DIY Easy Top and Dress (Self Drafted!) | Simple Sewing for Summer

Today I am making two tops out of rectangles of fabric! No pattern needed, just a couple of measurements.
*Shop PS patterns at patternscoutstudio.com (and SAVE 20% on two or more patterns with the code BUNDLEUP at checkout)*
GK Fashion Fabrics: www.gkfashionfabrics.com/
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - INTRO
01:52 - MEASUREMENTS
02:36 - RIB KNIT TANK TOP
11:45 - RIB KNIT TANK REVEAL
12:17 - PLEATED DRESS
12:47 - ANALYZING THE RTW DRESS
16:00 - DRESS FABRIC
18:48 - PLEAT CONSTRUCTION
24:48 - IN-SEAM POCKETS
26:35 - DRESS ASSEMBLY
31:23 - DRESS REVEAL
KZbin Tutorials and Sewalongs: / patternscout
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES + FUN STUFF:
- Shop Pattern Scout PDF sewing patterns: bit.ly/shoppatternscout​​
- Casey's Skillshare Classes: skl.sh/2JZlIzh
- Pattern Scout on Pinterest: bit.ly/3kqjT0j​​
- Sewalongs and tutorials on the PS Blog: bit.ly/34Wtt5P
Work with me (business inquiries only): [e-mail]
MY EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES:
Pfaff IDT Select Sewing Machine: bit.ly/35fqoh3​
Babylock Imagine Serger: bit.ly/2ILM1Ol​
Fabric Scissors: amzn.to/3I1LwJ7
Thread Snips: amzn.to/3J4lgyW
Olfa Rotary Cutter: amzn.to/3t4MtMr
Extra Rotary Blades: amzn.to/3KIvc1I
Large Cutting Mat: bit.ly/3KzRUbW
Medium Cutting Mat: amzn.to/3I8Qq6Q
Seam Ripper: amzn.to/35UxXxZ
Straight PIns: amzn.to/3tQfaf7
Schmetz Machine Needles: amzn.to/36aE6G6
Chaco Chalk LIner: amzn.to/3CBtUmc
Folding Iron Pad: bit.ly/37eTfGP
Flexible Tape Measure: amzn.to/3t77MwV
Camera: Sony ZV-1
Computer: Apple MacBook Air 13" (2021)
All music from: MUSICBED
*NOTE: some of the product links in this description are affiliate links and I may receive a commission on purchases made via these links at no additional cost to you*

[@thegirlwithdustonherface]

Yea, you’re a favorite!! I like your realness and how you just make changes as needed as you go and switch up if need be! It’s so me! Flexibility is key, I feel, when sewing!

[@PatternScout]

Thankssss! :) I'm definitely a sew-as-I-go type of gal! haha...my plans are usually only halfway figured out when I start! Flexibility is definitely key!

[@kathygann7632]

I would never have had the confidence to just cut and make a rib knit top, but I have rib knit, and here I go (after watching the dress part of the video.)

[@PatternScout]

Yes, you can do it! :)

[@DivinelyGuided2911]

You're an awesome seamstress! Thank you. I just finished a navy jersey tank top with black and white polka dot straps to go with my B/W polka dot shorts and lounge pants. I love it. Its so comfortable I'm going to make a couple mire in different colors. ❤ And after that I want to make the dress. Thank you for sharing. You're a great teacher.

[@carolyn_r]

I love watching you sew! Especially the way you work through a project and explain what you are doing. You're a great teacher. Thanks for taking the time and thanks for inspiring me to sew again!

[@PatternScout]

So happy you're enjoying my work! Thank you, that means a lot to me!

[@suesue929]

Not sure it’s easy ( for me😄) but this was fantastic to watch. Lovely makes and wonderful to watch the process. Thanks for a great vlog 💕🧵

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed watching the process! :)

[@karenmcneil7546]

Beautiful simple dress and no rough shirring elastic to annoy!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! :)

[@IvyRosethebus]

Excellent. Thanks

[@manuelitaruiz9783]

Beautiful, i love it wow!❤❤❤

[@marvelx8173]

I can’t wait to make these both. They look super cute and fun to see!! Thanks

[@manuelitaruiz9783]

Amazing top😊

[@faithmathingsdal79]

❤️❤️❤️ just lovely! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much, Faith! :)

[@kathygann7632]

Just love your videos. Thank you.

