top out of an old duvet cover?

[DonkeyHohtay]

We have a large (kingsize so loads of fabric) Cath Kidston duvet cover which has seen better days. It's at least 12 years old, probably nearer 14. Can't find the fabric online, think it may have been a short run or something as it came from the outlet at Bicester. Anyway.

It's a lovely, bright summery pattern and I'd love to do something with the fabric. Maybe a simple top. I have done basic dressmaking in the past but very rudimentary stuff and I don't have an overlocker, just a bog standard machine. Any top tips for tops??

I’ve been teaching myself to make clothes recently, and have been using old duvet covers I’ve bought cheaply in second hand shops as a source of fabric rather than spend £££s on fabric to practice with.

I’d suggest trying to make a simple, sleeveless or short sleeved top with either a fastening at the back of the neck or a fairly scooped neck because the duvet fabric won’t stretch to go over your head. I’ve been using a bought sewing pattern but there are lots of free patterns online for simple tops, Pinterest is a good place to start.

Thanks, I'm just browsing now. I remember from what dressmaking I have done that setting in sleeves and things is a nightmare. Never done a zip.

Maybe just do fabric strip ties, for a summery top or even a sundress?

First top I ever made I copied a sleeveless shirt I already had. Just drew around the outside of it onto paper and made myself a pattern.
The second one I googled how to add the decorative shirt placket buttons that the original had.
So if you have a simple woven top you can copy I'd honestly go for it.
I love using duvet covers for clothes, so much fabric for the price

Wow. Great idea, thanks OP. Just read this out to my DD and her friend and they're off to the charity shops on Monday for duvet covers to make "ruffled mini skirts".

I made summer dresses for the DDs and a skirt for myself out of an old duvet cover recently. I used a simple free pattern for the top and then made up the skirt bit. They love them. Just have a look on Pinterest and you’ll find lots of ideas

You could definitely get a dress out of a kingsize duvet, if you wanted to. Have a look at Peppermint Sewing School online, they have some lovely free patterns including sleeveless summer dresses which would work very nicely I think. Also some very pretty tops without sleeves or zips.

It's not what you asked for but you could make a night dress with it. A simple pull over your head pj slip number. The cotton will be really soft to sleep in!

I'm new to sewing and hoping to try this as one of my next projects - it looks straightforward

atleastblog.com/deutsch-160-die-bluse-die-mal-ein-hemd-war/ (the link is German but the website is in English)