Starting with an existing blouse it’s so easy to convert it into a super cute DIY Off the Shoulder Top. I’ve seen so many cute off the shoulder tops for summer, that I just knew I had to make my own!
TOOLS & MATERIALS:
- Button blouse (a few sizes larger than you normally wear)
- Scissors
- Pins
- Tape measure
- Elastic (I used 1/2)
- Safety pin
- Needle & thread
- Sewing machine
I used an XL blouse. I normally wear a small, I probably didn’t need to go quite so big but it still worked fine.
step 1
Try your blouse on and while looking in a mirror pin across the front and the tops of the sleeves where you want the top to be.
Lay your blouse out flat and adjust your pins and make sure your line will be straight.
step 2
Cut about 1 inch above where you pinned all the way across.
Cut through both layers.
step 3
Make small cuts around the curves, this will help your hem to lay flat.
Fold a hem to make the elastic casing around the top.
Pin in place all the way around.
step 4
Carefully sew your casing, be sure to leave at least a 1 inch opening to add your elastic through.
step 5
Wrap your elastic around your shoulders where your blouse will be fitting.
Pull it a little tight, add 2 extra inches for overlap and just in case, and cut.
step 6
Put your safety pin on the end of your elastic and run it through your casing.
Pin your elastic closed and try on your top to make sure you like the way the elastic fits.
If necessary, make any adjustments.
step 7
Sew your elastic closed.
step 8
Using your needle and thread sew the hole closed where you added your elastic.
I loved making this top, it turned out exactly as I imagined and was also way easier than I thought it would be. Don’t you just love it when that happens?
As I mentioned in step 1 I probably used a much larger top than I needed too, so I would imagine that depending on the blouse you use you could probably be just fine using one that is one or two sizes larger. Just make sure that it will give you all the gathers and blousyness (yes, I made that word up!) you want.
Leave me a comment and let me know if you’ll be making this project. I’d love to hear how yours turns out!
Cool…I like this one :)
Thanks NelliL!
xoxo
Cathy
Summery!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for this evening that links to your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=82389
–Anne
Thank you so much Anne! I can’t wait to see it!
xoxo
Cathy
Absolutely love this!!!!
I’m so glad you like it Erica! Thanks!
xoxo
Cathy
This is fabulous, and it looks soooo nice! I am going to have to try this :-)
Thank you so much Angie! Let me know how yours turns out!
xoxo
Cathy
I love this!!! Clever
Genius…..Love your site.. I want to pin this… can’t see the pin button
Thanks Richa! The pin button is above each photo on the top left, you should be able to see it when you hover over the photo.
xoxo
Cathy
I simply love everything u do! I’m excited to try all of them..I adore your style. Thank u!
Thank you so much Sherri!
xoxo
Cathy
I soooo…… love this look very easy, and you are looking great, very easy to understand and please do more
Love your style.looks simple projects.Very classy.Toddy
Thank you Toddy!
xoxo
Cathy
Any tips for a beginner trying to sew over/in the curves of the sleeves?
Hi Cheryl,
The best advice I can give you for sewing over the curves is to take your time and pin the hem really well, then go slow when you’re sewing. (Remember that the top will be gathered with the elastic so it can also hide any imperfections in your stitches ;) .) You’ll do fine!
xoxo
Cathy
I love to make a dress off shoulder with a fabric that has not been sown before. Please direct me
Bonjour je vais l essais cette blouse et une bonne idée de recyclage merci pour ce partage
this is so cute
Hi Claud,
Thank you!
xoxo,
Cathy
Really Beautiful, Wonderful Way to Up Cycle, ur Top’s that Just hang in the Closets after months of Not using, Great way to Save on, Buying New Tops Jus give it a Lift