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customizing the raglan: peplum ruffle
Day two of Raglan Week is here! Today, we’re diving into another simple yet stylish modification for your Raglan T-shirt pattern—turning it into a darling peplum top. It's an easy way to give your basic tee a whole new look.
Peplums come in various lengths, but getting the proportions right is essential. For most styles, you'll want the top of the peplum to sit at or slightly above the waist. To locate the natural waist, look for that narrower area just below the ribcage. If you're unsure, simply hum the lyrics to “I’m a Little Teapot†and bend to the side—wherever you naturally bend is your natural waist. This trick works particularly well with children whose tummies might not be as defined. On the other hand, if you're going for a shorter peplum that resembles a playful ruffle along the hem, pairing it with a boxy silhouette can create a fun, casual vibe, and the peplum can begin just below the waistline.
Here’s how you can transform your Raglan T-shirt into a peplum masterpiece:
First, identify the natural waist and mark where you’d like the peplum to start. Add a ¼†to ½†for seam allowances, and then carefully cut the T-shirt at that point.
Now for the fun part—the peplum itself! I recommend making the peplum approximately 175% wider than the T-shirt’s width, though anything between 150%-200% should work beautifully. Don’t forget to account for seam allowances and hemming when determining the height of the peplum. Sew the peplum into a tube, adding gathering stitches along the top edge, and attach it to the T-shirt once the side seams have been sewn. As shown in the accompanying image, you can replace the bottom portion of the original T-shirt pattern with a ruffle that’s roughly double its width. Remember to cut two pieces—one for the front and one for the back.
Pro tip: Hemming the peplum before gathering it can save you time and effort. It’s far easier to fold and press the hem when the fabric is still flat rather than trying to do it after it’s gathered.
Here are some styling tips to inspire you:
Another adorable idea is to pleat the peplum instead of gathering it. Uneven pleats can add a whimsical charm, so there’s no need to stress over achieving perfect symmetry.
I’ll share the peplum I created for my daughter S tomorrow when I walk you through how to modify the pattern for short sleeves.
Stay tuned, and happy sewing!
(And if anyone has tried this modification, I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!)
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There you have it—a quick and easy way to elevate your Raglan T-shirt game. Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or a beginner, this project is sure to bring joy to both you and the wearer. Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like further guidance. Happy crafting!
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customizing the raglan: peplum ruffle