Mock Wrap top

I really like the look of a wrap top, such a clever way to hide imperfections in the tummy area.  So when I found a tutorial to make one I jumped on it.  I bought all my supplies and went over the directions.  After reading them I had lots of questions, mostly about the construction of the shirt.  So I made this one and just made it up as I went along.  This top took maybe 2 hours.

Supplies:

About 2 yards of knit fabric

Thread

Ball point needle (for your sewing machine)

Suggested:

A rotary cutter and mat.

First find a shirt in your closet that fits well. the first time I did it I chose a fitted shirt, It probably was not the best choice.  Fold your fabric in half and lay your shirt on the fold as in the picture.  ( make sure the fabric stretches across the bodice, so that it will stretch when on)

Cut around the shape of your shirt, cut about an inch away from your shirt for your seam allowance.

It should look like this.  Now lay this on your fabric and cut two more.  These will be the front of your shirt.

Now you are going to cut the front pieces so that they are layered with a V type neck.  Take 2 of your cut out pattern pieces and lay them on top of each other.  I used a rotary cutter for a straighter cut (I did not hem the edges so a straight edge is crucial)  Cut from one shoulder to about 2 inches below the arm opening.

After I cut the opening, I placed the top piece like this and had what looks like the front of the top.(Ignore the sleeves, but if you want sleeves go here)

Lay these pieces on top of the back so you have all three layers lined up.  

Now cut out your wrap ties.  I made mine 6 inches by 60 inches.(Using your rotary cutter, mat and ruler will save you lots of time)  I wanted a lot of wrap to work with, but you can make them whatever length works for you.  ( you can also alter them later because knit won't fray)

So now this is the part that is hard to explain, how to attach the wrap ties.  Here is a picture of what I did.

 

 I folded up the two top layers of the shirt and placed the straps where I thought I would like them.  Mine are even with each other but if they were uneven that might be cute.  I pinned the straps together just for my convenience.  Next I folded the top layers back down. 

  Now pin your sides together, and the top of the shoulder, and sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Sew up the sides and across the shoulders. Make sure you use a zig-zag stitch when sewing knit.  I used a stitch called a Vari-overlock, and I thought it worked awesome!

 Sewing

 Turn it right side out and tie the straps around your waist.  I tied it in the back, it also looks cute tied on the side.  I really like it with a cardigan.