Thrift Flip: Super Easy Button-Up Crop Top

Elegra Margiela
by Elegra Margiela
5 Materials
$2
1 Hour
Easy


I found this shirt at a thrift shop, and I loved the material and the buttons and knew I would be able to turn this into an adorable summer top. So follow along, and I’ll show you how I turned this basic blouse into a fun, fashionable, DIY button-up crop top.


Tools and materials:

  • Button-down shirt
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine
DIY button-up crop top


Sew a button-up crop top

Cut

To make this easy button-up crop top, I started by cutting off the sleeves of the blouse. 

Make a button-up crop top

Then I decided how long I wanted my shirt to be, making sure to take seam allowance into account, and cut across the shirt at that point. 

How to sew a button-up crop top

Then I checked the fit, decided how tight I wanted my shirt to be, and cut the sides of the shirt down to size.

How to make a button-up crop top

Pin and sew

Next, I laid the two pieces of fabric right sides together, and pinned and sewed down both side seams. 

Easy button-up crop top

Fold, pin, and sew

I hemmed the top edge of the shirt with the foldover method--folding the edge in twice to hide the raw edge, and then pinning and sewing it down. 

button-up crop top tutorial

Cut

I used the sleeves to cut strips of fabric for my straps. I measured 14 inches from the cuff, cut straight across the sleeve, and also cut open the side seam. 

From there, I cut two 2 inch wide strips of fabric. 

Pin and sew

I folded each strap in half lengthwise, right sides facing, and pinned and sewed down the long edges. 

Turn and iron

Next, I turned each of the straps right side out. I used my fingers, but you can also use a loop turner, a safety pin, or a long stick like a knitting needle to push the fabric through. Then I ironed the straps flat. 

Measure, pin, and sew

Because I wanted to be able to wear this top with a bra, I tried on the top and marked the area on the shirt where my bra straps were showing above it. Then I pinned my straps onto those marked areas and sewed them in place. 

And here is the final transformation!


I really like how this thrift flip turned out. I can’t wait to wear this top in the spring and summer. Did you find my button-up crop top tutorial helpful? If you use this tutorial to sew a button-up crop top of your own, I would love to see your results.

Suggested materials:
  • Button-down shirt
  • Scissors
  • Pins
See all materials

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