[@PatternScout]

I'm so glad, thank you Kathy! :)

[@yasminscheiber2645]

I love it! Thank you for sharing♥️

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!

[@deonuacid]

Love it, gorgeous dress and top!!!!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much! :)

[@gopalakrishnanpremalatha7447]

Gorgeous makes..

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!

[@deannaaustin5362]

I do love that.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks!

[@Pkpdotcom]

It's the 3rd video I watch from you and I just subscribed, I loveee your content, very straight to the point, no fluffy talks or overreaction, clear instructions... that's my jam!!! I can't wait to try making the top, you made it look so easy! thank you from Australia x

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!! Glad you are enjoying the videos! :)

[@joannepreston1787]

You are really clever! Thank you for you patterns and these fast no pattern quick pieces!

[@mamabear7243]

This is one of my favorite sewing tutorials ever! Love it. Thank you so much.

[@PatternScout]

Oh I am so glad! Thank you so much!

[@maryannpeterman8180]

Agreed! ❤

[@MsCissyBlue]

These are both wonderful - THANK you so much for a great teaching video - very motivating!

[@barbhuber7502]

Love both pieces! Also, thanks for the new fabric resource.

[@PatternScout]

You bet! Thanks so much!

[@robinbarber5888]

Love your videos.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!

[@carolyndefoe38]

The dress is adorable...honestly I probably wouldn't have chosen that fabric in the store but it totally works for this style. You wear it well. Choosing fabric to match the pattern style is what I need to get better at doing! Nothing screams "HOMEMADE" like the wrong fabric choice... and sadly I have a few of those..UGH! But you have a good eye for that. I'd love to see you do a tutorial of this same dress in a light colored solid or less busy print..strictly for the educational construction aspects of the pleats. The math made my head spin a little but I'd like to try this. My measurements are nearly the same as yours except my full bust is a little smaller.. so I'd probably start by copying what you did. If I can find a flowy enough fabric, I think I might try it with a 3" or so soft ruffle at the top ~ that way I can away with no bra and not look completely flat 🥴 Love your videos!

[@PatternScout]

Ooh love the idea of a ruffle at the top! This fabric is probably not one I would normally pick but I'm so happy I grabbed it (just took me forever to figure out what to make with it 😅).

[@earphbound720]

Found it!!! ❤

[@chewsalot799]

I love both the top and dress... thanks for a great tutorial, can't wait to make it!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!! I'm so happy with both of them!

[@deidrabenson361]

Loved the dress, can’t wait to make it! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!!❤️❤️❤️

[@PatternScout]

You are so welcome! Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@mariewoehr1669]

Thanks for sharing your talents with us, God bless.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!

[@laheebk]

Beautiful makes and I love how you make patternmaking very simple and share your thoughts and adjustments too ❤❤❤❤

[@lesleywatkins1172]

I really like both top and dress! I have to give them a try!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! You definitely should--they are very satisfying makes! :)

[@peggymason7438]

Love your clear instructions and designs!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you Peggy!

[@peggymason7438]

@@PatternScout It's. True!

[@michaelhenderson5683]

Nice work 👏👏👍

[@PatternScout]

Thanks!

[@kathrynsweetzer7438]

Love both of these 😍 I'm off to look at my stash.... 🤔😘

[@PatternScout]

Thanks!! I know, I'm eyeing my stash to make more of these 😅

[@lynnetheunissen27]

Love both pieces.. its currently winter here in Cape Town but I'm definitely going to sew up both .. You are extremely talented... Thank you for sharing!!!

[@jenniferroland1244]

Very nice! I really love both of these projects and have fabric to make both. Think I will make both this week! Also, really love your videos!

[@PatternScout]

Yay! I hope you do! I wore the white version of the tank today and am so excited to wear the dress (that one exceeded my expectations!).

[@vanessathomas6362]

Both garments are lovely! The fabric for the dress suited the design so well! Thank you for sharing these inspired garments.😊

[@PatternScout]

Thanks, Vanessa! I agree, that fabric was just right--I have been holding on to it for so long and I'm glad I saved it for this dress!

