One more Rowan tee hack coming at ya today, and I think this one may be my favorite. It’s a cinched side tie hack! Cute, right?! Adjust the length of your tee with just the pull of a few strings.
Juat a couple quick pattern adjustments and then we can get right to making it!
First, I shortended by front and back bodices by 2″.
Next, we need to add some more seam allowance to the side seams on both the front and back bodice. The seam allowance on Rowan is 1/4″, and we need it to be 3/4″ at the side seams only (still 1/4″ everywhere else).
So place some paper underneath your pattern, and add an extra 1/2″ at the side seams. Cut out along the new lines.
Now let’s sew.
I know this seems weird, but the first step will actually be to hem both the front and back bodice separately, following the typical hemming instructions. Don’t forget you can check out the sewalong post on hemming if you need help.
Now sew your shoulder seams and neckband (any of the neckline options work), following the instructions. Again, don’t forget there are sewalong posts to help with these steps!
Next, with right sides together, sew your side seams together 3/4″ from the raw edge. Use either a zig zag stitch or other stretch stitch. Do not use a serger here.
Press each side seam open.
Top stitch along the raw edges of the seam allowance, attaching each side of the seam allowance to the bodice.
You can use either a zig zag stitch, or even a longer straight stitch here.
This creates the channels for the ties to go through.
Here is what you will see from the right side.
Cut four strips of fabric 1 1/2″ wide and 20″ long.
Fold each strip in half lengthwise, with right sides together.
Sew along the long edge 1/4″ from the raw edge, using a zig zag or other stretch stitch.
trim back the seam allowance.
Using a loop turner or other tool, turn the tie right side out.
Do this for each of the four ties.
Attach a safety pin to the end of one of the ties.
Insert the tie withe the safety pin into one of the side seam channels, starting at the hem.
Work the safety pin up the channel…
until it comes out the top of the channel at the armhole.
Pin it in place for now.
Repeat for the other side of the channel on the same side seam with another tie.
Pin the second tie in place at the armhole.
Stitch across, 1/4″ from the raw edge, to secure.
Repeat with the other two ties on the other side seam.
You can finish the ends of the ties however you would like. With knits, I usually just tie them in little knots on the end.
Now we can attach the sleeves. Fold one sleeve in half with right sides together.
Sew along the seam 1/4″ from the raw edge using a zig zag stitch or serger.
With your bodice inside out, and your sleeve right side out, place your sleeve inside your bodice – right sides together.
Line up the raw edges of the sleeve cap with the raw edges of the armhole. Match up the seam of the sleeve with the side seam, and the notch on the sleeve cap with the shoulder seam. Pin in place.
Sew 1/4″ from the raw edge using a zig zag stitch or serger.
Repeat fro the other sleeve.
Here is what we have!
To cinch the side seams, just pull on the two ties and scrunch them up.
Adjust to your liking, and tie them in little bows to finish it off!
LOOKING FOR MORE ROWAN POSTS?
- Sewalong : Crew Neck Band and Turtleneck
- Sewalong : V-neck Band
- Sewalong : Sleeves and Side Seams
- Sewalong : Bodysuit Leg Openings
- Sewalong : Hem
- Sewing Technique : Lettuce Hem
- Sewing Technique : Shell Tuck Stitch / Scallop Edge
- Hack : Sleeveless with Sleeve Bands
- Hack : Fully Enclosed Sleeveless
- Hack: Sleeve Ties
- Hack : Square Neckline
- Hack : Cinched Side Seams (this post!)
- Hack : Ruffle Shoulders
- Hack : Maxi Dress
- Hack : Scoop Neckline
- Hack : Bodycon Dress
- Hack : Tiered Dress
- Tutorial : Lengthen or Shorten
- Tutorial : 3 Ways To Sew a Ringer Tee
- Rowan Inspiration and Ideas
- Rowan Tester Round Up
- Rowan Curve Tester Round Up
- Rowan Curve Maker Round Up
DON’T HAVE THE PATTERN YET?
