How to Upcycle Clothes That Are Too Small & Make Something New
Altering clothes that are too small simply means finding new ways to use them. If you’ve got clothes that are too small to wear, here’s a chic way to upcycle them.
This method is good for clothes that don’t have a lot of give or stretch. You’ll mix and match them with scraps you’ve already got. This top with a lovely wave pattern is perfect for the summer or worn under a cozy sweater. Let me show you how to upcycle clothes that are too small.
Tools and materials:
- Too-small leggings
- Scrap fabric
- Your own well-fitting tank
- Paper & pen
- Marker
- French curve ruler
- Regular ruler
- Serger
- Sewing machine
- Twin needle
- Pins
- Scissors
1. Make the pattern
Lay your tank onto a piece of paper to draw the pattern. Make sure the tank and the fabric you’re using to make the top have a similar amount of stretch. Once you’ve drawn the shape, it’s time to make the wavy pattern.
Use a French curve ruler but if you don’t have one, use a round object you have to get the curve right when making the top line.
Repeat the curve on the other side to look like the pieces are overlapping. Repeat the first pattern all the way down.
Make sure to space out the curves evenly. You can use a regular ruler to do this or eyeball for a more organic style.
Switch the French ruler to the other side at the bottom to get the bottom curve.
Number the pattern pieces so you won’t get them mixed up.
Cut out the pattern.
2. Cut the fabric
Cut the too-small leggings across at the legs, leaving enough just in case you want to make shorts for someone else.
Trace the pattern on to the fabric with at least ½ inch seam allowance as the pattern doesn’t have any marked allowance. Cut with the fabric double layered or folded as you’ll need two mirrored pieces of each pattern piece.
Repeat this method with the scrap fabric.
Make the back top as flat as possible so it fits better.
It should look like this.
3. Assemble the top
Stitch each piece to its next corresponding piece, right sides together.
Because each piece is curved, you’ll have to ease the fabric a bit to align it. Use your serger. If you haven’t got one, use a stretchy stitch like a zigzag stitch. Repeat this technique until the entire front and back panels are assembled.
4. Sew the top
Place the front and back panel right sides together. Align the seams. Sew with a stretchy stitch.
Before hemming, serge the top and bottom.
Fold over towards the wrong side and pin in place.
Use a twin needle to hem as this is the nicest way to achieve a stretchy hem.
How to upcycle clothes that are too small
I hope that my tutorial helped you refashion clothes that are too small. Please let me know in the comments if you made this fun and chic top.
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So cute!
Cute! But expensive if 1 does not have a sewing machine, rulers, etc. already. :/