Banded Dolman Top Tutorial

After I finished my adorable new top, I realized it was the second one I have made this year; the first was a cowl neck version I made for Project Run and Play.  So, I made a third shirt and took photos along the way so you can make one too if you like!

Since all three of my tops have been in stripes, I want to show how I get them to match up. It takes a few extra minutes, but margin for error in lining up stripes is reduced.

I use a regular t-shirt as my guide, and lay it on the stripes, making sure they are nice and parallel with the bottom of the shirt.

Next, I trace around ONE half of it, giving it a little extra room (1/2”) for seam allowance.  If I want it more loose, I add 1” or more.

Next, cut along the half shirt tracing line, and fold that in half, making sure the lines are matching up.  I then trace exactly along the edge of the shirt, and cut it out.

Now that I have one shirt piece cut out, I lay that piece directly on my fabric, making sure to line up the stripes again.  I trace directly around this shirt (I cut the neckline 1” deeper on the second shirt to make a distinguishable, comfortable front) and cut it out.

Next, I cut out the bands.  You need a waist band, two arm bands, and a collar piece.  Each band will be folded in half on itself, so if you want your band 3” tall finished, cut it 7” (remember your seam allowance!). 

• For the bottom band width, measure the circumference of where the band will sit, like on the hips, and subtract 1/2” so it will be a little snug once on. 
• The arm bands aren’t as tight so whatever your arm measurement is (measure while your elbow is bent), add your seam allowance.  Make sure the arm bands’ stripes match on each arm!
• The collar is different; cut it to your desired height + seam allowance, but keep it nice and long for now. 

Now that the bands are ready to go, it is time to assemble the shirt!  Put your shirt pieces right sides together, and pin one shoulder.  Stitch along this shoulder only.

Open up your shirt with the right sides up.  Iron your collar piece wrong sides together.

Starting along one edge of the neckline, stretch the collar piece ever so slightly as you pin it along the shirt pieces.  Don’t stretch the shirt pieces.

Stitch the collar to the shirt.

Now you can pin the second shoulder right sides together, and stitch it together.

Open up the shirt again with the right sides up and iron your arm bands in half with their wrong sides together. Pin the arm bands to the dolman sleeve like you did the collar, stretching the band if you need to.

At this point, your shirt looks like ^ that.  Almost done!

Now, match your shirt pieces right sides together, and line up your stripes one last time.  Pin along your stripes to keep things even.  Sew the sides together.

Finally, with your bottom band open, sew the short ends right sides together to make a loop.

Then, fold it in half with the wrong sides together and iron it with the seam on the side.

Line up the seam with one of your shirt seams, and pin the bottom band to the shirt with raw edges matching, stretching the band as you go so it will fit the shirt.  Sew the band to the shirt.

You have a new top!  Totally cute, and it would look even MORE adorable with contrasting bands, I just realized!! 

This was an instant hit with my daughter, and my middle child is suddenly feeling like I don’t make anything for her and is demanding I sew one for her.  Good thing I have leftover fabric!

Kids love comfy, I love comfy… I am pretty sure most people on earth like to be comfortable in their clothes.  That’s why I love this top so much!  Try it out, you’ll love it too!

See you later, we’re on Spring Break so you might not hear from me again this week ;)