Hi sew-friends! Today, I’m sharing how to sew tie shoulder straps on a dress, jumpsuit or top. This is a really fun and easy pattern hack that’s also perfect for the summer season. These shoulder straps are fully adjustable and depending on the fit of the garment, can even be used to when you’re taking it on and off. Read on for full step-by-step and instructions and if you want to make your shoulder ties removable, check out this tutorial that I wrote a few years ago. It even includes a free pattern for the shoulder tie and is a great way to add shoulder ties to a garment that you’ve already made.
The garment in this post is my wearable muslin/hack of the Amy Jumpsuit by Closet Case Patterns which features a separate pattern piece for the shoulder strap. I’m planning another post where I’ll talk more about the pattern and share my non-muslin version. But today I’m going to focus on the shoulder ties. You can use this method for any pattern with straps that are thin enough to tie in a bow. (For a more plus size friendly pattern, the Lucy by Seamwork could be a good match. Let me know in the comments if you have other jumpsuit pattern recommendations.)
How to sew shoulder ties
Step 1: Lengthen the shoulder tie pattern piece. Taper the end if desired. Cut out 8 straps.
Note: This pattern has a separate piece for the shoulder strap but you could also extend a pattern at the shoulder to create ties.
Step 2: Pin straps with wrong sides together. You should have 4 pairs (2 straps for the front and 2 for the back).
Step 3: Stitch along sides and tapered end. Trim and grade the seam allowance. Trim a lot at the tapered end so that it’s not lumpy when turned right side out.
Step 4: Turn the straps right side out. I found that a knitting needle worked particularly well with these straps. Press.
Step 5: Baste the straps to the shoulders.
For this jumpsuit, I eliminated the side zipper because I’m able to put it on without needing the zipper. So after I basted the straps to the bodice, I stitched the facing to the bodice. Then trimmed, clipped, under stitched and turned it right side out.
This would be a great technique to use with a pattern such as the Ogden Cami by True Bias or the Jessica Dress by Mimi G because they have a similar construction with separate tie straps. I love this design for summer and I think it would look great with a really thin strap too. Happy sewing!
