Ok, so onto the second of my 3 pashmina refashions! This one is similar to the black one in technique; except that instead of having the selvedges running down the side seams, the whole thing is rotated 90 degrees. So the selvedges on this tunic style top, run horizontally across the neckline and hem. So the only “finishing required on this make, are hemming the sleeves and finishing the side seam allowances…
The length of this top was dictated by the width of the pashmina, selvedge to selvedge. The width was a calculation of my bust measurement + 3″ of ease + seam allowance. I divided this measurement by 2 and, with the pashmina folded in half (the folded edge is on the left of the pic and the selvedges run across the top & bottom of the pic) marked out the resulting square with chalk on my pashmina….
Cutting along the chalk lines I was left with 2 squares laying right sides together….
At this point I would urge you to learn from my mistakes and finish your side seams before beginning construction because it’s a bit of a pig to do it afterwards!
Using hole reinforcers I marked the positions of the neck and armhole openings (as per the black one)….
Construction is as follows:
1) Sew shoulder seams and press seam allowances open (no need to finish seam allowances as this part is the selvedge)
2) Sew side seams from armhole opening down to hem and press open (hopefully you’ll have already finished the seam allowances! Check out the fraying below!))
3) As you press the side seam allowances open the sleeve hems will naturally follow as they are an extension of the side seams. Press sleeve hems over all the way around and topstitch down.
4) You don’t need to finish the hem because it’s a selvedge. But you could turn it under and topstitch down for a neater finish.
Done!
