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DIY simple woven top – easy pattern hack

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I hacked the Peppermint Bardon Dress pattern into a DIY top, and I’m in love with the result! Every wardrobe needs a simple woven top, and the Peppermint pattern is just great – it’s an easy and quick sewing project, totally beginner-friendly, and is available for free in 12 sizes.

DIY simple woven top
DIY simple woven top

The banded hem adds a nice finishing touch to this DIY simple woven top and a welcome bit of extra weight.

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

DIY simple woven top

DIY simple woven top with banded hem

To make my tank top, I hacked the dress pattern and did the following:

  • I made a size B, which corresponds to my typical measurements, and I cut only the bodice pattern (did not change its length). I got each of these simple tops out of only a 1/2 yard of fabric. For the beige top, I used cotton fabric; I made the blue one with chambray.
  • I had to adjust the darts to make them fit me – I raised them by 1″ (check this tutorial to learn more about adjusting the darts)
  • Then, I decided to add a banded hem.
banded hem tank top tutorial

DIY simple woven top – How to add a banded hem

So, I cut two band pieces, both the same width as my tank top but double the desired length. My bands were 5″ long.  

I stitched the two bands together down the short side seams, folded the tube in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together, and pressed it well with an iron.

After that, I placed the folded band over the bottom edge of my top, with the right sides together.

I stitched them together, pressed the seam allowance towards the top, and topstitched 1/4″ away from the seamline.

DIUY simple top inside out
banded hem tank top inside out, contrasting bias tape

Bonus hack

Sewing labels made from bias tape – so smart and cool!

Did you know that bias cut strips do not fray?

 I saw this cute idea on Instagram at Grace Stitch and I knew I had to try it!

Sewing labels made from bias tape, simple woven top

Of course, it had to be a contrast color. You get to identify the back of the clothes in no time!

These cute DIY labels are the perfect finishing touch to any clothing project.

DIY banded hem tank top tutorial

Did you find this DIY simple woven top tutorial helpful? I’d like to hear what you think of it!

Let’s keep in touch! You can find me on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest.

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