Tools and materials:
Long sleeve shirt
Marker
Pins
Scissors
Ruler
Sewing machine
Make a Gorgeous Open Back Top From a Long Sleeve Shirt
6 Materials
$5
30 Minutes
Easy
I love a good fashion transformation and this is one of my favorites! I refashioned a long sleeve shirt into an absolutely stunning open back top. In just a few simple and easy steps I was able to create a stunning, fashion-forward top that has become an absolute closet essential. If you are looking for your next fashion upcycle, this tutorial is what you need! Follow my easy, step-by-step guide and get started on creating the most amazing open back top that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Mark the open back
Mark the shirt
The first thing I did to get this stunner of a top is mark where I wanted the open back to end.
Mark a new neckline
I wanted to drop the neckline a little lower so I marked on the front where I wanted the neckline to be.
Draw the open back
Next, I turned the shirt over and marked from the start of my open back to the top of the shirt. Using a ruler in this step would have definitely been easier!
DIY cut long sleeve shirt
Cut the shirt
I then used my scissors to cut along my markings including the lowered neckline! I could already tell this was going to be an amazing top.
Cut out ties
I snipped open the bottom of my shirt and then drew two semi-circles along the bottom. I cut these to form the ties for my open back shirt so I made sure to leave them attached to the fabric and not cut all the way through.
Cut across
I then drew a straight line across the shirt at the point where my open back would end. I cut along this line carefully avoiding the ties I had just made.
Sew the ties
Sew the ties
I folded the ties right sides together and sewed. I then made sure to turn the tie right side out and it had a beautiful, neat finish. I repeated this on the second tie at the back of the shirt.
Easy DIY long sleeve shirt
Hem the edges
I hemmed the edges of my new top to give it a neat and professional finish!
Add a neck strap
Add a neck strap
To create a neck strap for my amazing new shirt, I used the neckline of the original top since it was stretchy material. I made sure it fit and sewed it on across the back.
DIY open back shirt
I am so obsessed with this open back blouse! What other long sleeve shirts upcycle ideas do you have? Let me know in the comments below!
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I could see this done with a short sleeved tee shirt and wearing it during the summer. Too cold for this right now.
I really like the idea of using a short sleeve shirt also! I think I’ll give the long sleeve one a try also to wear in late spring. I wonder how it would look with the cut out in the front.... hmmm ideas ideas ideas!
Also you can also put another strip in the middle to cover your bra for those that have bigger boobs and would like to wear something like this