Sewing: Week Five Tunic with a Skinny Belt

Week Five

Tunic with a skinny belt! This Butterick pattern, B5203 is simple and easy. It’s from the ‘see & sew’ collection and I’ve made it easier and better. The original pattern calls for bias tape and I feel as though that’s far too bulky on the neckline and armhole. It’s 5 layers of fabric – too chunky. So, I’ve come up with a different hem. I’m not too sure what it’s called, but I’m sure it’s called something – and I’m sure it’s not very inventive, but I’m going to share it with you anyway.

Today we’re making tunic A – the sleeveless one. And, get this – I get this done in only 9 passes on the serger. Yup, 9!

Cut your pattern. You can see I did a bit of fudging on the fabric since I absolutely hate wasting fabric.

Okay – for the first seam, serge the back together. Then, each side, then each shoulder. Basically your tunic is done, it just needs the neckline, armholes and hem done. 5 seams, you’re more than half way there.

Time for the non-bias tape move.

I tried this on a scrap of fabric first and I hope I can explain it well. I suggest you try it with a scrap first, until you understand what the fabric is doing. I’m sure you’ll get it quickly or even know exactly what I’m talking about, yet I don’t want you to ruin your project.

Lay your fabric right side down.
Fold over 1 inch, or length of your desired hem.
The wrong sides are together and your fold has 2 layers.
Fold the fold under the same length – 1 inch.
Now the fold has 3 layers.
Serge along this edge – catching the tiny (1/8) raw edge and not slicing through the fold.
Press and see the hidden seam? Nope.

That’s the process we’re going to follow.

On my tunic I measured each pinning point.

Do this on the neckline, the armholes and on the hem.

Done! See, 9 passes on the serger and you’re done. I know, a lot of pinning, but worth the polished look.

See how neat and professional the seams/hems look? Far better than bias tape.

I love pairing it with a skinny belt to give it a bit more style. Wear with black leggings and boots and you’ll be all set. This tunic with a skinny belt can be worn any season, depending on the fabric you select – it’s so versatile!