PROJECT #12: THE HOLIDAY DRESS

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Make your Holiday Sparkle this year with a sequin dress. Can't find the right fit or color? Not in your budget? Make it yourself ! Show everyone how fabulous you are!

Here is another Pattern Free Runway Sewing project you'll love! This dress was made with mesh sequin fabric.

Material:

1.) 2 yards of fabric
2.) Trim (optional if self fabric is sheer) 2 yards of lining fabric or wear a cami slip.


Duration: Approximately 4+ hours
Sewing Level: Beginner to Intermediate

1. Cut fabric (see dimension above) and layer on top of each other for front and back with grain line in same direction. Make sure to note the front and back (red) neck lines are cut different.
2. Mark in chalk (see blue line above). you will need to add 1/4" seam allowance.
3. Finish the neck line, armhole and bottom hem by turning over and single needle stitch.
4. OPTIONAL: If fabric is sheer, attach the lining at neck and armhole openings. The lining should be cut -1/4" all around. The bottom hem should be finished loose. OR if you prefer,  wear a separate camisole slip that you already have in your closet!

HEMLINE: Note, the length can be longer than above dimension. The length above hits very short on the body. See Picture on mannequin. If you want the dress length to be longer just cut longer as desired.

Happy Sewing in the New Year Everyone!

PROJECT #11: THE SLEEVELESS RUFFLE TOP

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.


Take a plain T shirt and make it interesting by adding feminine ruffles. This project only looks difficult but it is very simple to make! Try it for yourself and see!

Here are the step by step instructions on how to make this fun and cute top. Have fun!

Material: 

1.) 1 long sleeve T   

2.) thread

3.) pins 

4.) needle 

5.) scissors 

6.) sewing machine (not required)

Duration: 2 1/2 to 3 hour
Sewing Level: Easy

 

1. Cut about a 5" slit at the center front neck. Then cut the front and back together from the front with the shirt laid flat, following the armhole shape about 1/2" away from the armhole seam, as in the picture.

2. Turn the garment to the back and lay flat. Recut the back armhole deeper into the uppecenter back so it has more of a racer back shape to give it a sexier l

3. Take the sleeves and cut into 2" strips as in picture.

4. You will have a little of fabric scraps left over which you can throw out.

5. Take the strips cut from sleeves and connect them into a long piece by sewing them together. You can  overlap the strips and stitch down or stitch with 1/8" seam allowance. Sew whichever way is more convenient and easy for you.

6. Take the long strip you sewed together and stitch a very loose basting stitch at center of strip. Then pull the thread from one end and shirr the whole strip to make ruffles.

7,8. Take the ruffled strip and pin around neck and armhole as in the picture.

9. Turn the shirt inside out and sew the ruffle down to the shirt so you can see where you are sewing better.

10. Finish sewing the ruffles and lastly as an option sew a drawstring using left over fabric or ribbon to the front neck opening.

You are done! Have fun wearing your new creation!

PROJECT #10: Pattern Free Blouse

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Material:1.) 2 yards of fabric
2.) Trim (optional) for hem ie. lace, bias binding tape.

Duration: Approximately 3+ hours
Sewing Level: Beginner


1. Cut fabric (see dimension above) and layer on top of each other for front and back with grain line in same direction.
2. Mark in chalk (see blue line above). you will need to add seam allowance. If not, the blue/hem lines can be finished by sewing trim onto it or kept raw edge as seen in the 3 samples made.
3. The red dotted lines show the only areas you will need to actually sew the fabric together. Make sure to sew the shoulder seams first then fold fabric over then stitch the side seams together!

See spec below for a size Medium. Add or subtract from width and length for smaller or bigger size.

A. Shoulder Slope= 8 1/2"
B.  Neck Opening= 11"
C. Shoulder Width= 1 3/4"
D. Armhole Depth= 12 1/2"
E. Chest Width= 20 1/4"
F. Sweep Width= 20 3/4"
G. Shirt Tail Height= 3/4"

See earlier postings of the 3 styles as examples. Be Creative! Good Luck!!

2 MORE STYLES FROM 1 PATTERN

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Here are the 2 other styles made from the same easy pattern. The purple top was made from a jersey knit fabric with 3/4" strips cut out for neck embellishment. The black lace top was made with bias binding for finsihing the raw edges at sleeve opening. I will show you how to construct the pattern and garments in the next coming post! This top only looks difficult to make when worn on the body, but as you can see in the flat garment picture, it's super easy!! Stay tuned for coming instructions!

