Wrap Top Instructions

Much like the wrap dress, made popular by designer Diane Von Furstenburg, the wrap top can be adjusted to fit a person's body and drape in such a way to hide flaws while accentuating the positive. Wrap tops close by using tie strings at one side instead of buttons. A wrap shirt can be made with a woven fabric although it is more commonly seen in a knit material.

Wrap Top Preparation

Pick out your pattern and use the fabric recommendations on the back of the pattern envelope to choose the fabric for your shirt. Also buy thread and other necessities such as buttons for decoration.

Pre-wash the fabric. Read the pattern directions and cut out each pattern piece that you need for the project. Using the directions for pattern piece placement, fold the fabric according to the directions and lay it flat on the cutting board. Place the pattern pieces on the fabric according to the directions and pin them to the fabric.

Cut out the pinned pattern and fabric pieces using the solid cutting lines as a guide. Mark placement dots and arrows with the fabric marking pen. Thoroughly read directions for construction.

Constructing the Wrap Top

Put together the shoulders, matching marking dots. Sew together the shoulder seams. Construct tie strings according to the pattern instructions. Place them on the side for later use.

Most patterns will have you attach the collar or facings on the neckline and shirt front. If there is a collar, construct it according to the instructions. Attach collar/facing to the neckline and shirt front by pinning the right sides together according to the the marking dots. Pin one tie string on the facing, according to its marking dot. Stitch the collar/facing down.

Pin the side seams together, matching marking dots. Place the second tie string on the appropriate side seam, according to its marking dot. Sew the sides together. Hem the bottom of the shirt by pressing the bottom of the shirt 1/4 inch towards the inside with an iron. Press up another 1/4 inch and pin the hem before stitching. Stitch down the hem as close to the fold as possible.

Prepare the sleeves by sewing the side seams together after matching marking dots. Hem the sleeves in the same manner as the hem. Place the right side of sleeve top against the right side of the shirt arm hole opening. The shirt should be inside out. Pin the sleeve to the shirt using the marking dots for exact placement. Stitch the sleeve to the shirt.

Tips

- Always pre-wash fabric so that any shrinkage happens before making the garment.

- A cutting board can protect your table or floor from being scratched by pins and scissors.

- Pick the right sewing machine needle for the project. A size 11 needle works for medium weight fabric while a size 14 works best with heavier fabrics such as denim.

- Always press seams open once you sew each section. It will make the garment lie better and cannot be done once the garment is completed.

- Wash the finished garment to remove traces of the marking pen.