How to Sew a Super-Cute DIY Tie-front Top: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Tools and materials:

• 2 Yards of fabric
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Serger (optional)
• Scissors
• Pins
• Printed pattern
• Weights (for pattern cutting)

1. Cut the fabric

Have all the pattern pieces cut out with a ½-inch seam allowance. Cut the front pieces first. You will have 2 front pieces. Fold the fabric in half for cutting the back, sleeves, and ties. Cut bias strips to finish the long neckline. 

2. Sew the bodice

Start with the back piece and sew the darts as directed on the pattern.

Lay the back piece and then the two front pieces on top, right sides together. Pin and sew the shoulders with a straight stitch and finish the top of the seam with a zigzag stitch.

Iron the seams flat and then the rest of the garment.

3. Sew the neckline

Attach the shorter pieces of bias straps with the short ends, right sides together, and sew so they are one long strip.

Attach the long bias strip to the entire front and back of the neckline. 

4. Sew the sleeves

Open up both sleeves. Do a running basting stitch at the sleeve cap to gather in the sleeve. 

Fold the bottom hem up ½ an inch. Pin in place and sew. Sew 4 strips of elastic thread starting 3 inches from the bottom hem horizontally across the entire sleeve to create a ruched effect.

Serge the sleeve cap.

5. Attach the sleeves to the bodice

Pin the sleeves into the shoulder and armhole. Sew them together with a straight stitch. 

6. Sew the bodice up

Once the sleeves are attached, stitch the side seams and the inner sleeve seam. Finish all the raw edges by serging or using a zigzag stitch except the tie ends. Hem the bottom ½ an inch.

7. Attach the ties

Fold the ties so the right sides are facing. Stitch the short end and then lengthwise, keeping one short end open. Flip them inside out. 

Lay the tie near the unsewn raw edge of the connecting piece on the bodice. Fold in the raw edge of the tie and insert the raw edge of the top. If there is a slight bit of difference in the size, fold the shirt connection so the front is as flat and equal to the tie.

Pin in place and sew with a straight stitch as close to the edge on both sides.

8. Finishing touches

Remove the basting stitches from the sleeve cap.

DIY tie-front top tutorial

You’re done! I hope you enjoyed my teaching you how to DIY this front knot tied crop top. Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions or need any additional help. I love hearing from you!