The One Shoulder Top

I remember years ago when the one shoulder top was trending and I wanted one so badly! If I remember correctly, my mom wouldn’t let me have one. But because of how inventive I am, I simply cut one of my old tops, hoping that would be good enough. It wasn’t, of course, because it was too loose around the chest area.. Other than that, it wasn’t similar at all to the top I actually wanted. I don’t remember its exact appearance, but I do know that it was red and white. With that said, the top above seems like the perfect alternative to satisfy my nine(ish) year old self, as well as my current needs for a new one shoulder top.

I think it’s safe to say that the one shoulder top is trending again and this time around, I got the top I wanted.

DIY One Shoulder Top

Today I’m going to show you step by step how I made my one shoulder top. It’s super easy as long as you have a sewing machine, but you can of course do it by hand as well. I made my top out of an old 3/4 sleeve top that I have had in my closet for years (and before that it belonged to my sister.) I have always loved this top, but because it’s from the kids section it has an awkward fit. Despite it being so old, the fabric almost looks new, but the white collar has some discolorations going on. I decided to make use of this top, and I’m so happy about that. So to make a similar top you’re going to need:

• Scissors
• Sewing machine, thread and needles
• An old or new top you feel like updating
• Patience (always required when sewing.. for me at least)

(first are the steps in photos and below I’ll explain them.)

1. The first thing I did was to cut the top vertically from the armpit to the shoulder. If you want, you can use another one shoulder top for reference. Keep in mind that you don’t want the shoulder part too far out because it might create an awkward fit, nor do you want the armpit part to low.
2. The second step is where you need to make a decision, do you want your top to be long sleeved, short sleeved or sleeveless? Because the old top I wanted as a child was sleeveless, I chose to cut off the other sleeve as well.
3. Now that you have a basic shape, you need to turn the top inside out and start folding and pinning the edges. I folded mine about a centimeter. After that you can start sewing using a straight seam.
4. Once you have sewn the edges, hopefully without falling asleep, my suggestion is to try it on. Does it fit the way you want? Mine didn’t, it was once again to loose around the chest area. If that is the case, try the top on inside out, tighten and the fabric (gather it below the armpit) and mark with pins where they front and back panels meet. Here is a picture of how I mean: This way you don’t need to worry about the pins coming loose when you take it off. Once you do, you can pin the fabric together, like I have in photo number 4.
5. Then all you need to do sew along the pins with either a straight seam, a crisscross seam or both. Finally, you can cut off the left over fabric and turn it right side out.

I hope my description isn’t too confusing..

Here are some photos of me and my baby Spike, who joined me during my photo shoot. Can’t believe she’s turning eleven this year, they grow up so fast 😥

*Edit: I completely forgot, here is a link to my diy where I’m showing you how to make the white earring(s) I’m wearing in the photos and also the patch and embroidery jeans.

Thanks For Reading

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-Frida

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