Flutter Sleeve Peasant Top Tutorial with Free Pattern
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Free flutter sleeve peasant top pattern!
(Looking for more free patterns? Be sure to check out my free patterns and tutorials page here.)
How to make a flutter sleeve peasant top
We have a new top to love! A sweet little Flutter Sleeve Peasant top. The top is roomy and comfortable. Just perfect for summer, without being too full like many other peasant or pillow case tops can be.
I’m not sure if this top will meet the standards for the kindergarten dress code or not. (I hope it does!) We’ll wear the outfit to kindergarten camp and I will ask if it does. The dress code says no spaghetti straps or large armholes. In my opinion, the top seems OK, but we’ll see. (If it passes, I will probably make a few more…)
I have created a free tutorial if you would like to make a Flutter Sleeve Peasant Top of your own!
To make this top you need:
- peasant dress/top and sleeve pattern
- about 3/4 yard of fabric for size 6 and under. Larger sizes will need additional fabric due to width needed
- single fold bias tape (optional)
- +/ 24 inches of 1/4 inch elastic
- basic sewing supplies (ruler, thread, scissors, etc)
Step 1: Print the pattern and cut out the fabric pieces.
Print the patterns. The peasant dress/top pattern can be found here and the flutter sleeve pattern can be found here.
*** Important pattern printing tip*** When printing the patterns, do not print directly from Google docs. (The pattern prints slightly smaller when printed directly off Google docs.) Download the pattern to your computer and open it in your adobe acrobat reader. Choose actual size and if your printer has option for auto portrait/landscape, it’s ok to choose that option.)
Cut out size needed.
Measure your little one from the bottom of her armpit to where you would like the top to end. Add 1 inch to this measurement.
Fold your fabric in half with the selvages to the middle. (This may not work for larger sizes.)
Line the pattern up on the fold of the fabric. (The pattern has been updated since the photo below was taken- line the pattern up on the fold.)
Measure down from the armpit with your measurement. Follow the edge of the pattern to get a slight A-line edge. (you want to add 1.5 to two inches to the width.) Cut a front and a back bodice piece.
Line up the sleeve pattern on the fold of the fabric and cut two sleeves.
Step 2: Sewing the top and preparing the armholes.
Place the front and back of the top right sides together and sew the edges as shown below. Finish these seams with a zig zag stitch on your machine, Pinking Shears or with a serger.
Press the seam flat.
I like to use single fold bias tape on exposed armhole seams. If you want to use this method, follow along. (If not, fold the fabric edges of the armholes over 1/4 inch press, fold over another 1/4 inch and press, then sew along the folded edge.)
Lay out the top, right sides facing out. Open up the bias tape as shown (open the side closest to the armhole edge) and line the edge of the bias tape up with the edge of the armhole
Pin it down securely.
Sew a straight stitch right along the first crease.
Fold the bias tape over over to the back of the top, right along the crease you just sewed in, keeping the other side folded up. Iron the bias tape and armhole flat and then pin it securely.
Sew a straight stitch along the edge. (I marked where to stitch in blue.)
When you flip the top right side out, it should look like this. So pretty and neat!
Step 3: Preparing and attaching the sleeves.
Lay the sleeve out flat. Find the rounded side and fold the edge up 1/4 inch, press, fold another 1/4 inch and press again.
Sew along the folded edge. Repeat on the second sleeve.
Fold the side edges of the sleeve in 1/4 inch and another 1/4 inch to conceal the raw edge. Then, right sides together, line up the edge of the sleeve to the edge of the armhole. All of the raw edges should be facing up towards the top of the top.
Repeat with the second sleeve. (Ignore that the sleeve edges aren’t folded over, I re-did them after this picture.) Flip the shirt around and line the sleeve edges up on the other side. Sew the sleeves to the bodice, 1/4 inch from the edge.
Step 4: Create the casing and add the elastic.
Fold the top edge of the top in 1/4 inch and press.
Fold the edge over another 5/8 inch, press and sew right along the folded edge to make a casing. There are several layers of fabric at the sleeve edges so go slow and make sure your fabric feeds through the machine evenly. Leave a 1.5 inch opening to thread the elastic through.
Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the neck line casing. I always have my daughter try the top on and custom fit the neckline. Sew the elastic together with a zig zag stitch (going back and forth a few times) taking care that the elastic is not twisted. Then sew the opening closed.
Step 5: Hemming the bottom of the top.
Fold the bottom edge in 1/4 inch, press, fold in another 1/4 inch, press and sew along the folded edge. And there you have it, you are done!
Not too shabby ! Now have your sweet princess try on the top and pose for a few pictures!
Link for shorts: Cici Shorts.
I spent a lot of time on this one, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! (My seven year old son even pitched in as a fit model during the muslin stage since his sister was at Grandmas. )
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You might also like:
Peasant Dress Tutorial w/ Free Pattern
Apron Top Tutorial
Simple Shirred Sundress
I have made many of the peasant dress in all sizes for a charitable organization. Love it. Thank you.
Going to make 3 of these Flutter Sleeve Tops ASAP !!! With school starting soon ive got to get on the ball so I can make several of your patterns. Thanks very much for you patterns.
MY Granddaughters will love them.
We only have a month before school starts, I’m feeling the pressure too!
Hi , Thats a lovely patter. So kind of you to upload for free. May I know where is the size chart please? It is good to use a pattern with a size chart than only age. PLease let me know
Hi Jamie
I tried to download pattern couple of times, but did not receive any e-mail with the pattern download. Can you assist me please? I adore these lovely patterns and would really like to sew them for my girls.
Thank you!
Hotmail often blocks my pattern emails. You’ll need to try a different email address.
more informative. i am going to try this for my two girls
thank you so much
It's ¼ inch.
Maybe I missed it somewhere in the directions, and I see no one else asking, but what size seam did you sew for the side seams? I'm getting ready to make this top for my granddaughter soon. Thank you!
Hello I was just wondering would this work for size 12months and could I just add this sleeve pattern to the regular peasant dress?
It would definitely work. I recommend moving the bodice and sleeve pattern over 1/4 inch from the fold. (so there is less width to better fit a 12 month old.)
~Jamie
Yes
Hello I was just wondering would this work for size 12months and could I just add this sleeve pattern to the regular peasant dress?
I just stumbled upon your pattern. It is super adorable! Thank you so much.
just found this wonderful blog!!!
Ive never made a top before and really want to try this one!
Thank you very much! x
Very good tutorial…..I am a beginner….trying it right now…..wish me luck
So Cute. I think I'm going to give it a try. I'm a novice so wish me luck!
Beautiful top and the cutest model. I featured it!
I love this tutorial!!!!! i made this and it was so easy and went to buy fabric to make more and I unknowingly bought the same fabric in your tutorial lmao borhters and sister is my fav!!!!!
I'm making two of these right now for my 3-yo granddaughter. They are coming together very quickly – I'm only taking 10-15 minutes at a time. I've spend maybe 45 minutes so far on the two and am at the casing fitting – waiting for her to get here for a fitting! I've been sewing since I was 7 (1968) and my mom was a seamstress by trade so I expected as much. Thank you for a great, quick pattern!
Thank you Becky! I actually have this little top layed out for my little one to wear to school tomorrow…
~Jamie
Love this tutorial…Thanks for sharing.
beautiful, very detailed tutorial. thank you!
Did you also make these shorts? Looks like they tie on the side. Would love to see a tutorial on those.
Hi, I used this pattern for the shorts http://www.etsy.com/listing/
86396000/ceci-shorts-for-girls
-12m-8y-tie-hem
~Jamie
This is super cute, and perfect for summer. I just bought some bright floral that I am going to use to make this. Thanks so much, I know my daughters (age 5 and 6) are going to love these!! Thanks for sharing this pattern and tutorial 🙂
Love the colors…beautiful
I made this top today, great tutorial, it turned out beautifully. Now just to wait for some warm weather so she can wear it.
Such a sweet and simple top–I made a dress version, since my daughter will only wear dresses. I blogged about it here (and linked to you!)
Hi Jamie, thank you for such a great tutorial… I made 2 of this for my girls… they love them!!!!!…
Thanks for the great tutorial and pattern. I have used them twice now… to make a top and a dress with the flutter sleeve peasant neckline.
