How to Sew a Floaty Chiffon Top - Perfect For Hot Weather

AssunDIY
by AssunDIY
9 Materials
$6
3 Hours
Advanced

Today, we’re going to learn how to make a layered chiffon top using two squares of fabric. This sleeveless chiffon top with a double layer of floaty fabric and a floral design is perfect for summer.


In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to measure the chiffon top to your size, as well as how to sew it together. Let’s dive in.

Tools and materials:

  • Chiffon fabric
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Measuring tape
  • Calculator
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Long hook
Rolling the hems of the fabric to sew

1. Measure the fabric

Start with two squares of chiffon fabric measuring 83cm x 83cm (32.68 inches x 32.68 inches). Fold, pin, and sew rolled hems all around both squares.

Folding the square fabric into quarters

2. Fold the fabric into quarters

Fold the pieces of fabric into quarters - one into a square and the other into a triangle.

Measuring the upper bust on a mannequin

3. Measure your upper bust

Take your upper bust measurement. Mine is 84cm (33 inches).

Using Pythagorean theorem to get measurements

4. Do some math!

The next step requires some math, specifically some Pythagorean theorem! Follow the video from 1:45 to 2:50 to see how I work this out step by step. These equations help me understand where to mark and cut my fabric.

Pinning the fabric at 15cm (5.9 inches)

5. Pin your fabric

I came out with 15cm (5.9 inches), so I pinned my fabric 15cm (5.9 inches) in from the folded corner on all sides, and marked the center with a pin as well.

Creating five points on the chiffon fabric

Unfolded, the pins should look something like this.

Drawing a cross on the chiffon fabric

6. Draw a cross on your fabric

Lay the fabric pieces on top of each other, one as a square and the other as a diamond shape, making sure to align the center. The diamond should be on top. 


Then, draw lines to the four 15cm (5.9-inch) marks out from the middle. The lines should form a cross with the ends pointing to the corners of the top piece of fabric.

Making the straps for the chiffon top

7. Make the straps

To create the straps, cut out four rectangles from the remaining fabric measuring 40cm x 4cm (15.75 inches x 1.57 inches). Fold the strips lengthways, right sides facing. Pin and sew down.

Using a long hook to turn the fabric

Using a long hook, turn the straps right side out.

Using a sewing machine to add topstitching

Add topstitching.

Markings showing where to sew on the fabric

8. Sew around the cross

Next, sew around the cross marked on the fabric squares, but not exactly to the middle.

Cutting the chiffon fabric from the middle

9. Cut along the lines

Cut along the lines on the cross, creating a cross-shaped hole in the middle of the fabric.

Cutting triangular snips

10. Cut snips

Cut diagonal snips into each sewn corner at the end of the cross.

Threading the straps through the chiffon top

11. Attach the straps

Insert a strap into the gap on the corner between the two fabric pieces. Feed it through all the way. Pin at the corner. Repeat for all straps and corners.

Pointing at where to sew on the fabric

Sew straight across the point of each corner to secure the straps in place.

Cutting off the end point of the corners

Cut off the excess fabric at the ends.

Turning the fabric to create the chiffon top

12. Turn your top right sides out

Now for the magical part when the chiffon top reveals itself! Fold the top layer inwards.

Pulling the DIY top up by two straps

Grab two straps in each hand and lift!

The DIY chiffon top laying flat

Your top should look like this!

Markings show where to add a topstitch

13. Finishing touches

Add a layer of topstitching along the neckline.

Sleeves are tied in bows

Tie the sleeves to finish.

Wearing the pink floral chiffon top

How to make floaty chiffon top tutorial

This is my finished chiffon top! The fabric is very sheer and the top is low cut, so I feel more comfortable wearing this over a t-shirt. You could also wear it over a bathing suit or a bandeau tube top. 


Let me know what you think of this chiffon top sewing tutorial and the finished product in the comments.

Suggested materials:
  • Chiffon fabric
  • Scissors
  • Pins
See all materials

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Comments
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2 of 6 comments
  • Penny Grabham Penny Grabham on Aug 05, 2022

    What a fab idea 😃. Am just thinking this could be made with upcycled silk scarves - appreciating that the straps would need to be gleened from other fabric. Love it ❤️

  • Janet Dominguez Janet Dominguez on Aug 05, 2022

    I was thinking about cutting a scarf and make it like the old style poncho to go over a black dress thank you for giving me the courage to go forth😉

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