Tutorial | Tie Bell Sleeve Shirt

I think it's time for a sewing tutorial and with it being the beginning of the new year, and everyone all excited about resolutions and such, why not make THIS a resolution? After wearing this at least four days in a row after its completion, I can say that it'd be a good one to resolve to make!

I made it out of some leftover fabric from the Sewing with Sue event I hosted back in October (woah. was it really that long ago?!) Click here to read more about that.

You will need:
1.5-2 yards fabric (I used a nice Hacci Knit from Raspberry Creek Fabrics)
Matching thread
Measuring tape
Scissors
Model Shirt

Step 1: Cut
Use your model shirt to create pattern pieces for the bodice front, back, and sleeves. Don't forget to taper the sleeves out to create the bell sleeve and, as always, include seam allowance!
Measure the neckline of the front and back bodice pieces, then subtract 1-2 inches (depending on stretchiness) to get the length of the neckline piece.
Tie dimensions - 4.5" x 12"

Step 2: Ties
Fold the tie hot dog style with right sides together. Sew up the long edge and one of the shorter ends. Turn right-side out, then lightning stitch (or zig-zag stitch) the open end.

Step 3: Bodice
Pin and sew the sides and shoulders of the bodice front to the bodice back with right sides together. Zig-zag stitch the exposed raw edges.

Step 4: Sleeve Ties
Place the ties where you'd like them to be on the right side of the sleeve. Make sure the ties are pointing away from each other and use a straight stitch to sew them in place.

Step 5: Sleeves
Fold the sleeve in half with right sides together, making sure the ties are out of the way, and sew as indicated in the diagram. Turn sleeve right-side out.

Step 6: Sleeves to bodice
Turn the shirt inside-out and slide the sleeve inside so that right sides are together. Pin along the raw edges and sew.

Step 7: Neckline
Fold the neckline in half, right-sides together, and sew the short ends together. Turn it right side out, then fold in half, hot dog style, with wrong sides together.

Step 8: Neckline to bodice
While stretching the neckline, pin it to fit the neckline of the shirt, right sides together. Sew in place and zig-zag stitch exposed raw edges.
Hem, tie the ties in a pretty bow, and you're done!

And a few more pictures for your enjoyment, and because Chelsea let me do her hair that day!

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