KNIT JERSEY TOP

LACE TOP

1 OF 3 STYLES FROM 1 PATTERN

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Here is 1 of the 3 styles made from 1 easy pattern. This paisley top was made in just 3 hours. It is made from a fine printed cotton fabric with lace stitched detail at the armhole opening and inside neck line. The hem has 1/4" fold over top stitch for a clean finish. This pattern can be used with woven and knit fabric. The remaining 2 styles will be posted along with pattern making instructions in the next few days.

 

PROJECT #9 : THE SILK T

© 2015 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Here is how you make this elegant but sophisticated and simple T shirt. I used silk charmeuse but you can use basically any shirting weight fabric. It will fit and flatter any body type and size. All you need is 1 yard of fabric and about 2 hours to make this sweet T! Please note, silk is harder to sew, so if you are a beginner I suggest using cotton fabric.

Material:

1.) 1 yard silk or light weight cotton fabric
2.) thread
3.) pins
4.) scissors
5.) measuring tape
6.) sewing machine
7.) marker or chalk
8.) 1/4" bias binding (optional)
9.) Pattern paper or approximately 26"x24" size paper (taped)
10.) yard stick or long ruler

Duration: 2 - 2 1/2 hours
Sewing Level: Beginner

1. We will make a simple pattern for this T shirt. Using paper pattern or printer paper taped together to be sized about 24" width x26" length, draw a the top and center imaginary line.

2. Mark the hem line to be 26" (can be shorter or longer as you desire)

3. Draw 2 straight vertical lines 24" apart or 12" from center front imaginary line.

(After you draw #5 below, redraw the side seams so that right under the armhole it curved in about 1/2" and blend back to 0" at bottom hem. This makes it easier when you are sewing the bottom of the armhole.)

4. Mark 3 1/2" down from the top, for shoulder slope.

5. From the shoulder slope, mark 9" down for armhole opening.

6. At top center mark 10 1/2" in width or 5 1/4" from center front imaginary line.  From the center, mark 7 1/2" down, then draw your front curved neckline. The back will drop 1" from top line and curve as well. Please note, you don't have to make a separate pattern for the back as the only difference is the neckline. Just make sure to cut the front and back necklines separately when cutting the fabric!

You did it! You have a pattern that you made from scratch! As you can see that was pretty easy! The body circumference is 48" so this will fit size small to large. For your visual reference, the mannequin is a size 4/small.

7. Now, for cutting the fabric. My suggestion is to fold the fabric so you can cut the front and back together. Just make sure to cut the front and back neck line separately!

8. You have to make sure the fabric ends are on the left and right side when placing your pattern to be cut. The ends of the fabric or salvage is layed horizontally so that the "grain" of the fabric will drape properly.

9. For sewing, I used a marrow machine and used binding for the neckline then top stitched the edge of the neck line. You can use binding or finish the edges by using the zig zag stitch or marrow, then fold inward and stitch down.

Good luck and Enjoy!

** If you like this project, you may also like 1 hour or less silk vest. Click here for project #24!

PROJECT #8 : THE STRIPE DRESS

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Here's a dress that will fit and flatter any body type and size. It has pleats across the front waist and can be worn with a belt for a slimmer look All you need is 1 yard of fabric and less than 2 hours to make the dress AND a belt!

Material:

1.) 1 yard knit stripe, printed or solid fabric
2.) thread
3.) pins
4.) scissors
5.) measuring tape
6.) sewing machine
7.) marker or chalk
8.) 1 set of hook and eye or snap
9.) about 1 yard of 5/8" velvet ribbon

Duration: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
Sewing Level: Beginner

 1.  Fold the 1 yard of fabric (wrong side up) in half with stripes going horizontally. Follow the diagram above by pinning and marking the areas needed. Make sure to cut the armhole slit before pinning the pleats at waist!

For the waist pleat, there are total of 12 , 1" pleats being 1 3/4" long. The space between the pleats = 1/2".

You will only need to sew one side of the side seam as the other side will be on the fold.

Note red color indicates cut lines and black dotted lines indicate stitch lines.

In this example, the fabric was 58" wide but only 56" was usable therefore the width of the folded fabric equaled 28".

2. View of the dress after pinning all the pleats at waist.

3. Stitch all the black dotted lines. Shoulder seam, side seam and all the pleats.

4. Cut the seam allowance to about 1/4" at shoulder and side seams.

5.  Belt: You will cut the ribbon into 3 pieces. 1st piece, wrap the ribbon around your waist to measure the circumference. Add about 1 1/2" to the total circumference and cut the ribbon.  2nd piece, cut a 8 1/2" length of ribbon and fold to make a bow. 3rd piece is about 1 3/4" which you will wrap around the middle of the bow and hand sew together as in the picture above. Lastly, use a hook and eye or snap and sew onto the ribbon for closure.

