If you’re looking for the perfect DIY woven top, the Peppermint Bardon Dress (a free pattern by Peppermint Magazine and Elbe Textiles) is actually a hidden gem for basics. While the original pattern is a tiered dress, I hacked the bodice into a simple, semi-fitted tank top that uses only a half-yard of fabric.
Whether you use cotton lawn, linen, or chambray, this is an incredibly beginner-friendly project that helps you build a handmade capsule wardrobe without spending a dime on patterns.
Why this hack works
- Quick sew: Since you’re skipping the tiered skirt, you can finish this in under an hour.
- Free and inclusive: The pattern is free and comes in 12 sizes.
- Scrap-friendly: You only need 1/2 yard of fabric (perfect for using up leftovers).
- Flattering fit: The bodice features darts for shaping, making it look more polished than a standard boxy top.
The Peppermint Bardon Dress is easy to wear, throw-on style, featuring a semi-fitted bodice and a tiered skirt. Download the pattern and instructions
How to modify the Bardon dress into a top
1. Prepare your pattern pieces
For this hack, you only need the bodice front and back pieces. I made a Size B, which matched my measurements perfectly. I kept the original bodice length exactly as it was on the pattern. This creates a slightly cropped look that hits right at the waistband, especially when you add the hem band.
2. Adjust the darts for a perfect fit
To get the fit just right, I raised the side darts by 1 inch (see this tutorial). Darts are essential for woven tops to prevent gaping at the armholes.
3. Add the banded hem
Instead of a traditional turned hem, I added a banded hem. This adds a professional finish and gives the top a bit of weight so it hangs beautifully.
- Cut your bands: Cut two fabric strips. The width should match the bottom of your top, and the height should be double your desired finished length (mine were 5 inches tall).
- Sew the tube: Stitch the short sides of the bands together, fold in half lengthwise (wrong sides together), and press.
- Attach: Align the raw edges of the band with the bottom of the top, right sides together. Sew, press the seam upward, and topstitch 1/4″ from the edge for a crisp look.
Tips for sewing success
- Choose the right fabric: For this top, stable wovens are your best friend. Cotton lawn, poplin, and chambray are easy to cut and sew. If you use something shifty like rayon or silk, the neckline might stretch out while you’re sewing the darts.
- Don’t skip the stay-stitching: Since the neckline and armholes are curved, they can easily stretch out of shape. Before you do anything else, sew a row of stay-stitching (a regular straight stitch) about 1/8″ from the raw edge of the neckline.
- Press as you go: This is the “secret sauce” of professional-looking clothes. Press every seam flat before you move on to the next step. A crisp, pressed dart makes a huge difference in how the top fits over the bust.
- Check your dart point: When sewing the darts, don’t backstitch at the point (the skinny end). Instead, leave long thread tails and tie them in a small knot by hand. This prevents those little “puckers” at the end of the dart.
Pro tip: The bias tape “back label” hack
I added a small contrast-color label using a scrap of bias tape. Since bias-cut fabric doesn’t fray, it’s the perfect way to identify the back of the shirt quickly while adding a designer touch to your DIY clothes. I saw this cute idea on Instagram at Grace Stitch and I knew I had to try it!
I honestly can’t believe I got two such cute tops out of just a yard of fabric total!
This Peppermint Bardon hack is officially my favorite way to use up those “too big to throw away” scraps. It’s the kind of project you can start on a Saturday morning and be wearing by lunch. If you’ve been nervous about sewing with darts or modifying a pattern, this is the perfect place to start.
I’d love to see your versions – did you go with a classic linen or a fun printed cotton? Tag me @icansewthis or leave a comment below so I can see your beautiful handmade tops!
You might also love:
- Frayed edges linen dress tutorial – no pattern needed
- City Gym Shorts hack: sew them without bias tape
- How to draft and sew your own custom underwear
- Best quilted jacket & quilt coat sewing patterns
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