How to Make a DIY Backless Silk Top Out of a Gucci-inspired Scarf
In this tutorial, I will show you how to take a silk scarf and make a Gucci-inspired reversible backless shirt for the summer. If you’d like to learn how to make a backless top, then keep reading for details!
Tools and materials:
- Silk scarf
- Paper towel
- Measuring tape
- Fabric clips
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
1. Cut the back straps
I thought the border around the top would make for perfect straps. If you also have a border, take the bottom edge and fold it over. Hold it down with fabric clips or anything heavy. Then, cut along the folded edge.
This is the strap you’ll use to tie around your back.
2. Cut the neck straps
Now, do the same for the neck straps. Cut a straight line across the top end of the scarf.
3. Sew the straps
Take both straps and fold them in half right sides facing. Then sew a zigzag stitch all along the edge.
Silk is tough to work with, especially when it comes to cutting and sewing. I did a paper towel method (as shown above). Put a paper towel underneath your fabric, so your machine won’t eat it up. Once done, simply rip off the paper towel.
Once both ties are sewn, go ahead and flip them right sides out. Take a safety pin and place it on one end. Slide it through the tube to get to the otherside and pull it out. Then, flatten everything, including the sides.
Next, finish off the straps by doing a straight stitch all the way down.
Boom! We’ve got some nice, professional-looking straps.
Fold each strap in half and snip the center so that you have 4 equal-length pieces.
4. Cut the backless top pattern
I originally cut my top in the shape of a diamond, but it didn’t work out (you’ll see me fixing it later). If you do want a diamond shape, make sure to make the top part extra wide.
Once you’ve got your front piece, use that to cut out the back pattern (on the fold). I made mine so that the back of the top has just the “G” for Gucci, and the front has the iconic red and green stripes.
5. Assemble the backless top
Take your back piece with the right sides facing up and lay your straps accordingly (sides and neck area).
Place your front piece right side facing the back pieces with the straps sandwiched in the middle.
Then, sew all the way around.
At this point, I realized my top didn’t fit me. So, I started seam ripping all of my straps out.
To make the shirt fit, I folded over the top edge (to make it wider) and cut out that piece.
Now, sandwich your strap inside again.
Ensure to put the two neck ties by the top corners of the hole.
Sew around the edges.
Leave a gap to flip the backless top right sides out.
When turning the top, poke the edges with your fingers to ensure everything lays flat. Then, fold in the edges of the opening and do a topstitch.
DIY backless silk top
Here’s the finished reversible backless top. I hope you guys enjoyed this Gucci-inspired top that I made from a silk scarf. It’s so straightforward, and so is the pattern. Thanks for joining me and have fun!
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Silk scarf
- Paper towel
- Measuring tape
- Fabric clips
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
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