Hey, guys— it’s Katie here! I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about this before, but I just love embellishments and alterations. I adore taking something I already own but may not be super into, and turning it into something I frequently wear. It helps stave off my constant need to be shopping for new things… which my husband greatly appreciates. 😉
I scored this cute top at my favorite thrift store at the beginning of spring, but haven’t worn it. There is nothing wrong with it, I just never really loved the way it fit. I decided to do a pretty small alteration, and now it’s one of my favorites! Here’s what I did:
Supplies:
-a top you’d like to alter
-scissors or rotary cutter
-measuring tape
-elastic (I used 3/8″)
-sewing machine
I suppose I should start with a “before” photo to give you a point of reference. Like I said, there was nothing wrong with this top. It was just another thing sitting in my closet that wasn’t getting worn.
Step One: Measure up from the bottom how many inches you’d like to remove from your shirt. Keep in mind you will need a little seam allowance for your hem.
Step Two: Turn your top inside out and fold up the bottom. Iron the fold (mine was 1 1/4″). After you’ve ironed your hem, fold up a second time and iron again.
Step Three: Pin your ironed hem. This will ensure the hem stays even as you run it through your sewing machine. Use your sewing machine to stitch along the top of the hem, leaving a small section unsewn (the circled section in the photo above).
Step Four: Measure your waist and cut a length of elastic to fit. Attach a paper clip or safety pin to the elastic. Thread the elastic strip through the hole of your hem and out the other side. Make sure to hold one end as you thread the elastic. Pin and stitch the elastic once you’ve made it through.
Step Five (optional): Sew the small opening closed.
Turn your top right side out and you’re all finished!
And that’s it! I turned a shirt that wasn’t getting any love into a top I absolutely adore! I love pairing my cropped shirts with high-waisted skirts and shorts… and more than that, I love breathing new life into things I already own. Happy sewing! xo. Katie
Credits // Author and Photography: Katie Shelton. Photos edited with Imogen from the Folk Collection.
Oh my! This is so cute. I gotta try this 🙂
Hello! May I ask where you bought your denim skirt from?
So clever! And this was a great top to do it with.
This came out so nicely! I’d be hesitant to do it myself without this tutorial. 🙂
http://trend-mixblog.com/
That’s so easy and the top looks great!
Lauren
livinginaboxx
how cute are you? seriously. love the shirt re-do, you gave it a new life!
That made such a beautiful cropped top. Well done girl 🙂
This looks awesome! Can’t wait to try!
-Ashley
www.ashleykiraand.blogspot.com
Lovely! So simple but it gives it a whole new life. Love Katie’s clothign re-works.
www.dancingthroughsunday.com.au
x
This is so adorable! I actually prefer the top restyled! Though I don’t think my workmanship is good enough to attempt this yet 😛 -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
This is so beautiful! I need to find a shirt to do this with asap. I am amazed at how you find all these things to do with thrift items!
Much Love, AnnCates xx
anncates.blogspot.com
Katie you’re a genius! What a great idea– I’ll be stopping by my craft store for some elastic tomorrow 😉 xx
http://www.thethingsshesees.com
Yay! I’ve missed Katie on here.
You are so cute and always come up with the best ideas!!
xx
http://debsbug.blogspot.com
This is so cute…love the crop top, beautiful top for summer..
xo
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/
Brilliant! I love how it made it more fitted. I think I might do something similar to the long tee shirts that I have (but never wear haha). Thank you for posting! Today’s post was very inspiring. Have a lovely day!
Anna Neumann from The Whistling Willow
Love this alteration! It’s such a cute look.
super cute restyle!
xo, rn
www.rachelnicoleblog.com
geez you’re adorable. and that top is adorable. gah, this just kills me.
🙂
Wow cute top!
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