Ready for another peplum top? Last week I gave you a basic tutorial for sewing up your own peplum top, and today I have another version with a slightly simplified sewing method. If it’s your first time making a peplum top, you’ll probably want to use last week’s method, because it might take a few tries to figure out how you like your peplum top to fit and specifically where you want the waistline to be. However, once you’ve made a peplum top and have a good idea how long to cut the shirt portion, the following method is a little simpler. Either way, you’ll probably want to read through that tutorial first, then come back to this one.
I again used my raglan sleeve easy tee pattern as a base for my top, cutting it short enough to hit at my natural waist and bringing the side seams in an inch or two. For basic raglan top construction, see this post. I used the 3/4 sleeve variation, and it took close to 2 yards of fabric. As with all my easy tee tutorials, be sure you’re using knit (stretchy) fabric.
(You’re going to end up with two quarter donut peplum pieces instead of one half donut this time around.)
I used contrast knit for the neckline and added narrow sleeve bands instead of hemming, kind of like I did on this shirt.
I decided to try a hi-lo hem for this shirt. I laid the shirt out and trimmed the hem as you can see below (the right side of the photo is the center front of the shirt and the left side is the center back).
And here’s how the hi-lo hem looks:
This knit is also from Girl Charlee (no longer available). It’s a cotton jersey knit, and it’s much softer than the knit I used for the first peplum shirt so the peplum is less pronounced. I still feel like it’s fairly flattering and helps add a little curve to my waistline.
Remember to check out the first peplum top I made here:
Never miss a post: f a c e b o o k | p i n t e r e s t | t w i t t e r | s u b s c r i b e
Karen Dunnagan says
I’m 65 grandma that is quite “fluffy”. My problem is that my upper arms are extremely larger than my body. I have hard time finding tops & dresses to fit. Any suggestions on how to create a full sleeve sleeve pattern. Any ideas reworking a sleeve?
sandra Swann says
Thank you for the guidance with how to design a peplum! I found the instructions this morning and by 12:30 I had a blouse with a peplum! I used your math and it came out exactly as I had hoped. I want to add that your instructions were for knits, but I am using cotton quilt fabric right now. I cut off the blouse at the waistline plus 1/2 inch and made the peplum longer in the front than in the back. My back side is better than the front as I need a little more overage in front, if you know what I mean. It turned out great! I have saved your site as a favorite and will be checking back with you to see what other good guidance you can give me! Thanks also for helping me learn how to spell peplum, too! Sew on, Girl Friend!
Neus Batlle says
Nice, nice. Great shirt and great pattern specially for those like me with a kind of prominent stomach! 🙂
Thank you for sharing
Kay says
Living for this blog!After viewing numerous tutorials on Youtube, I find that you really make it seem effortless. Thank you.
Danielle says
I love your blog!!!!!
I come here everyday, and i find myself! antiipating, what version of your tee,you might come up with.!
I am never disapointed.
Just wanted to thank you for your generosity in taking the time to this for others.
You have realy inspired me .
Again thank You!
Danielle
autumn says
Thanks so much for your kind words, Danielle!