Sweetwater Style: Simple Batwing Top From A Scarf Tutorial

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Simple Batwing Top From A Scarf Tutorial

I always look at the scarf selection when I go to Goodwill!

I bought this beautiful silk scarf there a few months ago. You can see that it was a real bargain!

BUT....

It is a great big square so....I never figured out how to wear it as a scarf!

I have been admiring batwing sleeved tops like these lately!

They look so elegant and simple!

HMMMMM....I decided that making one couldn't be too difficult!

And I was right!

I started by folding the scrarf in half. The black border was perfect because it would be a band along the bottom and along the batwing sleeves.

I cut the scarf in half along the top edge.

Then I measured in on each side and marked a spot on each side for the shoulder seam. I left the opening for a slouchy neck line.

I decided to do a FRENCH SEAM to make the inside of the top look neat!
Here is a link to step by step directions for sewing a French Seam.
HOW TO SEW A FRENCH SEAM.
Basically a French seam is just sewing the seam right sides out....pressing it flat....trimming close to the stitching....turning it wrong side out and stitching the seam allowance inside the new seam! Perfectly clean inside edge!

Then I tried it on....adjusted the size of the neck opening by trimming the front a tad bit lower...and finishing the neckline with a double turned flat stitching.

I slipped the top over my head and measured (???) where I wanted the body of the top to fit on each side. I marked each side and stitched a straight seam up to where I wanted the armholes to be! I went up 11 inches...but that would depend on the fit you want! This too can be adjusted for fit after you stitch! (I used a basting stitch first "just in case" ....but I guessed right and was able to just restitch with a shorter stitching for stability.