Summer Scarf Halter II

Apparently the dance of veils is not over...I still have two scarves left to make something with.  So, today, let's make a new version of the Scarf Halter top for summer.

Here's what you'll need:

Materials:
-Large scarf (mine is about 26" (66cm) square)
-thread, scissors, pins
-sewing machine and measuring tape (not pictured)

Steps:
1) Fold your scarf in half and cut along folded edge.

Now you have two pieces.

2) Take one piece and cut a 2-3" strip off the cut edge. (This step is optional if you need larger halter pieces and will make straps out of an alternate material.)

3) Cut your strip down the middle so that you'll have two long strips 1-1.5" wide.

4) With the remaining piece from step 2, fold over corners to create triangles on either end.  Cut the bottom layer of the scarf along the inside edges.

These are all of the pieces you should have.

2 long skinny pieces, 1 large rectangle (half of scarf), two small squares. Plus you'll have one small squarish piece that you don't need right now but hang onto it.

5) Fold the small squares to make a triangle.  Press the folded edge.  Zig zag or serge the unfinished edges and stitch along the inside of the finished edge.  This creates lined halter pieces.

6) Measure in approximately 3" in from each corner.  Stitch long basting stitches in between your marks to gather.

7) Find your large rectangle and mark the centre of the cut edge.  Place your halter pieces on either side.  You can overlap yours like I did to ensure good coverage, or if you're a little more daring and you're lucky enough to have cleavage that you like to show off, you can have the triangles meet at the centre. In either case, pin your pieces right sides down, raw edges even, and stitch in place.

8) Make sure you're happy with the fit and finish the raw edge with a zig zag or serger.  Pull out your basting threads and press the seam allowance down towards the bodice all along the entire edge.

9) I was originally going to use the long skinny pieces to create a band in between the bodice and the cups but changed my mind and decided to use them as straps instead (straps are pretty important in this project).  So, fold your skinny long pieces in half lengthwise with right sides together and stitch.  If you want wider straps use a smaller seam allowance.  I ended up using a 3/8 seam allowance for spaghetti type straps.

Trim your seam allowance and turn your strap so that it's right side out.  You can use a turning tool like I have or just use a small safety pin to guide the strap inside itself.

10) Attach one strap to each triangle bra top corner.

11) My scarf won't reach all the way around my back to overlap and secure closed.  So, remember that little square piece we had left over from all the cutting?  Well, just use it to make a couple of short straps just like we did in the steps above.  Attach them right into the seam allowance of the upper bodice edge.

Because of this back closure you won't really be able to wear a proper bra with this top.  You could try the whole stick on cutlet thing, which I find come in very handy in times like this, or use a much larger scarf that you know you'll be able to overlap in the back better.  The last option I can think of is to sew in bra cups either to the inside of the bra pieces or between the lining and the outer fabric.  Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll have to just be brave and go for it.

And now you're ready to go to the folk festival, picnik, or just go out and enjoy the hot summer day!

I bought these jeans at the second hand store to make cut-offs.
They're full of shreded holes.  So funny~

For something different you could mix things up by using different scarves for all of the pieces, or using a super duper big scarf for the bodice and make it into a tunic or dress!  Have fun with it and see what you come up with.

Remember, a scarf is just a square piece of fabric with finished edges.  If you can't find a scarf you like, use a square piece of fabric.

I hope you're enjoying these scarf transformations because I'm having a lot of fun coming up with ideas on how to make them. 

You can find all of these projects, plus lots of other ideas, on the Tutorials tab up top~

Have a crafty week everyone!

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