[@Sabrina1998]

Love your videos. This is the third one and I am loving how you explain things real time and stay relaxed and enjoy the process. Thanks ❤

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! So glad you are enjoying them! :)

[@debbiesnyder762]

First time watching. Your talent is amazing!!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much!

[@doowopshopgal]

This will take me forever but I’ve got to try!! So simply explained!!! Thank you!

[@PatternScout]

Yes I hope you do! :)

[@alisacole9059]

I like your rib knit top!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!

[@elizabethrowe7262]

Very nice and great way to create two new pieces of clothing for Summer! I tend to alter as I go also sewing something new to wear. Thanks for sharing!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks, Elizabeth! Yes, sewing/altering as I go is my preferred creative method :)

[@t.davila2997]

Really love the fabric it is perfect for this dress! The pleats are a beautiful detail and frankly pockets are always needed 😄. Thank you for posting

[@PatternScout]

Very glad this dress has pockets! :) Thank you for watching!

[@cassafrass098]

These are both beautiful garments! Also the music you chose during the french seaming portion of making the dress was just splendid, it fit perfectly

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much! I really love that song, it's so nice!

[@zoescholtz1612]

Thank you for you ideas, gets me going when I loose my sewmojo....

[@Escape10mom]

What a satisfying sew! Can't wait to try that tube top. Your dress turned out even better than the one you bought. Sewing gives us such flexibility!!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much! The tube top is a keeper--gonna be a TNT for me I think!

[@vickibogart7334]

Love your videos. They're very inspiring. Love your style too. Just finished sewing the Hana tank top and dress and they fit me beautifully. Particularly love that the sleeveless armhole is perfect for me. Thank you!!

[@PatternScout]

So glad to know that! Thank you, Vicki! :)

[@vickithompson1840]

Love both of these, you really do make it look so easy, and I guess in theory it is. Definitely going to try the tank top. Love how fast your channel is growing, and righty so, you derserve it. Look forward to your next vlog 🤗🤗🤗

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much, Vicki, I appreciate that! Glad you are enjoying what I'm putting out there! :)

[@alexandraemrick2799]

Love both makes. I have never sewn clothing without a pattern, but you've convinced me to give it a try. Now I just have to buy some flowy fabric!

[@PatternScout]

Yes!! It's fun to experiment with gathers/pleats/shirring/stretch on fabrics--you can do a lot with a few simple techniques, especially for summer garments (and they're easier to fit)!

[@aliciamartin5516]

I just made a version of this dress and I love it. I really appreciate the tutorial and I had just gotten back from Spain myself and really enjoyed hearing about your trip and renewed inspiration. Thanks again!

[@PatternScout]

Oh good!! So glad you made it, thanks so much for watching! Spain is awesome, right?!

[@victorialove9104]

love both projects. that dress though. wow! love everything about it. the fabric is so perfect and the tie straps are a great addition. I think it is even better than the very pretty original. it looks great on you.

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much! :)

[@alannarhodes55]

Im watching this now after sewing the flora dress last week and i am SO glad you made this dress into a pattern! ❤ i love how mine came out, now onto a sleeveless birdie with ALL the tucks! They are so satisfying to sew!

[@PatternScout]

Yay! So glad you like the pattern! And I agree, the tucks are kinda fun to sew!

[@katherinebrockhoff8476]

Love the final garments, particularly the dress. Hoping for a video on the short sleeve Poppy blouse. Those are beautiful for summer! Just finished my muslin and cutting out my first Poppy this afternoon. Need to get that one done so I can make a short sleeve version. Have the perfect fabric, but not enough with the longer sleeve; but I think I can squeeze it out with the shorter sleeve version.

[@PatternScout]

Oh, yes I was thinking the same when I was editing this footage. I have been wearing that short sleeve poppy a lot since I made it! So glad you are making a Poppy blouse for yourself (thank you!!)! :)

[@margueritec989]

I just bought the white ribbed fabric this weekend at Joanns to make a summer top. Think I will try my hand at the tube top with straps. The dress is lovely and your instructions were very understandable so that might be next. Thank you for another great video!

