DIY Babydoll Top: Made for Mermaids Blythe Hack

The moment I saw this cute inspiration look, I knew it would be perfect for the gorgeous peach rib knit I was anxious to sew up. A quick look through the pattern files and I was excited to see the Blythe Pattern from Made for Mermaids would make this perfect DIY Babydoll Top. With a couple of small changes, here is how I created my version from the pattern.

Supplies for DIY Babydoll Top

-Babydoll Pattern – I chose to use the Blythe Babydoll Pattern as my base. This is a great pattern as is, but I made a couple of changes to get the end result I wanted.

–Rib Knit Fabric – I personally love Amanda’s rib knits – they are all such gorgeous quality. This is the brand new heavy rib in peach and it is amazing fabric to work with

–Knit Interfacing – this is highly recommended to stabilize your hems, especially to support the weight of that double tiered ruffle. You won’t regret adding this simple step to your sewing. (As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on eligible purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I love- thank you for your support.)

-Sewing Supplies – machine, thread, stretch needles, scissors.

Pattern Alterations

Let’s get to the fun part – how to create the inspo look using the Blythe Pattern.

1. Raise the neckline and add a mock turtleneck. You can do this yourself if you are confident or use a pattern to guide you. I chose to use the Patterns for Pirates Hepburn Top to draw in the new neckline on the front and back bodice pieces. I then used the Mock Turtleneck piece from the Hepburn as well.

2. Shorten the length of the bodice to be closer to the bust line. The original pattern is lower and slightly curved. To create the inspiration look, I held the pattern up to my body and marked where the pattern hit about 1 inch below my bust. Fold the pattern up to this new length, matching the back bodice to the front, and folding up the same amount on each pattern piece. **Make sure you will still have enough room for a 1/2 inch seam allowance under the bust, don’t make this too short or your seam line will be too high.**

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I chose to not recreate the curved front and kept my new pattern piece straight for the inspiration look.

3. Measure how much you shortened the bodice piece. I measured from the side seam and determined I shortened the pattern piece by 2 inches.

4. Divide that measurement in half and add that amount to each tier length on the pattern. For me, I added 1 inch to each tier length on the pattern. For reference, I sewed the top length in double tiers, on the Blythe Pattern for this look.

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Now sew your pattern according to the instructions, adding in the mock turtleneck from the Hepburn pattern. You will really not want to skip the stabilizers in this top. The fabric has some weight and when it is all gathered, it will stretch the top if not stabilized. This knit stabilizer comes pre-cut and ready to iron, making this step quick and easy. Or you can use a large piece of knit interfacing and cut it down into strips like I did- but clearly, it doesn’t look quite as tidy 🙂

And you have a cute, swingy DIY Babydoll top just like that!

Until Next Time,

Happy Sewing