Voila! You are done! Here is another example of a simple patternless design you can use to make it your own! It's fun, it's easy and it's so stylish!

Enjoy and wear it well!

PROJECT #7 : FAUX FUR FUR FUR

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Keep warm out there! Try making this pattern free faux fur shrug jacket to keep you stylishly warm! No pattern necessary!

If you want to make it even easier for yourself, make the scarf and cuffs in minutes by sewing it onto your sweater or jacket. Here are 3 projects you can make with less than 1 yard of faux fur fabric!




FAUX FUR SHRUG

FAUX FUR SHAWL COLLAR

SCARF AND CUFFS

You can choose to make all 3 projects or just 1. Try your own variation. These are just some suggestions for you. Be creative and see what you come up with the left over faux fur fabric.


Material:

1.) 1 yard of faux fur
2.) thread
3.) pins
4.) scissors
5.) measuring tape
6.) sewing machine
7.) 1 yard of lining fabric (recommended)
8.) marker or chalk
9.) safety pins (optional for pinning collar & cuffs)
10.) 1 set of hook and eye (optional for shrug jacket neck closure)

Duration: 1- 1 1/2 hour (without lining)
Sewing Level: Beginner

FAUX FUR SHRUG

1. Lay the fabric on a flat surface and fold the fabric so the wrong side is facing out as in picture #2. Make sure the salvage (width of fabric) is left to right and the hair (nap) is facing down all in one/same direction.

2. Cut the fabric in 29" width x 21" length. You will need 2 pieces for front and back. Pin the 2 layers together. Make sure the fur is in between the 2 layer of fabrics. For the front piece, cut straight at center from top to bottom for the center front opening. You want to always cut the fabric from the wrong side so you can see better. Draw the red dotted line directly on the wrong side of the fabric with a marker or chalk using the dimensions in the picture.

A= TOP LINE / WIDEST PART OF THE BODY
B= BODY LENGTH
C= NECK OPENING WIDTH
D= FRONT NECK DROP
E= WIDEST PART OF BODY
F= SHOULDER SLOPE

*Curve the neck line and hem line at sides as the picture so it is rounded and not straight.

3. Sew the shoulder lines together from the wrong side of the fabric as in picture.

4. After sewing the shoulder lines together, cut the seam allowance by 1/2".

5. Cut the front neck line. As you cut the fabric the faux fur will shed a lot. Try and get all the loose fur out of the way.

6. Turn the garment right side out as in the picture. Pin the top and bottom layers together again so the fabric stays together and does not shift or move. Mark 13" down from the top neck and shoulder point.  Pin 19 1/2" apart at center front as in picture.

7. Sew a straight line from bottom hem up to where pinned (13" down from top) on the right and left side as in picture #6.

*Optional: sew hook and eye at center front neck closure and line the inside of the jacket.

FAUX FUR SHAWL COLLAR / SCARF AND CUFFS:


Cut left over faux fur fabric in the dimensions shown above and hand sew or safety pin them to your clothes as in the picture shown above. Lining everything is recommended as it will feel and look nicer.

Congrats! Now you have updated your old wardrobe with fun faux fur!

PROJECT #6: VALENTINE TOP WITH VELVET BELT

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Vday! Here is another fun project you can do and wear on Valentine's Day or Any Day!
There is a bonus with this top! I will show you how to make a simple and pretty matching velvet belt to go with it.

 

See the before and after pictures below. What a difference a little creative thinking can do! Try it for yourself! 

Material:

1.) Long sleeve T shirt
2.) thread
3.) pins
4.) scissors
5.) measuring tape
6.) sewing machine
7.) velvet ribbon +/- 1 1/4" wide

Duration: 2 hours
Sewing Level: Easy, Beginner

1. Lay the T Shirt flat on a table and cut out the sleeves out around the armhole seams. Then cut a straight line at center front neck line down 6".

2. Take the 2 sleeves that you cut out and cut open along underarm seam.

3. Take one sleeve and start cutting in a circular direction about 1 1/2" to 2" wide as in the picture. Make sure to cut continuously. You may want to draw the cutting line 1st and then cut. It's up to your cutting skill level.

4. Take the other open sleeve and cut straigth as in picture about 1 1/2" to 2" wide. As you can see in the #4 picture above, the long circular strips you cut in #3 will be sewn along the center front neck and body.

5. Sew very loose stitching  about 1/8" to 1/4" along only one side of all the strips you cut out. This is done so you can shirr all the strips into ruffles as in picture #6 above.