[@PatternScout]

Perfect!! I really love that fabric, so perfect for a top like this. Thanks for watching! :)

[@paula.jean.hixson]

So cute! And I have always avoided doing French seams with side seam pockets, because I couldn’t wrap my head around how to finish the pocket seam properly and I was too lazy to look it up. So seeing this technique is so helpful! Thank you. 💜

[@PatternScout]

Thank you, Paula! I'll be honest, it took me a hot minute to wrap my brain around it--didn't film that part haha ;) Glad it was helpful!

[@marielandry1805]

Wow even my sewing students can do these ! Thank you kindly dear!😊👍

[@PatternScout]

Yes, so simple and fun! :) Thanks so much for watching!

[@marielandry1805]

@@PatternScout it’s always a pleasure to watch your imagination going 😉!

[@user-el8vg6db6f]

oh god you just gave me the idea to make a similar dress ...im a hijabi so ill wear it with a denim jacket and it will be so cute as well ..thank youuu😊🥰 from 🇩🇿

[@PatternScout]

Would be SO cute with a denim jacket!! 🤩

[@teresab1584]

I had to pause the video to see if I had a rib knit fabric to try to make the top. As a new sewer I greatly appreciate how detailed your instructions were. I'm not confident enough to try the dress, but I see a few tops in my future. ❤️

[@PatternScout]

Haha that one is such a great stash buster! I hope you do make it (I want to make more myself)! Thanks so much for watching and letting me know you enjoyed it!

[@cherricaconcepcion8788]

Very 👍 nice! You're so good

[@PatternScout]

Thank you so much!

[@hullabaloo-hcd]

❤❤❤

[@normacooper6377]

Clever ideas & I love that you’re using fabrics from JoAnn because except for Walmart, that’s my only local clothing fabric store.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks! Yes, I am at Joann quite a lot! I don't always find what I am looking for, but usually have pretty good luck there. And it is so nice to have since most of the locally owned fabrics stores are more quilt-focused.

[@sunnybnny]

That dress is so freakin’ cute!

[@PatternScout]

Thanks!

[@carolinefortheloveofcrochet]

The print for the dress reminds me of The Pretty Woman dress with Julia Roberts, I so want to be able to sew garments:)

[@PatternScout]

Oh yeah, I can see that! :) Thanks for watching!

[@upcycledcopycat8389]

Well that was interesting....I made two short sleeve Tilly Freya's and was wondering what to do with the leftover rib fabric for summer.. The tube will be perfect and so much more versatile than a tank that I was planning on. Thanks for posting. Hope mine turns out as well and as easy peasy yours🤞

[@PatternScout]

Yes, these types of tanks are perfect scrapbusters!

[@jwenting]

that top looks comfy and classy. Wouldn't use a ribbed fabric as I don't like the looks, but definitely something to try and make. oh, btw, the fabric shop you linked is gone.

[@philippataylor3778]

Thank you for your great channel, love it. I’m an Aussie and we are in early spring, I would love to make this dress, however it’s a little bare for me, i’m an older lady. i would love to make this with some little sleeves, could you please help me with any suggestions.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much for watching! You could probably make an easy flutter sleeve to replace the straps. Like a long wide ruffle instead of a strap...

[@nicolehubbard3536]

Haha "sewing in real life" been there, done that!

[@PatternScout]

hahaha who has time to put their shirt back on!? :)

[@leannekatny9667]

I love the top your wearing in this video also is there a pattern? Also I love your style of clothing and the tutorials you do Thankyou so much 💕

[@PatternScout]

Thank you! Yes, that is my Poppy Blouse pattern (patternscoustudio.com) and I just chopped off the sleeves and added shirring to the sleeve hems and waist :)

[@JanineSouthard]

I’m just getting started with sewing, and I loved this video. So clean and easy to follow! Question: if you’d wanted more waist definition, could you have done more of a dart shape (than the pleat), or would that ruin your skirt lines?

[@PatternScout]

Yes I think you could do that, I was actually pondering the same thing. You might have to add a side zip though (maybe) to make it easier to get on and off over the bust.

