DIY Strappy Square Top

I’ve had THIS image saved on Pinterest for ages so I decided to figure out how it was made. Here’s the tutorial to make a Strappy Square Top like this one, just a little bit different - it’s faced, so it’s not see-through!

Please Note:
This sewing pattern tutorial is for personal, non-commercial use only, and no part of this post may be reproduced, transmitted, or shared in any form. Please do not produce items with this pattern and tutorial for resale.

You Will Need:

• 1-1.5m of woven fabric (non-stretchy)

• Scissors

• Matching Thread

• Sewing Machine

• Iron & Ironing Board

• Chalk or washable marker

• Measuring Tape

Formula:

Top square: Cut 2

Width & Height = High bust ÷ 2 + 2cm (it’s a square so the sides should all be the same)

To find your high bust, measure around your chest with your tape measure just under your armpits and above your bust.

Straps: Cut 3

Width = 3cm - 5cm (depends on how thick you want your straps)

Length = 1m or width of the fabric (depends on how much strap you want and need)

Note: Cut the squares out on the grainline. When the top gets turned as you put it on your body, it will use the bias of the square to fit around your body’s shape.

Tutorial:

Step 1: Make the straps! You can either fold them in half with right sides together and sew down the side about 3mm - 5mm from the edge and then turn them out with a safety pin, OR you can fold and stitch them like you’re making bias binding. To use the bias binding method, fold the strip of fabric in half with the wrong sides facing and press. Open it out, fold the outside edges into the centre line and press. Finish by folding it in half, pressing and then stitching down the edge to secure it as a strap.

Step 2: Take one Top square and lay it down with the right side facing up. Mark 1cm away from 3 corners like the diagram below. Match up each strap with one of the marks and pin in place. Stitch the ends of the straps in position so they don’t move around in the next step.

Step 3: Place the other Top Square on top of the other square with right sides together and match up the corners. Ensure the straps are all tucked inside and pin the edges of the square. Sew along the top edges of the square (the ones that will make the top of the top when complete). Optional - Understitch these edges to stop the facing rolling.

Step 4: Sew the bottom edges and leave a small gap to turn the top out in the next step. Clip the corners and turn it out. Stitch the gap closed, press and try it on!