Tutorial - Bandana Shirt

I made this cute bandana shirt last week and it was so easy that I thought I'd share the "how to" with you. This shirt fits about a size 5 and uses just two pre-washed bandanas.

You can use another shirt as a guide for the width and length of this top and don't cut the top seam as you will use it in the process. Cut a "J" shape for the armhole and cut the sides in a slight "A" shape.

Place the right sides together and sew both edges. If you don't have a serger, sew a straight stitch and then finish it off with a zig zag stitch.

Finish off the arm holes with bias tape. I made bias tape out of the solid coloured scraps of fabric and sewed it onto the arm holes. The angry chicken has a great bias tape tutorial on her blog.

Fold and press half an inch of the bottom seam. Fold and press again, then finish the seam with a straight stitch.

Fold the top edge over, leaving enough room for your elastic to go though. I used 3/8 inch wide elastic. Press the seam down and sew close to the edge with a straight stitch. You only need to fold the edge once, as the bandana already comes with a sewn edge.

Pull the elastic through the opening and secure the edges with pins. Close both edges with a straight stitch. I used an 8 inch piece of elastic in this top.

Use the leftover fabric to make the straps for your top. Cut two 2 by 8 inch pieces, fold in a half an inch on both sides and press. Fold the whole strap in half, press and finish with a straight stitch, keeping it close to the edge.

Finish the top by securing the straps to each side. Make sure that the seams on your straps are facing outward. Now your bandana shirt is ready to wear.