[@MossyMozart]

I just stumbled across your channel this evening. I am a novice who wants to learn. Your projects have an elegant simplicity, are straight forward, and the instructions are clear and logical. The tank top looks very comfortable. Is there more of a fabric description than "a nice rib-knit fabric from Joann's"? I've purchased a sewing machine and notions from Joann's, but never fabric. What should I ask for - is it cotton or synthetic? Thank you.

[@PatternScout]

Thanks so much! For that rib knit, I'm actually not 100% sure of the fiber content but it is most likely a cotton/spandex blend. That one is a heavier rib knit than I usually go for. But typically cotton/spandex (or cotton with a synthetic stretch fiber mixed in) rib knits are pretty common. When I shop, I just touch everything and pick what feels the best :)

[@jvallas]

What are the advantages to the pleating as compared to a straight piece of fabric? Is it all aesthetic (it does have a really nice look), or does it also improve the way it fits to your body? I love this dress.

[@PatternScout]

Yes, the pleating adds shaping to be more fitted across the bust/torso while giving extra ease in the hips and legs for being able to walk and sit comfortably. :)

[@bnmuzic1]

Could this work with tshirt material? Thank you…love the video.

[@PatternScout]

The stretchier the fabric, the better! So it would just depend on the type of tshirt fabric you use. It might work with a less stretchy tshirt fabric, but may not have the same fit.

[@baileykonop]

thank you so much for these ideas! I finally started my first project and almost done except my thread gets all jammed up when i try to attach my straps to the shirt! Under my garment, the thread jams, it happened twice and I’m so discouraged. Any advice?!

[@PatternScout]

Hmm, it could be a tension issue or a threading issue! I would play around with the tension or try rethreading to see if that helps. If it persists, it may need to be serviced. Hope that is helpful! Thanks so much for watching!

[@carolyndefoe38]

At around 7:20 you talk about tapering in to give the top of the bust more definition and to prevent gapping. But I can't tell where exactly you did the tapering...was it under each arm area or in the center front? This is super cute!

[@PatternScout]

Yes! Sorry that wasn't clear...under the arm at both side seams. Thanks so much for watching!

[@hoppaheedahoe2581]

Love this dress! Why did you press your seams open for a French seam? To set the seam? I trim the seam and then press to sew the French seam, but on the opposite side. Am I missing an important step?

[@PatternScout]

I press them open first to make it easier to press them in the opposite direction for a cleaner seam edge. Just a personal preference! :)

[@remen101]

thanks for this tutorial, just wondering if the tops you wore in this video are they from a sewing pattern, because they looked so nice. and i would like to recreate it

[@PatternScout]

You're so welcome, thanks for watching! Yes, those are my recent pattern, the Poppy Blouse, hacked into a short sleeve with shirring added to the sleeves and waist :) (the navy floral one has a shirred collar, which is slightly different construction from the pattern instructions).

[@zibergirl2]

Does it have a zipper? how do you get into it?

[@PatternScout]

No zipper on this one, I just pop it over my head :) Although it would be pretty easy to ad a zipper in the side seam if needed.

[@joyfulliving7153]

I love your videos 😍 just a question. Does this top need to be in rib or could I just use a cotton fabric?

[@PatternScout]

Thanks! It should work in just about any stretchy knit fabric, doesn't have to be ribbed :)

[@vernamontgomery8987]

Do you ever sew anything for your husband?

[@owoman]

this material looks not easy to sew and not good for hot summer.

[@mcsmama]

I want to love your videos... you do wonderful work, but the music is so annoying & unnecessary. PLEASE stop using music in videos... it adds NOTHING useful but is so distracting. Many people struggle with attention, & music in videos often forces them to opt out. Please please PLEASE, stop. The folks who don't mind the music won't miss it, but the folks who have trouble will get the gift of feeling free to watch your videos; plus a bonus for you, your videos will be a little easier to make. Wishing you well. [5.27.2023]

[@lynnetheunissen27]

Love both pieces.. its currently winter here in Cape Town but I'm definitely going to sew up both .. You are extremely talented... Thank you for sharing!!!

[@PatternScout]

Thank you!! If you sew them now, they'll be waiting for you as soon as it is warmer there ;) Thanks for watching!