Hey Friends! NTA has been busy this month making sure that I bring you fun, frugal, and quality DIY projects that you won’t want to put down. Today’s post is brought to you by [most of] our favorite season, and our favorite feeling: Fall and cozy. Imagine waking up on a crisp morning, snuggling up to a warm cup of coffee, and getting your lazy Saturday started. No work, no waking up to be on-the-go hustle and bustle. And, best of all, no work clothes. I LIVE for cute & cozy! I really do! Yet, I find myself cringing at the cost of said cute & cozy. I found a $37 version of this top on Etsy and I knew I could make one for a fraction of the cost! Since Autumn is fast approaching, I decided to refashion an old cozy t-shirt into a trendy one.
NOW I CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN REVERSE TIE-DYE CROP TOP!
If you’re already a subscriber, you may remember my fun reverse tie dye t-shirt post. Well, this DIY is very much the same with an added touch for an adjustable fit! Because you probably already have all of the materials you need at home, this project is very easy on the wallet which I can’t say I don’t love! And, there is enough leftover fabric to make a matching headband! Accessorizing is getting much easier! Let’s get started making your very own DIY reverse tie dye crop top!
GRAB THE ESSENTIALS.
I’m sure you have everything you need because it’s only two major things: a long sleeve shirt or hoodie (long sleeves = maximum coziness) and some bleach (if you’re doing the reverse tie-dye method). The rest is given (scissors & sewing machine or needle and thread). And that’s it! Really, that’s all you need to refashion a plain old boring t-shirt or hoodie. Check out my before photo below!
First, reverse dye your shirt. Wash and let it dry completely. Next, try your top on to estimate where you want to cut it. I cut my shirt below my belly button, but where you cut is at your discretion. Cut. Be mindful that you will hem the bottom later and need a little extra for seam allowance. IMPORTANT: Make sure to keep the part you cut off! You will definitely need it. Keep reading to see why!
Cut a small strip of the excess fabric (see photo above), stretch it, and cut off one of those side seams. Set the thick strip aside for a bonus DIY (you’ll see at the end of this post)! With the shirt inside out, fold over the bottom, press, pin, and sew all the way around (see below). I use a small straight stitch and a 3/4″ seam allowance for projects like these to keep it as neat as possible. I really could have gotten away with a much smaller seam allowance. Nevertheless, it doesn’t make much of a difference for this type of project.
YOU’RE ALMOST FINISHED MAKING YOUR CROP TOP!
Turn your shirt right side out and try it on (yes again). Next, find the center of your shirt (is that why we have belly buttons? JK lol). Cut one small hole right in the center. Using a safety pin, take that skinny strip you stretched and string it through the bottom casing you just made. Once it’s all the way through, even out the string, tie each end with a nice sized knot (so that it doesn’t slip through the hole during wash or wear) and put your refashioned top on one last time! Tie it in a bow and strut your stuff!
If you try this project, tag me on Instagram and I’ll feature your DIY on my story!
BONUS DIY:
Did you save that extra strip of fabric that you cut off? Great! Leave it as is, wrap it twice (like an infinity scarf), place it on your head and you now have a matching headband! Who says accessorizing has to be difficult?!
