Lately I’ve been really inspired by the trend of tees with interesting details. There are ruffles, ties, bows, crossed straps, keyholes, etc. It takes your comfortable and easy-to-wear tees up a notch. You look pulled together without trying to hard or wearing something uncomfortable. I used the Mini Briar Tee pattern for this tutorial, but it can also work for the Briar Tee pattern or any other knit tee pattern.
SUPPLIES
- Mini Briar Tee Pattern or Briar Tee Pattern
- Fabric as advised by the pattern PLUS an extra 1/4 yd or 1/4 m, I used a rayon spandex jersey for lots of drape and movement
- Sewing supplies
DIRECTIONS
- Prepare the size you will be working with. I made the 2/3 size of the Mini Briar. You will be using the sleeves, neckband or neck binding, and the front and back of the version you want. The length of your tee with be about the length of the side so choose which version you want depending on the side length. First, straighten the hem. I just drew a line from the bottom of the side seam and perpendicular to the centre fold. (You can also use this tutorial for straightening the hem of the Briar.)
- Draw ties along the hem close to the side seam. Remember to not draw the ties in the side seams of the tee and add hem allowance to the ties. My ties were 5.5″ (14 cm) long. Then I added 1/2″ (4 cm) of hem allowance bringing my total length to 6″ (14.25 cm).
- Cut out the fabric, and follow the pattern directions for construction until it’s time to hem. Here are some tips for working with knit fabrics.
- Hem the bottom and ties. Some people like to use fusible hem tape to hem knits which work but would be a little tedious with all the curves. I cut multiple 1/2″ (4 cm) tall strips, with the width going with the stretch, to use inside my hem. It gave my hems a little bit of stability around all the curves and made it easier to hem with a twin needle. Alternatively, you can sew in a facing to finish the bottom of the tee if you know how to create a facing.
- Tie the ties. I found it best to fold the ties in half with right sides out, and then tie it. This keeps the inside from showing once tied. I tied mine in a square knot so that they wouldn’t come undone.
I love the simple process of these side ties, but it looks so good. It’s really on trend right now, but it’s not hard to create it yourself. The hemming is a little trickier than the original Briar hem, but it’s not too difficult.
It’s great for active girls or busy moms. It would look equally good on a cropped tee and a tunic length. My daughter is perfect for leggings or skirts. The ties make the hem sit right at her waist so it can be paired with anything. It’s not too long for a skirt but it’s not too short for leggings. My daughter loves the “bows” on the side.
