In this post, I hope to inspire you with peplum tank top sewing pattern ideas.
You’ll begin by selecting a pattern, then fabric, and discuss incorporating your favorite design elements to create a top that is uniquely you.
Sewing your peplum tank top allows you to customize the design, fit, and fabric to suit your style.
It’s a fantastic sewing project because it lets you relish your creativity and sewing skills while creating a fun addition to your wardrobe.
Peplum Tank Tops
A peplum top is a feminine blouse with a fitted bodice and a flared waistline, creating a pretty silhouette.
This detail adds a playful and flirty touch that’s fun to wear. The style is perfect for adding a touch of softness or flair to your outfits.
How to Wear a Peplum Top in 2023
This cute top can be worn for various occasions, from everyday errands or brunch with friends to a date night, offering endless possibilities to showcase your style.
It is also a versatile piece that can transition seamlessly from day to night, making it a practical addition to your wardrobe.
The peplum adds volume and movement to your upper body, so it’s best paired with a narrower bottom silhouette.
Casual Outfits
For example, wear your top with straight jeans or pants, leggings, or shorts for a casual ensemble. Then style with sandals, sneakers, or ballet flats. Or, if your peplum is short and petite, pair your top with wide-leg pants or shorts and flats for a relaxed look.
Office Looks
Wear your blouse with high-waisted pants, fitted trousers, or a tailored pencil skirt for perfect alignment with an office dress code. Add a blazer or a cardigan for extra elegance, and complete the look with a touch of jewelry. Include pumps, wedges, heels, or ankle boots, and you are good to go.
Dress it Up
For a date, night, or a special occasion, pair your peplum with a column skirt or cigarette pants, and complete the outfit with strappy heels. Accessorize with statement earrings and a small satchel or clutch to elevate your style.
Peplum Tops to Buy
If you want to skip the sewing this time, here are some pretty ready-to-wear peplum tops and blouses you can purchase. (affiliate links)
Anthropologie
My Sewing Pattern – New Look #6511
This misses’ top pattern includes multiple options with peplums. It has a mini dress, tunic, and also a cropped top without ruffle.
Tops have cut-in sleeveless or cap sleeves and buttons with elastic loop closure at the back neck opening.
I found this New Look pattern a quick sew with minimal pattern pieces and has an average New Look skill level rating.
The style is slightly forgiving, so it does not require an absolutely perfect fit.
I followed the pattern closely, with the exception of removing some of the widths of the peplum (too much gather for me) and top stitched more than it suggested because I was looking for a very professional finish.
If this is your first time making a top, this is a relatively easy pattern to try!
Peplum Tank Top Sewing Patterns
If you want to create your own stylish peplum tank top, good news, here are ten different sewing patterns with a range of options from various brands you could consider.
Sewing Supplies Needed
To make a peplum tank top, you will need several sewing supplies. Here is a list of the materials.
Click the links to learn more. Affiliate links in color.
Fabric
Thread
Pattern
Sewing Scissors
Rotary Cutter
Sewing Layout Board
Safe Cutting Surface
Pins and Needles
Sewing Machine
Tape Measure
Seam Ripper
Iron and Ironing Board
Before you begin sewing, check to see if you have the right needle for your machine.
Use a Universal (Singer Style 2020) needle for all woven fabrics. This needle will penetrate the fabric threads of woven fabrics.
Ball Point needles (Singer Style 2045 Regular or Titanium) are used for sewing on knits.
Remember to check your pattern for any specific notions or additional supplies required.
Extras may include buttons, zippers, elastic, interfacing, or bias tape, depending on your design.
Best Fabrics For a Peplum Tank Top
When buying fabric for sewing a peplum top, there are a few factors to consider.
You’ll want to look for lightweight, breathable fabrics that drape well to achieve a peplum top’s desired flowy and feminine look.
Remember that a fabric with too much drape, such as a cotton spandex or cotton jersey, may not be a good choice as it will lay too flat.
Consider the pattern and design of the peplum top you intend to make, as different fabrics will lend themselves better to certain styles.
Ultimately, choose a fabric that suits your personal style, the occasion for which you’ll wear the top, and the comfort level you are looking for.
With the ability to choose from a wide range of fabrics, prints, and trims, you can make a peplum tank top that is truly unique and reflects your style.
Select anything from lightweight cotton, chambray, linen, and shirting fabrics for a casual summer vibe. A solid option for a sophisticated evening ensemble would be luxurious silk, satin, or chiffon.
Experiment with different trims and textures for embellishing, such as lace, piping, ribbons, sequins, or fringe, to add a touch of luxury to your outfit.
Review your specific measurements and compare them with the pattern’s size chart/sizing guide to see how much fabric it requires.
Remember to check the fabric’s care instructions also.
Prewash and press your fabric as necessary before cutting and sewing to ensure that it doesn’t shrink, change shape or bleed color after you’ve completed your project.
Where To Purchase Fashion Fabrics
Below are many wonderful places to find fabric.
