I keep catching peplum tops (like this ASOS one) on some of my favorite online sites and they're all lovely - and easy to make yourself, actually. Today, I'll show you how to create a peplum blouse from a vintage linen top.
What you need for this project.. a shirt. Look for a fitted shirt that buttons or zips up the back that's too big for you (something you can easily take in at the sides that won't alter the shape too much) or a stretchy top that's too big (made out of knit fabric like jersey that can serve as a fitted pullover top when it's finished). You can also take a shirt that fits you well and make it a peplum top by adding matching (or mismatched) gathered fabric at the bottom hem, like we'll do today.
I opted for a lime green gingham linen shirt from Laura Ashley that buttoned up the back. The bust/waist measurements were about four inches too big on me - the more you take in on the top, the more excess gathered fabric at the bottom. First, I cut the bottom edge for the gathered ruffle - about 5 inches high. Then, I took in the top at the side seams by seam ripping the sides and marking where to sew the pieces together - when doing this, pin and try on before sewing and ease to fit.
Taking in the blouse at the sides will move all existing darts towards the sides as well, so beware - fortunately the bust seams on my linen blouse fit me pretty well once sewn in at the sides (although they're a bit off to the side - I pinched the bust seams at the bottom and pulled them towards the center by about half an inch, sewing in place and forming two small tucks to make the fit a bit better).
Next, gather the bottom strip of fabric into a ruffle. I used a gathering foot on my serger to do this, but you don't need a serger to gather - you can do it by hand by stitching two rows on the top of the ruffle. Here's a great tutorial on how to do this (if you read the comments section, the lady also tells you how to gather stretchy fabric which you'll need to know if you've opted for a stretch knit top).
Once your ruffle is gathered, stretch it out to match the bottom length of the blouse and match seams as necessary. Then, right sides together - bottom edge of blouse with top edge of ruffle - sew together.
And that's it! You've got yourself a peplum top.
Happy weekend! Oh and tomorrow is the final day to enter the Dalena Vintage giveaway so enter here for a $75 gift certificate! I'll announce the winner tomorrow night.
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