps most importantly, sewing can help boost kids' self-esteem and confidence. When they see the finished product of their hard work, they feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that can carry over into other areas of their lives.

So, there you have it! Sewing is an important skill for kids to learn because it's fun, creative, and teaches valuable life skills. So let's break out the fabric and get sewing!

Today I wanted to share a beginner project for kids. This project is great because it's an easy project that teaches them to sew their own clothes. Today we’re making a fabulous top using pillowcase dress technique that’s been around for many, many years. You can use a pillowcase, but today, we are using fabric instead of an actual pillowcase.Let's get started and have some fun!

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, gather your materials.



2. Now, let's turn that plain fabric into a playful top! Measure the child’s waist. Take this measurement and add 6 inches to it. Now divide that number in half. This will be the width of your top.
3. Fold the fabric in half hamburger style and measure the width of your top. Cut. Then cut again at the folded edge. You should have two rectangles. At the top corner, measure across 4 inches, then down 6 inches. Cut this rectangle in a rounded way. See photo for details. Repeat for both the front of the shirt and back. These rounded corners are part of your armholes.



4. Set your machine to a zigzag stitch. Zig zag stitch over all 4 armholes.





5. Starting with the front of your top, fold over the top edge ¼” press in place.



6. Then fold over again 1” and press. Use fabric clips or pins to hold in place.



7. Using a straight stitch, sew as close to the bottom edge of your fold.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 to the back of your top.







9. With right sides of your top facing each other, pin both the front and back of your top together.



10. Sew down both sides of your top using a straight stitch.



11. Choose some colorful ribbon, stick a safety pin through one end, thread it through the front casing of your top as well as the back.



12. Try your top on, tying it in a bow at each end. This will create the straps and allow you to adjust the fit of the top. Look in the mirror and see where you want the bottom of your shirt to be. Fold the excess fabric under and hold it in place with pins or fabric clips. Remove the shirt.



13. Mark where you pinned. Create an additional mark 1” below that. This is where you’ll cut. You’ll need the extra 1” for your seam allowance.





14. Hem the bottom of your shirt by folding ½” twice, pressing after each fold. Sew in place.
15. And there you have it! Your very own playful ribbon tie strap top. Don't forget to twirl around and show off your creation to all your friends. Happy sewing!