The Foundation Pattern: Tunic Hack
When I created the Foundation Pattern, my intention was to create a pattern that truly could be a foundation for many different kinds of projects and garments. It not only can be used for a top or dress but also as the base for a Nature Dress, Scrappy Patchy Top, and be adorned with all different kinds of appliqué and embroidery, AND it can also be used to create a tunic!
I love wearing a tunic top with bike shorts and leggings when on hikes or playing in the park with my pup as well as layering them with trousers and jeans for an “art teacher off duty” kind of look.
To hack the Foundation Top to be a tunic is pretty simple. Follow the instructions below to create a tunic pattern using the Foundation Top pattern. You can then use that pattern to make a nature tunic by using the Nature Top tutorial with your new tunic pattern.
To Create the Tunic Pattern
Supplies needed:
Large kraft paper, tracing paper or pattern paper
A ruler
A fabric measuring tape
Pattern weights (or rocks or heavy objects)
A marker
Scissors
Step 1
Print and cut out the Foundation Pattern – Top View.
Step 2
Decide on your tunic length. Measure from the top of your shoulder down to where you want the hem to fall on your legs. Add 1.5” (3.8 cm) to this measurement for seam and hem allowances. This is your tunic length.
Decide on your tunic hem width. Determine the width you’d like for your tunic at the hem. The width should be wider than the width of the pattern at the bust and have enough ease to be comfortable around your hips. Divide this number by 2 and add 0.5” (1.3 cm). This is your tunic hem width.
Step 3
Prepare your tracing surface. Lay out tracing paper or kraft paper large enough to fit both the front and back pattern pieces.
Position the foundation pattern. Place the front and back pieces on your paper, leaving enough room to extend the pattern.
Secure the pattern. Use pattern weights or any small, heavy objects to hold the pieces in place.
Step 4
Mark the tunic length. From the shoulder seam at the neckline, measure straight down to your tunic length and mark this point (on both front and back pieces).
Step 5
Mark the underarm. Place a mark at the armpit (underarm seam) of the foundation pattern.
Step 6
Draw the hemline. Using a ruler or straight edge, draw a horizontal line across the paper at your tunic length. Start from the center front (or center back) and extend it to the width you calculated in Step 2.
Step 7
Draw the sides. Draw a straight line from the underarm mark (Step 5) to the outer edge of your hemline (Step 6). Repeat for both front and back.
Step 8
Trace the pattern. Trace the neckline, shoulders, and armholes from the foundation pattern, then extend the center front/back line straight down to meet your new hemline.
Step 9
Optional curved hem. If you’d like a slightly curved hem, draw a slightly curved (convex) hemline on the front and a slightly scooped (concave) hemline on the back. Be sure the side seams match at the same point.
Step 10
Label and cut out your new pattern pieces. Name your new pattern pieces with your creative tunic name and cut out your new pattern pieces!
Step 11
Sew your tunic. Follow the instructions for the Foundation Pattern Top View to construct your tunic - the steps will basically be the same :) If you are doing a curved hem, it can be helpful to sew a line of basting stitches 1/2” (1.3 cm) from the raw edge of the fabric to use as a guide when folding the hem up and under.
tada! now you have a tunic!
Bonus: Using the Tunic Pattern as a base for a Nature Tunic
If you want to make a Nature Tunic, you will use the above steps to create your tunic base pattern. Then use that base pattern and follow the steps in the Nature Top Tutorial to create the pattern for the curved color-blocking and sew your fabric landscape into a tunic! If you do this, don’t forget to mark your grainlines on the curved color-blocking pattern, as they will be crucial for ensuring your fabric lies flat and doesn’t pucker or warp at the seams.
wanna try it yourself?
Thank you for reading! I hope that this was helpful as you explore all of the wonderful possibilities available with the Foundation Pattern!
xoxo
Justice