DIY Off Shoulder Top

DIY Off Shoulder Top

I’ve joined the ranks of – off the shoulder top – loving folk. Perhaps it’s because they’ve been off the fashion radar for so long? Or maybe it’s because they look so fresh and summery? My DIY off shoulder top was made from an old sheet. Yip, trust Greenie to up-cycle a sheet. And the necklace was a way to use up short mixed pieces of chain, O-Rings, one real ring and some key rings. See that in a future post.

For this off the shoulder top pattern I shaped the under arm area so it makes a nicer fit. A space for your arm. The pattern is for a UK dress size 10. I used existing hems on the sheeting. If you still have to make hems then allow a bit extra for seam allowance.

Off shoulder top sewing pattern

I used an old sheet to make this top

You need: –

• fabric
• matching colour thread
• sewing scissors
• pins
• tape measure
• sewing machine
• elastic

You do: –

Cut your pattern.

Cut pattern pieces

Pin the sleeves to the armholes. See picture below. Then sew.

Pin sleeves to armholes

Now sew up the sides and underarms.

Sew sides and underarm

Make a small hem all around the top/neck/shoulder area of your top.

Make a small hem around top

And then roll over and make a second hem. This hem must be wide enough to allow your elastic to fit through. Don’t sew completely closed. Leave a small gap through which your elastic will fit.

Roll over and sew another hem

Measure your elastic around your arms and shoulders making sure it’s tight enough to hold up your top. I always take a bit extra just in case. It’s easier to snip off a little bit rather than redo this step.

Now slide your elastic through the last hem you just made. Pin in place and check the elastic is not too loose or too tight. Sew or tie elastic so it’s secure. Hand sew the small gap closed.

Thread elastic through

It’s a bit strange making summer tops when it’s midwinter at the bottom of the world. Cape Town is located at the southernmost tip of Africa. I battled to get nice photos as it’s been overcast. The light is not good. Sigh.

More next week. Have a great green week in the meantime.

Greenie.