Mood Fabrics
Known for its extensive selection of high-quality fabrics, Mood Fabrics (affiliate link) offers a wide range of materials suitable for skirts, including cotton, silk, linen, and more. They have both physical stores and an online presence.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores
A popular choice for sewers and crafters, Jo-Ann offers a wide range of fabrics suitable for skirts. They have a mix of affordable and high-end options available in-store and online.
Fashion Fabrics Club
This online store specializes in apparel fabrics, offering an extensive collection of materials at competitive prices.
Fashion Fabrics Club has various fabric types, colors, and patterns suitable for sewing a fashionable short skirt.
Spoonflower
If you’re looking for unique and customizable fabrics, Spoonflower is an excellent choice. They allow you to create your own designs or choose from thousands of independent artist prints, making it perfect for a personalized short skirt.
Fabric Mart
With a focus on high-quality designer fabrics, Fabric Mart offers a curated collection of materials suitable for skirts. They frequently update their inventory, and you can find great deals on their website.
Etsy
While not a traditional fabric shop, Etsy is a popular online marketplace that hosts numerous independent fabric sellers. You can find a wide selection of unique and handcrafted fabrics, including prints and specialty materials for your short skirt.
Britex Fabrics
Located in San Francisco, Britex is a renowned fabric emporium known for its high-quality and luxurious fabrics. They have a vast selection, including silk, wool, lace, and more, perfect for creating a stylish short skirt.
Blackbird Fabrics
This online fabric store is known for its high-quality garment textiles.
Blackbird carry a range of lightweight and drapey fabrics, such as Tencel, rayon, cotton lawn, and linen blends, which are excellent choices for a peplum tank top.
The Fabric Store
This independent fabric retailer has physical stores in New Zealand, Australia, and Los Angeles, as well as an online store.
The Fabric Store has a beautiful range of fabrics, including lightweight linens, rayons, and cotton blends that would work well for a peplum tank top.
Minnesota Stores
If you are local, be sure to check out Treadle Yard Goods, The Sewing Lounge, and S.R. Harris.
Fabricland
In Canada, Fabricland is a well-established retailer with multiple stores nationwide.
They offer an extensive range of fabrics, from everyday basics to specialty materials, suitable for sewing a short skirt.
Online Fabric Marketplaces
Platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace offer various fabrics from different sellers.
While you need to be cautious about the quality and reputation of the sellers, these marketplaces provide a diverse selection of textiles at competitive prices.
Certainly, remember to consider factors such as fabric type, weight, drape, and color when selecting the fabric for your skirt.
Always check the return policy, shipping options, and customer reviews before purchasing.
Ordering fabric samples or swatches before purchasing is also a good idea to ensure the material meets your expectations.
FAQ
Typically, you would need around 1 to 1.5 yards of fabric for a basic peplum top without sleeves. If you’re making a peplum top with sleeves, the fabric requirement might increase to about 1.5 to 2 yards.
The fabric required for a peplum top depends on many things, such as the pattern, body measurements, desired fit, and fabric width.
It’s always a good idea to check your pattern instructions or a sewing guide to get precise fabric estimates based on your specific measurements and chosen design.
Also, consider purchasing a little extra fabric for any mistakes or alterations during your sewing project. If you have leftover fabric, you can make a matching scarf for your hat or purse!
Depending on personal preference and type, peplums typically fall at the hip or slightly below. The ideal length of a peplum top is subjective. It can vary based on body shape, desired style, and current fashion trends. The peplum should be long enough to accentuate the waist and create a flattering silhouette. It should extend only a short distance past the hips to avoid overwhelming the body’s proportions.
Peplum tops can be worn by a variety of body types. They are especially flattering for those with an hourglass figure, as the fitted waistline and flared fabric accentuate your curves. This creates balance and a flattering silhouette. Peplums can also work well for pear-shaped bodies by adding volume to the upper body and creating harmony with the hips. These tops help define the waistline and provide an hourglass-like appearance for apple-shaped bodies. For athletic-shaped gals, peplums create the illusion of curves and add some proportions to the figure. Try different styles and find a peplum top that suits your body proportions and accentuates your favorite features.
Peplums can be a flattering choice for individuals with a bigger belly. The tops draw attention away from the midsection by accentuating the waistline and creating volume below it. The flared waist fabric can help create a flattering balanced silhouette. Additionally, the structured nature of peplum tops can provide some definition and support to the belly area, creating a smoother appearance. Choosing the right fit and fabric that flatters your body shape and makes you feel comfortable and confident is essential.
Peplum tops may give the appearance of a slightly fuller figure, particularly around the midsection. However, the overall effect depends on the fit, fabric, and individual body shape, as different styles can have varying results. It’s essential to choose the right peplum style proportion for your body. Experiment with different peplums to see how they flatter your figure.
Sleeveless peplum tops are an elegant twist on the classic tank. Your finished garment will bring you joy and satisfaction.
I know you will also enjoy wearing one of these charming styles that mix elegance and playfulness!
Finally, let me know what sewing projects you are working on or planning in the comment box below. I love to hear what you are creating!
xo,
Cindy
Free Patterns
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