February 23, 2012

Tailor it to fit February: Loosen a tight top with a fabric panel in back

I was so happy with how this turned out! I was inspired by a cute anthropologie sweater that screamed "how to loosen things up". I want so badly to do this with more tops!!! But instead of floral, maybe with striped or polka dot fabric next time. 

Last night's blogger meet up party was a BLAST! I looooved meeting everyone there!! Thanks Shelby and Jane!
top: banana republic refashioned  pants: thrifted/refashioned  shoes: Zodiac vintage thrifted  sunglasses: f21

Supplies:
Shirt
Fabric (preferably something flowy like polyester or lightweight knit) 
Ruler
Fabric marker (or use pins)
Pins
Scissors
Sewing machine
Thread

Instructions:

 
1. Cut the fabric into a shape that looks like a triangle with a rounded bottom, but the top is cut off.
2. Seam rip the shirt.
3. Cut the shirt from the middle bottom of the back, and cut into a diagonal toward the armpit. Repeat on the other side. It will look like you have a funky v left over in the center back.
4. Gather the top of the fabric to fit from armpit to armpit. 
5. Pin and sew the sides of the of the cut fabric with the newly cut sides of the shirt. 

 6. Mark with fabric pen or pins where you want the fabric to hit on your back. 
7. Flip the fabric to pin and sew right sides together, pin the gathered part to the marked line. Make sure you sew into the corners to close the gap.
8. Cut excess shirt that is the shape of the v now that the fabric has been sewn to it.
9. Iron and sew the bottom both fabric and shirt the way you like the hem to look. 
*Optional - Cut the neckline and re-hem (I cut out a new neckline and sewed a new strip of ribbing or knit fabric that was 1.5 inches wide, folded it over and sewed a top stitch) 

33 comments:

  1. It looks great! I've really been loving loose blouses lately too.

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  2. so awesome! i love this!

    www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com

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  3. Crazy cool, Lizzie! You are the most creative woman! xoxo

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  4. Love the idea...fits my style perfectly! ...but, I'm finding the tutorial a little confusing (maybe because I'm a novice). Any chance you'd consider doing a quick video??

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  5. So cute and it was lovely to see you last night =).

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  6. It's already starting to get warm here in Texas and this top will be perfect for warm days :)

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  7. This is so creative! I love this! Just found your blog, and totally crushin' on you and your darling fam. Can't wait to read more!

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  8. I love this! I definitely have a few shirts that could use this makeover!

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  9. Clever! I like that the front still has a stretch to it. Did you use a knit fabric for the back panel? It looks woven, I was just wondering. Cute either way!

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  10. I think this is great! Unfortunately I'm not really understanding the directions. But that's ok... I hardly ever wear t-shirts anyways. But it is really cute and I'm a little jealous at your stellar creativity.

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  11. Lovely .... I will try it !!!

    xxx

    stephaniehadrath.blogspot.com

    shbyhadrath.blogspot.com

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  12. That is too cool. I really need to learn how to sew.

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  13. Okay this has got to be the freaking cutest revamped t-shirt tutorial I have ever seen! Love love love it!

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  14. YOUR ZODIAC BOOTS!! They are to die for! I had a pair of black ones I bought thrifting, but they were a size too big so I eventually sold them to Decades in SL. You are so darling in person, and I had fun meeting you!

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  15. So cute! You look darling in it!

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  16. Thanks so much for showing how to do this. It is brilliant!!! And exactly what I need for rescuing some fave tshirts that are now too tight. I am so glad that I saved them and didn't give them away. Love the swing shape and the curved lower back hem.

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  17. Hi Lizzie! You always have the BEST ideas. I love the fabric you chose to use as your panels. Also I love your whole outfit. :) I featured this tutorial on my blog today. Come check it out and grab a button if you like! http://missloviecreations.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-favorite-things-thursday_23.html

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  18. This looks great. Could you please post a picture of the finished garment from the back?

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  19. Omg! I just found your blog via See Me Rawr and I really love your DIY's! Can't wait to read through them all! :)

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  20. Could I please see the back? It would help me understand what you did.

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    Replies
    1. Yes...I'd like to see the back also!

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    2. I agree, I don't understand how it looks at the back, right now I can't visualize how it actually comes together.

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  21. Great idea! It looks really cute on!

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  22. Love this tutorial! Also wanting to see a picture of the back, finished.

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  23. I love your method, Anthro has 3 tops that I was calling the Mullet sweater, business in front, party in the back!
    I did the sweater and am working on the tee and tank. Love it. Gonna use your method!

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  24. i love this!!! but like a couple others, im confused about the back. could you post an up close shot from the back???

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  25. I don't understand. Looks cute, but the instructions not so good.

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  26. I love the idea, but a little hard to see the white shirt on white back around.

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  27. Just did this to a black T - love it!! Thanks!

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