Turn a Pair of Jeans Into an Off Shoulder Top

JONYAÉ
by JONYAÉ
5 Materials
$10
15 Minutes
Easy


Got a pair of jeans at home that you no longer wear? No need to throw them out - this is a great DIY upcycle that you can do with them. Learn how to make an off-shoulder top that you’ll love to wear.

Tools and materials:

  • A pair of jeans (preferably high waisted)
  • Fabric scissors
  • Zipper
  • Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
  • Fabric marker/chalk
Upcycle jeans

Fold and cut

Start by folding the jeans in half lengthways and then cut them right above the crotch.

DIY jean top

Cut open

Now you’ve got what will be the body of the top. Cut one side open to insert the zipper.

Jeans top

Sew the zipper

The next step is to sew the zipper onto the jeans. Arrange the two sides of the zipper onto the jeans (as you can see in the picture) and pin them down. Using a straight stitch, sew the zipper down, do this on both sides.


Tip:

Remove belt loops or anything bulky

Jeans off-the-shoulder top

Cut the sleeves

The remainder of the jeans, i.e., the legs, will be used for your top’s sleeves. Place the sleeves (the legs) on your arms and use pins to tighten them so that they’re the right fit for your arms. Then take the sleeves off and turn them inside out, being careful not to remove the pins. Mark with a fabric pen the new dimensions and proceed to cut along the line you’ve marked. Cut off the excess fabric. 


For the second sleeve, place it on top of the first one that you’ve already cut and just cut it the same way. This ensures that they are uniform.

Sewing a jean top

Sew the sleeves

Keeping the sleeves inside out, you now need to sew them using a straight stitch.

Jean crop top

Attach sleeves to the top

Pin the sleeves to the bodice, right sides facing, and sew along the edge.

Upcycled denim



You’re done! You’ve now got a unique and stylish off-shoulder top. Everyone will be asking you where you bought it from. Who would have guessed that it started off as a pair of jeans? ;)

Suggested materials:
  • Jeans
  • Scissors
  • Zipper
See all materials

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