6. Shirr all the strips into ruffles by gently pulling one string of the stitch to one end and tie the thread at one end so the shirring stays and does not unravel.

7. Start pinning all the ruffles starting with the longest at front from neckline down to the center of the body to about waist area. Take the shorter strips and pin straight under each end of ruffle from center to side of the body.

8. Lastly sew all the ruffles down to the T shirt as you take each pin out. You may want to baste (loosely hand sew) the ruffles then machine sew. It's up to your sewing level.

9. After sewing all the ruffles down, cut off all the loose thread everywhere. Congratulations! You have completed your lovely shirt!


Belt

1. Buy about 1 yard of velvet ribbon from the fabric store. 1" to about 1 1/4" width is good. Put the ribbon around your waist and customize the width to fit your waistline. Pin to mark the full circumference.

2. Add +3 1/2" to the full circumference of your waist measured with the ribbon. For example, if your waist measured 28", the total length of the ribbon cut will be 31 1/2".

Fold the end as in picture #2 above with 1/4" seam allowance. Stitch the folds down close to the edge, about 1/8" at fold ends. Hand sew the snaps as in the picture. The thread will not be visible on the outside of the velvet belt as the sewing thread will go through in between the folds. The outside of the belt will only show the straight machine stitched line holding the folds in place. The construction of your new velvet belt is complete!!

Lastly, wear it out and show off to your friends how pretty you look!

PROJECT #5: GOLD METALLIC BOW TIE CHEMISE

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

I used the sheer jersey chemise from american apparel to make this cute top but you can use any tank top you like that has skinny shoulder straps. Just make your own version. I think this the simplest project yet! No cutting or even sewing experience required!

Here's how you do it!

Material:
1.) Tank top with skinny straps
2.) thread
3.) pins
4.) scissors
5.) measuring tape
6.) sewing machine (not required)
7.) metallic trim same width as your tank straps.

Duration: 30min to 1 hour
Sewing Level: Easy

1. Take the measuring tape and measure the full length of front / back neck and shoulder straps continuously. Then figure out how long you want the bow tie length to be as well. Roughly you will need about 1 1/2 yards.

2. For this project, I bought a 1/4" (same width as the shoulder straps) braided metallic trim at the fabric store.

3. Pin the trim around the neck and shoulder straps. The ends will be the front tie. The trim should be one continuous piece.

4. The end of the ties can simple be tied in a knot so it does not fray.

You have just made your plain tank top into a fancy going out top, wear with jeans or even lingerie you can wear to bed! Very versatile! Enjoy!

PROJECT #4: THE JEWEL REVERSIBLE NECK T

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

I used the sheer jersey 2 sided T shirt from american apparel to make this "Jewel" top but you can use any T shirt you like. Just make your own version. This T shirt has a reversible neck. One side is high and the other side is low. If you want to cut lower for a deeper front neck drop or to show your sexy back, just cut lower. If you like the T shirt as is, you don't even need scissors for this project!

Here's how you do it!

Material:
1.) Short sleeve T shirt
2.) thread
3.) pins
4.) needle
5.) scissors
6.) measuring tape
7.) sewing machine (not required)
8.) 1/2" sequin & metallic trim.

Duration: 30 min to 1 hour.
Sewing Level:  Easy

1. Measure around the full neck line & armhole/sleeve opening to figure out how much trim you will need to buy. Roughly you will need about 1 yard or more.

2. For this project, I bought a 1/2" sequin embellished trim at the fabric store.

3. Pin the trim around the neck and armhole/sleeve opening then hand or machine sew.

4. When you get to the end, fold the trim under and sew down so the trim does not fray.

How easy was that!!!

PROJECT #3: SILK SCARF IN 3 OPTIONS

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

This is so easy! Why buy a scarf when you can just cut the fabric to the size you want and make it yourself. If you have a printed fabric that you love and would like to wear it around, just cut it and wear it to make your outfits pop! Here's how!

Material:
1. Soft Fabric for nicer drape (see below for dimension). I chose silk/cotton.
2. Iron
3. Sewing machine
4. Trim (optional, see below)

Duration:  1- 1 /2 hour
Level: Easy

Here are 3 versions you can choose from to give you an idea.

Option1: Baby hem finish
Cut fabric width =26" x length =70".
1. Fold and Press 1/8" all around the raw edges.
2,3. Fold 1/8" again so the raw edge is covered and stitch close as possible to the fold edge as possible.

Option 2: Pom Pom trim
Cut fabric width =26" x length =70".
1. Find a trim that you like and finish ends as #1 above.
2. Sew 2 opposite ends or all around the edges of the fabric. It's up to you.

