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Flutter Sleeve Peasant Top Tutorial with Free Pattern

fashion tutorials· free patterns· kid style· peasant dress variations· Sewing· Tutorials

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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.)

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…)

[irp]

 

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)

[irp]

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.

[irp]

 

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. )

Don't miss any more posts! You can follow along on Feedly, Bloglovin', your favorite feed reader, or by signing up via email. Just click on one of the icons below:

 

You might also like:
Peasant Dress Tutorial w/ Free Pattern
Apron Top Tutorial
Simple Shirred Sundress

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Comments

  8. 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.

    Reply

  9. 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!

    Reply

  10. 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

    Reply

  16. 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. 🙂

    Reply

  17. 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!

    Reply

  22. 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.

    Reply

  25. 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!

    Reply

  29. 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.

    Reply

  36. 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

    Reply

  37. 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!

    Reply

  38. 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

    Reply

  39. 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.

    Reply

  44. 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 🙂

    Reply

  48. 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!

    Reply

    • Thank you Becky! I actually have this little top layed out for my little one to wear to school tomorrow…
      ~Jamie

      Reply

  49. 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!!!!!

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

  57. 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!

    Reply

  59. more informative. i am going to try this for my two girls

    thank you so much

    Reply

  60. 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!

    Reply

  61. 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

    Reply

  62. 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.

    Reply

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