Easy Upcycle Idea: How to DIY a Cute Off-shoulder Top

For this upcycling idea, I used a long sleeveless tank top that didn’t really excite me too much and turned it into a sexy, cropped DIY off-shoulder top.

I used my own measurements for this so you need to measure around the fullest part of your bust, around your body where the top will end and decide on the length you want. Then substitute your figures for mine.

1. Draft the new top

Turn the tank top inside out and fold it in half lengthways. Make sure to line up the side seams and the lower edges and smooth it flat.

Mark one quarter of your bust measurement across the tank top, just below the armhole.

Measure 13 inches (32.5 cm) from the edge of the neckline, or whatever length you want your new top to be.

Draw a line across the width at this point, cut off the excess and put it aside for later.

Open out the shortened top and cut off the side seams on both sides.

Fold the top in half lengthways again and mark one quarter of your waist measurement across the lower edge.

Join that point to your bust measurement mark with a slightly curved line and cut off the excess.

With the top still folded in half, cut off the shoulder seams and the neckline trim, so that the front and back are the same shape.

2. Trim the neck edge

Measure and mark the width of the neckline from the fold to the start of the upward curve where the sleeves will be attached. For me, this was 5 inches (12.5 cm). 

Also measure 4 inches (10 cm) for the length of the armhole from the side seam to the outer edge of the neckline.

Cut off the excess.

Cut two strips of fabric 10 inches (25 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

Sew them to the neck edge with the right sides facing. Turn them to the inside and stitch them down, so the raw edge is enclosed.

Sew both side seams, taking a half inch (1 cm) seam allowance.

3. Cut out and attach the sleeves

Fold the fabric you cut from the bottom of the tank top in half lengthways.

Cut a 4 inch (10 cm) wide strip of fabric through all the layers.

Cut off the side seams.

Sew the long edges together with the right sides facing, taking a half inch (1 cm) seam allowance.

Trim the sleeves to 8 inches (20 cm) long.

Pin each end to the top edge of the armholes on the front and back of the top with the right sides together.

Sew in place with a half inch (1 cm) width seam.

Turn in the raw edges of the armholes by a half inch (1 cm) and sew in place. 

Continue the stitching over the seam allowance where the sleeves are attached, to keep it in place.

Turn up a narrow double hem along the lower edge of the top and sew it in place.