The Sunny Swing Tee Sewing Tutorial + Free Pattern

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I am so thrilled with how this top turned out. The A-line shape is so flattering, and I’l take a stripe and floral combo any day. I am even more excited to share my original pattern with you!! The pattern is available as a free download, but it is currently only in a size small.

PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Most programs will automatically shrink or scale a PDF to print within your printer’s printable regions. It’s IMPORTANT that you set the scale option to 100%. If your printer does remove a small border when scaled to 100%, it’s easy to fill in the few missing gaps with a pen or pencil.
FREE DOWNLOADABLE PATTERNSunny Swing Tee Pattern

This tee is SO incredibly easy to make. Here’s how I made it:

First, you will need fabric.

The amount of fabric you need for the front center panel depends on the direction the pattern runs on your fabric; it will need to be at least 26″ long. I bought 3/4 of a yard for the length. The fabric I used is Meadow Vale Dark by Leah Duncan.

For the Rest of the top, pick a knit fabric that you like. I used a white and navy ponte de roma knit from Girl Charlee.  (It is currently sold out, but you can easily find this stripe pattern elsewhere). You will need about 1 1/2 yards.

Step 1: Cut out your fabric!

Step 2: I used a 1/2″ seam allowance, ball point needle and zig zag stitch. Sew the front bodice together with the front center panel and two front side panel pieces. Right sides together.

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Trim and iron your seams. When you’re finished it should look like this:

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Step 3: Sew the front and back bodice pieces together at the shoulder seams. Right sides together. Trim and iron seams.

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Step 4: Insert sleeves. Note the corners pictured below indicated by the yellow pins. This is where you will want to pin your sleeves at each end.

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But first, we need to hem our sleeves.

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Now pin your sleeve into place, make sure the center and outside edges are aligned first. It will look like this:

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Sew. Once you are finished, it should look like this:

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Step 5: Sew up the side seams. You’re going to sew from the bottom of the shirt to the underarm of the sleeve in one continuous seam.

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Iron out your seams.

Step 6: Finish the neckline. First, fold your neckline facing in half and iron. Then pin the two ends together and sew.

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Then pin your facing to the neckline, right sides together. Sew. Trim and iron. When you’re done, it will look like this:

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Step 7: Hem the bottom of your shirt. You’re done!! I would love to see your Sunny Swing Tees!!

Please share using: #sunnyswingtee

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The Sunny Swing Tee has been featured by Lindsey McLaughlin. Make sure to check out her awesome blog!

49 thoughts on “The Sunny Swing Tee Sewing Tutorial + Free Pattern

  1. I can’t believe that so much talent can come from one family ! I have 3 seeing machines and don’t know how to use one. Id totally make this of I could.

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    1. Of course you can. Keep it very slow. Follow these directions and you can make your own top. Be sure you are usung the right size pattern.

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  2. Thank you so much for the pattern and tutorial. It was clear and easy to follow. I am committed to sewing all my clothes this year and your sunny swing t was my first pattern and a success!
    Jen

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  3. I was thinking about inserting a hidden zipper along the seam where the panel meets the sides to make this a ‘nursing’ shirt. I’ve never tried sewing a zipper into a knit. Is it hard?

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      1. I had the same thought, only using plastic KamSnaps, but not for nursing. I need it to open for radiation therapy to kill the breast cancer cells that may be lingering. They normally don’t allow you to be covered on top at all, but I intend to preserve as much modesty as I can! I just hope I can enlarge your wonderful pattern because it will involve standing, and I’m in a wheelchair for two more months after breaking my leg! I love this pattern, and I thank you gratefully for giving it away! We women do sometimes need to get help from others when real life gets ugly! Thanks, from another Bernina owner of 30 years.

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  4. Pingback: The Monthly Stitch
  5. I noticed over the two years since the pattern was released, several comments are made for the larger sizes being added. Any plans to add them in the new year? I am just starting to learn grading, to get it from a size 2-4 to a busty 18-20 or XL/XXL, I am just trying to figure out.
    Adding measurements to the tutorial would be really helpful.
    Thanks for the share.

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    1. Hi Pamela! As of right now I do not have immediate plans to grade this pattern. I’m not very familiar with grading at the moment but it’s definitely something I want to learn more about! I apologize that I won’t have this available in the near future! Thanks for reaching out!

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  6. Wow, very lovely. My dream is to know how to sew beautiful clothes like this. You’re good.great work. I wish i can sew like this.

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