This shirt is absolutely adorable (and so is your little model). I just began sewing a few months ago, and I've kept to skirts and simple dresses, but I HAVE to make this top for my daughter. Thanks for sharing the instructions. Once I make it, I'll be sure to post pictures of it on my blog and link it back to your fabulous site.
Bonny @ thedomesticatedprincess.blogspot.com
Such a beautiful flutter sleeve shirt and amazing tutorial! Thank you for taking your time to do that for all of us! You have one sweet little boy if he even modeled something for you!
I just saw this over at The Girl Creative's Link Party (now Project Inspire). I still love it – and I sincerely hope you will upload a photo of it into SewSet so others can find it and you as well!!!
Thanks so much, and hope you are having a great start to your week!
– Jess
sewset.com
mesewcrazy.com
I love it! You did a GREAT job on this tutorial!
This is so, so cute! I can't wait to make one for each of my nieces!
You are amazing! I love this tutorial….I'll give it a go soon tnx xx kel
I think it turned out adorable. Looks like it took a bit to make!
Just beautiful Jaime, and the photos are so pretty too! I am featuring this tomorrow. Thank you!
This is sooooo darling Jamie!! I love the little top – those sleeves are so cute. Thanks for linking up – I featured you today!
Hello
My name is Jennifer and I just wanted to let you know that I have mentioned your post on my blog. If there is anything you would like for me to remove, please let me know.
Adorable top and a fabulous tutorial! Going to try it out soon!! Thanks for sharing.
What a great tutorial, and such a lovely model too!
Just pretty as can be – great fabric!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! My little ladies would love a top like that!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Love this, think I'm going to have to give it a try!
This is so darling! Thanks for the step by step tutorial. I'm a new follower!
you do such an amazing job with the sewing machine!! this is adorable!
Thanks so much for linking up! I featured your post in my wrap up.
What a great tutorial! Just shared on our FB page!
Take care, Trish
smart smart smart – I love it. Came out super cute!
This came out beautiful! love the fabric and the style! please consider linking up at All Things (Hearts)&(Homes)
Hi, Thank you for stopping by with such a sweet comment! The fabric I used was from Hobby Lobby. Here is the link: http://shop.hobbylobby.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=193055
~Jamie
So glad for this tutorial! I love the flutter sleeves, and you don't see a lot of patterns for them! Thank you!
What fabric is that you used for the top? I love it!
I think it is adorable! The shorts are super cute, as well! Thanks for the free pattern and tutorial. I have yet to try a peasant style top, and I think it will be my next sewing project. 🙂
Another awesome tutorial..well done dear..your girl is so cute 🙂
I love it! Thank you. Do you have a tutorial or pattern for sale of the shorts she is wearing? Those are so cute!!
Hi, here is the link from where I bought the shorts pattern: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86396000/ceci-shorts-for-girls-12m-8y-tie-hem
Good luck,
~Jamie
I love it
Love it! Liz
So adorable! I love it!
Great tutorial 🙂 You beat me to it! LOL… had been thinking of doing one of the same style for a baby/toddler dress. Great minds think alike 😉 I'll be sure to share this with all my friends & pinterest buddies x
I wanted you to know that I nominated you for a One Lovely Blog Award! I love reading your posts and am inspired to try to become a better sewer. I just haven't done it yet!
OK – Just pinned this. I don't claim to be a sewer, but I am learning (self taught), and I really think I might try this because it's adorable. Your instructions are so clear. The fabric choice is fabulous. Thanks so much. I seriously just started a new pin board called "sewing," and this is my first pin.
Hermoso conjunto! Gracias por compartir. Besos
This is so cute, and easy to make! I'm going to make it for both my granddaughters.
So adorable! Thanks for sharing at our Handmade Tuesdays party.
Very cute outfit! 🙂 My oldest daughter starts Kdg this fall – I sure hope the "flutter sleeve" passes the dress code as it is one of my favorite little looks 🙂
Happy Day!
Michelle
Love this! I am totally making one of these!!!
So cute, can't wait to make one for my girl – which just needs to grow a little.
Kerstin
Pinned it. 🙂