Turn an Old Maxi Dress to a Billowy Poncho Crop Top and a Skirt Set
Today I have a simple DIY using an old boring dress to make a fun Poncho Crop Top with Bell Sleeves.
The first thing I did was hem the dress. The top part is now going to be the bottom as a skirt.
Next, I hem it by about 1/2 inch. Easy peasy the bottom is done. Now it's time to work on the poncho top.
Using the piece I cut off from the dress. I will use it to make the crop top. I place the side seams at the center. Then along the fold I will draft a loose fitting bodice.
Here is the measurement for the front bodice. If you like to make the top longer just increase the blouse length. I will use the this piece as a template for the back bodice.
Cut it out do not forget to add 1/2 inch seam allowances except along the fold.
I raised the back neck by about 1 1/2 inches. By the way the material of this dress is jersey knit.
Now I am going to make the bell sleeves by tracing the armcye like this. At this point there is no more measuring. I'm trying to work with the material that I have left.
I cut out two pieces for the sleeves, if the sleeves are a little too big along the armcye, you can easily trim it along the in seam. I ended up trimming 1/2 inch off. Remember it's better to have extra fabric than not having enough.
Now, it time to join the shoulder seams. Match the right sides of the fabrics.
I will join the sleeve. I match the center fold to the sleeve to the shoulder seam. Pin along the edge. Right sides of the fabrics are facing.
Sew along the edge following a 1/2 inch seam allowance just to be accurate.
It's time to close the side seams starting from the sleeve inseams down to the blouse seams.
Lastly, hem the neckline, I simply double roll hem it because the neck hole is big enough it does not have to stretch out. I simple use a straight stitch without stretching the fabric as I sew.
This is the poncho top mixed and matched with a solid pencil skirt.
This is the set worn together. You can also pair the skirt with a plain top. This simple DIY set can be styled in so many combinations.
For more easy and free step by step DIY clothes visit my Youtube channel Sew Aldo.
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