Christine Sews

Instead of a sleeveless blouse, I made this mans shirt into a peasant top.  It is very loose and flowing.  A mans shirt, gross grain ribbon and thread is all that was required for the transformation.

How to Make a Mans Shirt Into a Peasant Top:

1. Fold the mans shirt in half vertically and lay on a cutting board.



2. Cut off the collar and sleeves in even arcs.  The collar should typically be removed between the second and third button.  Leave enough room for seam allowances.



3. Turn down the area of the blouse that you just cut.  Snip in the curve if necessary.
4. Gather the fabric with a basting stitch in the newly formed armscye and bodice.



5. Sew gathers into place.
6. Attach the gross grain ribbon across the bodice and back about 1/4 inch from the edge.
7. Important:  Cut two lengths of gross grain ribbon long enough to cover the new armscye, and extend up the shoulder and tie.
8. Attach gross grain ribbon to the armscye, leaving length on either end for the ties.



9. Put on your new blouse and tie the gross grain ribbon in flat knots.

Sewing Tips and Notes:

• Err on the side of caution and cut long if you are not sure about the measurement.  You can always trim later.
• If you have a tank top that fits well, you can measure the bodice and armscye and use that as a guide.  The measurements will not match exactly because tanks are knit and this blouse is woven.  But they can be helpful.
• Leave enough room above the top button for sewing, but not so much that the blouse will gape open.
• Use invisible thread if you have contrasting trim and are concerned about sewing on and off the trim.
• For a top with more coverage see Man’s Shirt Gets Feminine .

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