DIY Boho Top

by Trash to Couture

Summer is almost here and if you live in the South like me then it already feels like it. To tolerate the heat I prefer wearing breezy looks with light materials like this Gauze fabric from StylishFabric.com. The Woven Jacquard Elastic from Dritz adds a nice detail to an off-the-shoulder neckline and bonus points for being comfortable. This boho top is simple to make and a trendy Summer staple. Get the details and make your own.

Supplies:

Dritz 2" Woven Jacquard Elastic
Dritz 1/4" Knit Elastic
1 yd. gauze fabric
Brother Sewing Machine
All purpose thread
General sewing supplies

Draft the pattern: The measurements I used above fit a small-medium. The top is suppose to fit loose. Adjust the measurements as necessary. You can add width and length. You can also use an off-the-shoulder top pattern just remove 2" from the neckline to account for the elastic.

Front and back are the same.

Optional: Serge raw edges. Finish hem of sleeve. I'm using the selvage edge of my fabric since I like the fringe boho look.

Sew front and back right sides together at side seams.

Pin sleeve to arm opening right sides together and sew. Repeat for the back.

It should look like this when complete. Repeat for other sleeve.

Measure your shoulder width.
Cut your elastic to equal this measurement.
Sew right sides together with a zig zag stitch using a 1/2" seam allowance.
Press seam allowance down and topstitch both sides down.
Attach center back (seam) to center back of top.

Mark out the quarter measurements of both the elastic and the neckline line and pin these points together.

Starting at center back top stitch the elastic along the neckline of the blouse making sure to pull the elastic to meet each quarter you pinned. This can get tricky at times focusing on pulling the elastic and guiding the fabric. If you're having trouble keeping the fabric (of the neckline) even with the elastic you can sew with the wrong side flipped up as an option.