Peplum Perfection

Is it any wonder that the vintage-inspired peplum repeatedly appears on fashion runways, with it’s versatility and feminine sophistication? The popularity of this ruffle of fabric just above the waist may be due to it’s ability to transform a basic casual look into something feminine and stylish. This ready to wear look is popping up everywhere in tops, skirts, dresses and even belts.  Add this timeless classic to your closet and you will find that it is one of your most versatile and wearable go-to pieces.  

Peplums can be sharp and structured using stiffer fabrics, or flirty and flouncy using lighter weight fabrics. We love both of these looks and have created three different versions to show the versatility of the peplum top using Very Easy Vogue 8815 & NewLook 6146

OUR FIRST LOOK is a fitted top (Vogue 8815) made by Judy. She created view C using a lightweight silk crepe de chine. The pattern suggests using broadcloth, shantung or crepe, which tend to be a bit stiffer and heavier than our crepe de chine, but the lighter weight creates a nice airy flounce.

Judy says that this top was fun and easy to make, however, she wishes that there was more fullness in peplum in the back. She deviated from the pattern by adding 1.5 inches to bottom of the peplum. She also rotated her peplum pattern piece so that the subtle “stripes” in the fabric laid in a more flattering manner. She suggests that if you are using stripes, be mindful of how the stripes lay on your body when you wear them.
Tip: Rotate the peplum pattern piece to lay on the crosswise grain if needed. Judy also created a scarf of coordinating silk gauze with a serged rolled hem.

OUR SECOND LOOK with this pattern is for view A and was created by Susan. Again, the pattern calls for broadcloth, shantung or crepe but we thought it would be interesting to use a stretch lace. This off-white Cotton with Lycra lace has an understated femininity about it and is fun and easy to sew.  

Because we used a stretch fabric that can be pulled over the head, no zipper or slit was needed at the center back neckline.  However, the neckline was lowered a bit to allow a little more room for pulling on. The pattern calls for bias tape for finishing the neck and armhole edges, but Susan omitted the bias tape and just turned in the edge ⅝” and topstitched.  She also added 3 inches to the bottom of the peplum and hemmed it using strip of satin bias tape to enclose the raw edge for added interest.  The seams were serged using stretch, or ballpoint, needles.  For the armhole and neckline Susan used a twin, or double, needle for the topstitching.  The twin needle is an easy way to create a “stretchy” and attractive double topstitch.  If  you have never used one, you should give it a try.



OUR LAST LOOK is the pencil skirt (New Look 6146) and was put together by Jo. She omitted the bodice and just made the skirt.  The peplum was modified by extending the front panel to join in front for an all around peplum look. She used a lightweight denim which adds a bit more structure and drama than lighter weight, softer fabrics like the ones shown on the pattern envelope.  Other good fabric choices to create this dramatic effect would be linen, cotton broadcloth, organza and leather.

All three of these peplum pieces are on display at the store, so come on in for a touch and feel!