How To Make a Bandanna Top (in five easy steps)

I mentioned in an earlier post, that I had made our daughter a top using two bandannas. It was amazingly easy, and I am excited to share the instructions with you.

Materials needed:

2 bandannas
1 1/2 yard of 7/8" grosgrain ribbon

(There are many color options with this project, because there are bandannas in lots of colors. So pick your favorite one and then find a coordinating ribbon color)

Step One:

Determine which side of the bandanna you will use for the top of the garment. I like to use the side that has the stamped writing, because once the top is finished, the writing will be hidden.



Fold the top down 1/4th inch away from the "right" side of the bandanna and crease using an iron.


Fold again in the same direction 1 1/2 inch and crease using an iron. (This is creating the casing for the ribbon.)

In the photo below, you can see both folds.


Step Two:

Sew along the edge of the second fold, creating a place for the ribbon.


Step Three:

Place the two bandannas "right" sides together and pin together the side seams. Place a pin 5 1/2 inches from the top of the garment to indicate where to stop sewing.

See the casing you created for the ribbon on the left side of the photo? Thats the top of the garment. By not sewing from the pin to the top, you are creating an armhole.

Now sew a seam along the sides of the garment, stopping when you reach the armhole.

Step Four:

Use a large safety pin at the end of about 28" of ribbon to thread the ribbon through each casing.


Step Five:

Turn the garment "right" side out and place the bandanna top on your daughter, tying the ribbons together at the shoulder.


This garment is great as a top for girls ages 5 and up. It is a cute dress for younger girls.




Disclaimer: I am NOT a seamstress and really know very little about sewing. Therefore, my directions are probably not as clear as I would like. I probably used words and descriptions that aren't part of the sewing jargon. If you can't understand my directions, please leave your questions in the comment section. I will be glad to describe it in a different way. If you are a seamstress and can help me write these instructions better, I welcome your input.