Lesson 2: A top to go with the p.j. bottom’s in Lesson 1: Click Here to see the p.j. bottoms

In Sheila’s last segment she showed us how to make a pair of p.j. pants… In this segment Sheila shows us how to make a top to go with the p.j. pants using an old shirt as her template. :)

I am going to make a bedshirt for my plaid pj pants by “knocking-off” an old t-shirt. Place shirt on fabric aligned with grain. Adjust your measurements accordingly

Measure shoulder length according to your measurements (most people are 5″ but larger people are 5.5″) otherwise, it will droop off shoulder.
Notch centre front neckline.
I have created a depth of 6″ off the centre front notch with chalkline.
Then chalked a line from shoulder-neck point to 6″ depth line on both sides to create a “V” neck.
Trim out excess material for “V” neck.
But now I have decided that I want a rounded neckline so will introduce the French Curve Ruler designed to work with the female curves in dressmaking.
Simply align French Curve to the shoulder-neck point “A” and 6″ depth point “B” and find a pleasing curve on the ruler for your design and chalk the curve line in on one side only.
Fold bedshirt in half and trim out neckline accordingly. This procedure will ensure symmetry.
Now your front panel has a rounded neckline with a 6″ depth.
Pin front and back shoulders together on wrong side of fabric.
Machine stitch using 5/8″ seam allowance.
Serging seam closed.
All raw edges have been serged. Sometimes people just want a top with a rolled edge and that is what causes those wavy lines which is nice in delicate material (summer wear for example). Just look at the instruction manual for your serger to direct you on how to perform a rolled edge and follow accordingly.
One inch hem allowance pinned into place.
Stitch hemline in.
Now simply turn neckline and armholes under at one-quarter inch and take it to the machine for stitching.
1/4″ turn.
Comfortable basic bed-shirt in stretch knit (you could embellish any way you want).

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