Turn a Silk Long Sleeved Shirt Into a Cami Perfect for Summer

7 Materials
$5
30 Minutes
Medium

I had an old silk top that just didn’t fit right anymore. The fabric was so beautiful that I didn’t want to just throw it away, so I decided to turn it into a cute cami perfect for my summer wardrobe! If you haven’t made your own pattern, it’s actually quite easy! You simply need a piece from your wardrobe that fits you well and you can make your own top in a similar style! So grab an old shirt and follow my step-by-step tutorial below to make your own adorable cami top!


Tools and Materials:

  • Long sleeved shirt (I love the feel of a silk cami so I used a silk shirt)
  • Fabric scissors
  • Weights
  • Pattern
  • Lace ribbon
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
Divide
Divide and Iron


I started by cutting up the sides of the blouse to separate the front and the back.

Iron

Then I ironed it so that it lay as flat as possible. My shirt was made of silk, so even the slightest crease could throw off my design.

Cut Out the Pattern
Cut Out the Pattern


I used a pattern that I had made from a cami top that I already had. You can find my tutorial on how to create patterns HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc4j95GmsqE . I folded my shirt in half and lay the pattern piece on top of it so that one side was touching the center of the shirt. Then I put weights on top and cut it out. This would form the back of my cami top.

Cut Out the Back Pattern

Then I repeated the process with the pattern for the front on the front piece of my fabric.

Pin
Add Darts


In order to add darts for the bust, I folded them over so that the right sides were facing each other. 

Add Darts

Then I sewed at an angle from the inner pin to the outer pin and pressed them. 

Add Lace
Add Lace


Instead of lining the top, I decided to use lace ribbon along the edges. 

Sew the Lace On

I pinned the lace along the top edge of the cami. When I got to the corners, I folded it and pinned it in place. Then I sewed it down with a narrow zig zag stitch. 

Repeat on the Back

I repeated this on the back of the top.

Cami with Lace


Sew
Sew


Pin the front and back pieces of the cami together with the right sides facing each other and sew them together with a straight stitch. Then I overcast the raw edges with an overlock stitch.


Tip:

If you don’t have an overlock you can use a French seam here.

Add a Hem

Then I folded the bottom of the cami over itself twice on the wrong side and sewed a straight stitch to create a hem.

Add Straps
Add Straps


Using material from the sleeves of the original top, I sewed a shoulder strap that was approximately 18 inches long. To make a shoulder strap, determine the width you want it to be and then cut a strip slightly larger than double the width. Fold the piece over lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other, and sew the edges together. Then invert the strap and iron with the seam in the center of one side of the strap. When you attach the strap to the top make sure that the side with the seam is facing down.

DIY Cami Top

And that’s it! I managed to salvage some beautiful fabric from an old top that didn’t quite fit my style anymore. How have you refashioned your own clothing? Let me know in the comments below!

Suggested materials:
  • Long sleeved shirt
  • Fabric scissors
  • Weights
See all materials

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