80’s Inspired Thrift Flip

Tools and materials:

• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Marker
• Elastic
• Safety pin
• Shirt

Cut the neckline 

To start the thrift flip, I marked on the shirt where I wanted the new neckline. The fabric of the shirt made it easier because I could just follow the lines. 

Once I had marked the fabric, I cut the front and back to get the perfect neckline. 

Add volume to the sleeves 

To give the sleeves some extra volume, I folded the top in a triangle and stitched to create small ruffles. 

Mark any changes 

I tried on the top so I could see that I liked the sleeves. I also checked to see how I wanted my neckline to be and I marked the extra fabric at the back so that I knew how much I needed to take off. 

Add elastic 

To make sure the sleeves would fit really well, I decided to add elastics. I folded the extra fabric at the bottom of each sleeve and sewed it to create a small channel to pass elastic through. 

I then measured a piece of elastic around my arm so that I could cut two perfectly sized pieces. 

To add the elastic, I hand sewed one end right next to the entrance of the small channel and used a safety pin to thread the other end through. When it was all the way through I stitched the second end down as well. 

Ensure the perfect fit for you

Next, I cut off the excess piece of fabric that I had marked on the back of the top and then sewed the back closed again. I was careful to try to sew along the line of the fabric so that the top would have a professional finish. 

I wanted the neckline to have a bit more of a curve to it so I tried on the shirt and marked the changes to the neckline. 

I folded my neckline according to my new markings and sewed it in place. 

To create a fuller look on my chest, I decided to add two darts to the front of my top. 

For a clean finish, I trimmed any extra fabric from the front and back. 

I tried on the shirt again to make sure I was happy with it and I decided to take off some more fabric from the back and crop the bottom of the shirt. 

Add ruffles 

I used the extra strips of fabric, that I had from cutting earlier, to create the ruffles for the bottom of the top. I sewed a straight stitch along the strip and then pulled the thread to gather the fabric. 

I placed the ruffled fabric at the bottom of the top, right sides together, and sewed them on. 

I really love how this shirt turned out! Do you have other 80’s inspired thrift flip ideas? Let me know in the comments!