The Pleat Weeks Guest Post

Have you heard about Kate's Pleat series yet? Fun stuff is in store, I'm sure. I'm looking forward to the pleat fabulousness. I was super excited to get asked to play along. Ya'll know I love me a good pleat. And a new top for Sadie. It's like an addiction. Both of those things. Together, they're unbeatable. Or unstoppable. Like a runaway freight train. Or me around french fries and ranch dip.

What was I talking about?

 OH yeah. I love me a good pleat. Especially when it's done simply, it can add so much to a project.

So I made this simple little top-perfect for the last days of summer-and would be equally cute over a long sleeve top for fall too. 

The fabric I used is Opal-Jade, from the Heirloom line of Joel Dewberry, from my sponsor, Lark Cottons.

I actually got some of the same print in voile to make a top for me, but didn't even realize it for a little while. Mommy and me matching tops? yes please. We won't wear them on the same day though. That would be just too weird.

You could add buttons on the front placket space, but I chose to keep mine simple and sweet.

Plus the back has buttons-that might be a little "button overload". Not that I'm afraid of that.

Boy, have I got some good duds for you from this photo shoot! lol.


Below is the full tutorial!

Would you like to see how I made this sweet little top? Read on!

You'll need:

1-1.5 yards of fabric (I used 1 yard with some scraps. Of course it depends on the size of your child)

matching thread

5-6 buttons

shirt to use for pattern making

First fold your shirt in half, and lay it out on some paper. (this is actually medical exam paper I got from Kate herself...she's such a sweetie and sent me some. :) It's perfect for patterns!)

Then trace around your top, adding seam allowances (I usually use 3/8"). Draw a slight A-line on the side, and add length for your hem on the bottom. Also draw in your back and front necklines.

Cut it out and label. Cut 1 of front on fold, and 2 of back. 

When you cut the back pieces though, make sure to use a ruler to add 1.5" beyond the pattern, like so. This is for the buttons. (ignore the writing on the pattern. lol)

Then fold a piece of fabric in half, and make sure it's big enough for your pattern. Now we'll make the pleats.

 Iron on the fold to mark the middle, then on one side fold about 1/2 under. Press to make a line, then pin where you want to make the pleats. I pinned a little above where my front neckline would start, and then 5" down from there.

Then sew along 3/8" from the edge.

Repeat with the other side.

Then repeat the folding, pressing, pinning, and sewing until you've made enough pleats to your liking. I did 2 on each side.

Then fold in half again and cut out the front piece. The front piece will have extra fabric because of the pleats.

Then on the back pieces, finish the middle edges by serging or zig zag stitching.

Fold over 3/4" and iron.

Then pin the shoulder seams right sides together, sew them together, and finish by serging or zig zag stitching. 

Next cut out some strips of bias tape for the raw edges of your top. Reference this tutorial for more info and a how to!

Then pin the bias tape to the armholes, sandwiching the raw edges inside. Finish the collar using this tutorial.

This is what you should have now! 

Next, pin your sides right sides together, and sew.

Then add your buttons and buttonholes. 

Hem the bottom by folding and pressing up 1/4", then another 1/2-3/4", and sewing that down. 

Tada! Easy peasy and cute.