A Tale of Three Tops: Raw Ribbons Tutorial

I told you on yesterday about how I made three tops for WAY less than what Banana Republic would have asked for. Remember the tops?

Today we’ll be looking at how I made the Raw Ribbons Top. First, let’s look at the inspiration once more.

Isn’t it pretty? It didn’t look so pretty once I noticed the price tag of 69.50. So I picked up some really soft, lightweight knit at Jo-Ann’s (normally $12/yd, but I had a coupon), and this pattern from New Look:

I didn’t really follow the directions for the pattern, just used it as a guide for cutting my fabric. I also used this baby:

It’s my new Serger, bought with Christmas money from my mom. I’m in love.

I cut out the fabric and serged it together, and had a shell of a sleeveless top (you really could just start with any tank top).

Then I cut strips in varying lengths, 1 inch, and .5 inches wide.

And then I just started pinning, looping as I went.

I even wove some strips through some of the loops.

And then sewed along the neckline to attach the strips to the shirt. I thought of making some more bias tape (thanks to my new bias tape makers from my mom!) like I’d done for the hem, arm holes, and neck and covering up the stitching, but I liked the way it looked.

And it was finished! So simple and easy to do!

As for the cardigan I wore with this top… when scrounging through my box of clothes to go to Goodwill, looking for a sweater to turn into a cardigan, I found an actual cardigan! I can’t believe I wanted to get rid of it! I then tied a ribbon as a belt, and loved the completed look. (Maybe I’ll try making this belt with leftover fabric from the lining of this purse to add a touch of color.)

Nolan’s not as fond of this top, but I love it!

Check back tomorrow for a tutorial for top two in a Tale of Three Tops!

While you’re at it… check out these fun link up parties I’ll be joining in with!