Option 3: Bias binding
Cut fabric width =6 1/2" x length =54". Cut the corners to be rounded for easier sewing.
1. Bias binding are sold in any fabric stores. Get 1 package of 1/4" bias binding and sandwich the fabric in between the folded binding.
2. Carefully stitch the binding all around the scarf.

I recommend a soft woven fabric such as silk charmeuse, habotai or chiffon for better drape. You can also make the scarf with a fine cut and sew knit fabric which will be even easier, since you don't have to finish the raw edges. Most lightweight knits do not fray when cut.

Pick from the 3 options shown here or make your own fabulous version. Good Luck!

PROJECT #2: THE FLUTTER SLEEVE TOP

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Take a plain long sleeve T shirt and alter it to have fluffy full sleeves with a deep sexy plunging neckline. This project is also very simple to make! Try it for yourself and see!

 

Here are step by step instruction on how to make your new stylin top!

Material: 

1.) 1 long sleeve T

2.) thread

3.) pins

4.) needle

5.) scissors

6.) sewing machine (not required)

Duration: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Sewing Level: Easy

1. Lay the Tshirt flat on a surface. Cut out the sleeves around  the armhole seams. Make sure to mark the front and back of sleeve. This is very important!

2,3. Draw the neck line you desire and cut it out. make sure to make neck centered.

4.  Lay both sleeve flat as in the picture. Measure the full length of the sleeve from top (longest point at top) to bottom. Mark 3 points evenly at edge. See A,B,C in picture. Please note to mark the under arm sleeve in A to measure 2". Cut the 3 sections across as in picture. Discard Section D. You will not need it.

5. Cut A as in picture straight from top to bottom. Keep the2" underarm seam in tact as in picture. 

6. Cut B and C panels straight down the seam and open up the panels. Then pin the flat cut pieces to each side of A, as in the picture.  

7. Connect and sew the B and C edges together by overlapping them. 

You will need to measure the full circumference of the armhole. As in the picture, fold 4 tucks evenly and pin to keep from opening. The 4 tucks are only make in between the B and C panels. Panel A has no folds. Hand sew the folds down about 1/4" away from edge.

8. Pin the folds down as in picture.

9,10. Pin your new sleeves into the armhole. Make sure you are pinning the front and back of sleeves into the armhole correctly.  Make sure the seam allowance is in the inside of the shirt. The sleeves should have been marked front and back as instructed in point #1. After pinning the sleeve and armhole to fit, Sew them together. You can sew them by hand (as I did) or use sewing machine. Be careful not to stretch out the armhole.

Good job! You have now completed your new Flutter Sleeve Top! Have fun showing off your new creation to your friends!

  

PROJECT #1: THE FLORAL TOP

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.
Take a plain T shirt and make it into a sexy and fun top in just a couple of hours. 

I took an american apparel long sleeve T shirt and made it into an off the shoulder pretty top. 

Here are step by step instructions on how to make your floral top. Good Luck!

Material: 

1.) 1 long sleeve T   

2.) 1/4" elastic 1 1/4 yard or 45" long 

3.) safety pin 

4.) thread 

5.) pins 

6.) needle 

7.) scissors 

8.) sewing machine (not required)

Duration: 1 1/2 to 2 hour
Sewing Level: Easy

 

1. Cut across diagonally from underarm seam to neck seam as in picture then cut out the sleeve all around the armhole seam.

2,3. Lay the sleeve flat and cut into 3/4" to 1 1/4" strips.

4. You will have a little bit of fabric scraps left over which you can throw out.

5. Set your machine to a very loose tension or you can stitch by hand. Stitch a straight line from one end to the other on the middle of the strips.

6. Pull the thread from one end to shirr the strips into ruffles.




































7. Turn the shirt inside out and fold the top edge and end of sleeve opening inward to 3/8" fold then pin down the fold .

8. Stitch the fold all around the neck and sleeve opening 1/8" away from edge of fold as you take out the pins. Leave a 1/2" opening to insert elastic later.

9. Place the ruffle strips in circular direction or whatever direction and shape you want then pin down to
the T shirt.

10. After you finished pinning the strips to the flower shape you want, hand sew the strips down to the T shirt. Take out all the pins.

11. Place elastic around your body from underarm to neck and cut length as needed. Make sure elastic length is not too loose. Do the same around your wrist. Safefy pin at edge of elastic and run it through the inside casing at top neck opening and sleeve opening. stitch the elastic ends together then stitch the casing opening shut.

That's it! Your done! Enjoy your pretty Floral T shirt!