Upcycle a Skirt and Scarf Into a Boho Swing Tank Top

Last year, I scored a beautiful ikat scarf at the thrift store for $1.  I knew I wanted to mix it with denim, but it took me FOREVER to find the PERFECT distressed shade of blue to match the scarf.  I did a little happy dance when I found the denim skirt for just a few bucks.  The bias flair of the skirt inspired me to refashion it into a boho chic swing top.


In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to upcycle the scarf into a shoulder yoke and attach the skirt as the bodice of the swing tank top.  This easy sewing project only took me 2 hours to make.


Here’s a quick overview of the swing tank top refashion:


Step 1:  Cut out shoulder yoke


Step 2:  Cut out skirt for the bodice


Step 3:  Attach skirt to the shoulder yoke


Step 4:  Trim armhole and sides of tank


Step 5:  Sew shoulders and sides


Step 6:  Finish the neckline and armholes


Step 1:  Cut out shoulder yoke

I used the top 6″ of my Christine Haynes Emery pattern to cut the yoke from the scarf.  Be sure to stay stitch the neckline and armholes so you don’t stretch out the fabric (I learned this lesson the hard way).


Step 2:  Cut out skirt for the bodice

I chopped off the waist and side seams of the skirt


Step 3:  Attach skirt to the shoulder yoke

With right sides together, attach the yoke to the skirt.


Step 4:  Trim armhole and sides of tank

Shape the armholes and taper the sides of the skirt.


Step 5:  Sew shoulders and sides

With right sides together, sew the shoulder and side seams.


Step 6:  Finish the neckline and armholes

I made my own bias tape and sewed it to the neckline and armholes.


And here’s the finished swing top . . .

Don’t you love the way the bodice drapes?  I didn’t bother adding bust darts because the bias of the fabric easily stretches around curves.

Here’s a side view.  The loose, flowing fit makes this tank top perfect for hot summer days.

I hope you enjoyed this skirt and scarf to swing top refashion.  Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think.


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  • Miss Daisy Miss Daisy on Feb 13, 2022

    Love your creation !!! Patience paid off.

  • Mary Vance Mary Vance on Feb 13, 2022

    Oh, if ONLY we all had nice looking arms for sleeveless. I agree with the "PATIENCE" for fabric; I have a whole bedroom full of patience waiting to be sewn. I do like what you have done and might try with some sleeves.


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