Easy Reversible Sun Top!

Some of you may remember this one! This was my guest post on UCreate last month. I've had a couple of emails asking where the tutorial went. Well, it didn't go anywhere as I hadn't posted it here yet. :) I've also seen a couple of dress versions of this in my inbox. This particular one is still one of my daughter's favorite tops. I think it can easily wear into fall too with some layering.

Today I am going to show you how you can create a cute little easy Reversible Sun Top for your little princess (in any size)! Quick to sew and like two tops in one! Also perfect for that little one that seems to spill things on themselves whenever you are out! I have three of those!

Let's begin...
Use 1/4 inch seam allowance unless otherwise noted.

What you will need:
- Aprox 1/2 yard each of two different fabrics
- 1/2 inch elastic
- Sewing machine, thread, and all that stuff

Your Pieces:
When you are done cutting you will have 6 pieces.
2 shirt panels
4 Strap Pieces

To cut these you need to take a couple of measurements from your kiddo.
1. Measure all the way around your child's chest (We'll call this measurement A)
2. Measure mid chest, up over the shoulder to the same spot on the back- This is for the strap length.
   (We'll call this measurement B) Be conservative on the measuring so the straps don't end up too long.
3. Measure mid chest down to where you want your top to end. (We'll call this measurement C)

Shirt Panels (cut 1 of each fabric)
Measurement A multiplied by 1.5 + 1 inch
For example my measurement A was 23 inches X 1.5 + 1 inch = 35.5 inches
Now take Measurement C and add 1/2 inch
For example my measurement C was 13 inches + 1/2 inch = 13.5 inches
I am going to cut two panels (one of each fabric) 35.5 inches by 13.5 inches

Straps (Cut 2 of each fabric for a total of 4)
Measurement B multiplied by 1.5 + 1/2 inch by 1.75 inches (all sizes)
For example my Measurement B was 10 inches X 1.5 + 1/2 inch = 15.5 inches . 
I am going to cut 4 pieces (2 of each fabric) 15.5 inches by 1.75 inches

Let's get sewing! Take one strap piece of each fabric (so you will have two strap pieces which are different). Right sides together sew down the long edges leaving the ends open. Do this with the other two pieces.

Turn your straps and press. Topstitch in from either side 1/4 inch. This is going to be the casing for your elastic.

Cut two pieces of elastic the length of your measurement B + 1/2 inch. So I cut two pieces of elastic 10.5 inches. using a safety pin insert into the casing of each strap. Sew the very ends just to secure the elastic. Even out the fabric along the elastic to create nice pretty gathers. Set straps aside.

Grab one of your shirt panel pieces and fold right sides together sewing down the short end. You will create a tube like shown. Now opposite your seam sew along the fold 1/4 inch. I like side seams on things. If it doesn't bother you just having one seam you can skip this step. Do the same thing with the other shirt panel.

Take one of your shirt "tubes" and using a ruler mark  into thirds. Pin your straps to the two marks you made. Your opposite fabric should be facing up.

Take the other end of your straps and pull under your shirt panel and up to the same spot on the other side. Pin.

Place inside your other shirt panel, right sides together matching side seams. It is a good idea to pin all the way around. I'm going to be a rebel and not pin. I like to take risks like that. Sew all the way around and remove pins.

Turn right side out and press. This is what you should have so far.

Topstitch along the top edge 1/2 inch in. Then in again a little more than 1/2 inch to create a casing for your elastic. The second line of sewing you do make sure you leave an opening of about an inch to insert your elastic. To create an even line of stitching I just place my elastic on top lined up to my first row of stitching to make sure I am going to have a wide enough casing. I am just using the elastic as a ruler, not sewing it!

Cut a length of elastic equal to measurement A. Putting your hand up between both layers of your top insert your elastic. Sew ends of elastic together and then close up the inch you left open to insert the elastic. This is what you will have now. Almost done!

Press up your shirt panels 1/4 inch. I am showing you one panel. Do this with both.

Topstitch the bottom hem in about 1/8 inch. Your hem should be completely even on both sides and the topstitching should show through on the other side on the same spot. This will enclose the raw edge of the bottom of your top. You're done!

Now look into the adoring eyes of your princess when you hand over her new top! My little one thinks having a reversible top is just about the coolest thing ever. When she wears this she switches the pattern a handful of times a day! Better than switching outfits a handful of times a day (or are my girls the only ones that do this).

Don't forget to add your photos to our Flickr group!

Also, if you haven't entered The Yellow Lily Giveaway yet, go enter! :)