Search This Blog

Monday, August 30, 2010

Pintuck Sunburst Top

The Sunburst Top

Notice the Subtle pintucks around the neckline?



I seem to be on a t-shirt kick lately.  It is a lot of fun to make clothes for myself.  My most recent creation is this basic pintuck shirt.  I have wanted to try pintucking for a while, but I wanted a basic project to start with.  I used the same cap sleeve pattern that I've been using the last little while.  I found this great tutorial from Burda Style on pintuck fabrics.  It really was such a simple technique.  I am excited to try out a couple of different ideas that I have running through my mind.  

The fabric that I used was a really lightweight aqua knit (another piece I snagged from my mom's collection), lined with some white knit that I purchased at Wal-mart on clearance. To do the pintuck technique I traced my pattern onto the fabric, marked where I wanted my pintucks to be, and stitched away.  After sewing my pintucks I went back and adjusted the pattern (retracing the original pattern to accommodate for the pintucks-I needed more fabric for shoulder seams).  Normally when pintucking you pintuck and then cut out your pattern from the prepared fabric.  In this case I wanted the shirt to be one piece, and I wanted the pintucks to form around the neckline.  If you try a similar project you will want to be sure that you layout your pattern with a bit of extra material on each side of your pattern.

I chose not to trim the neck and armholes with ribbing.  Because I was using two layers of fabric,  I simply stitched the neckline and armholes with wrong sides together, clipped the curves, and turned the shirt right-sides out.  I added topstitching around the openings, stitched the side seams, and I was done.  The lightweight knit had a nice curled edge so I left the hem unfinished.

It is a pretty basic top, but was the perfect project to try out pintucking.  I think that it is going to be a great layering piece come fall.  

I hope that it inspires you to try out a few new sewing techniques.  It also feels great to use up fabric that I've had stowed away.  Don't forget to sign up for Stashbusting September if you haven't already.

Check out where I'm link-partying today.     




Check out my tips and tricks for sewing with knits: Part 1, Part 2

19 comments:

Unknown said...

I am very much in love with this shirt. The pintucks add such class to a simple t-shirt. Adding to my to-craft list. :)

Ann @ makethebestofthings said...

Oh, very pretty and a nice departure from the usual ruffles and rosettes. Nicely done, you clever woman.

Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple said...

So pretty, I need a tutorial for this!! :)

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

That is very, very beautiful! Love it!

Megan Gunyan said...

Very cute. I'm lovin' the little details. Found you from Today's Creative Blog. Great job!

Quiltstory said...

Oh you are fancy to do pintucks!! :) I LOVE it, it is so cute, now I just may have to check out that pattern and stop being intimidated :) We'd love if you came and linked your project up to our fabric linky party today!

Mad in Crafts said...

Very cute and understated! Thanks for linking up to the Mad Skills party!

Hattie said...

Very cute! I love how simple and sweet it is.

Restorative Living said...

Very cool. Gives it so much more texture!

Lindsay @ 402CenterStreet.blogspot.com said...

Super cute! And what a fun way to try out a new technique. I don't think anyone would ever guess you made this yourself. Good job!

lifewithquads said...

Turned out great!

KasiaJ said...

I love it! It's still simple, but has that great little detail added.

Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden said...

Tricia,
That turned out great. I've been sewing for myself lately, so I think this is a technique I need to try.

Thanks for sharing at My Backyard Eden!

Two Happy Stampers said...

Love it! It's a lovely touch. =)

AllieMakes! said...

This is GREAT!
You should come link it up to my Making It party!
Allie
AllieMakes.blogspot.com

AllieMakes! said...

Thanks for Linking Up!
It really is flattering!
Allie

Andrea @ TheTrainToCrazy.com said...

Another great shirt. Love it!

Terrell said...

Loving this!! Thank you oh so much for linking up this sweet creation at the FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS party today!! I hope your weekend is wonderful!
Hugs,
~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~

FrouFrouBritches said...

I've never done pintucks before, but I've always thought the were soo pretty. It's such a simple and elegant detail. Love it!