How to Make a Strapless Crop Top Out of an Old Tablecloth
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Ever wondered how do you reuse old tablecloths? Recently, my goal has been to take bigger unwanted items from the thrift store, like a curtain or a tablecloth, and give them new life.
In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to make a strapless crop top out of a tablecloth.
Tools and materials:
- Linen tablecloth
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Elastic
- Pins
- Safety pin
- Sewing machine
- Rope
- Needle and thread
I found this linen tablecloth at the thrift store for literally $1, and I really loved it . First of all, it’s linen, and second of all, the summery white and blue colors gave me the inspiration to do a short, cropped, flowy tube top.
1. Measure and cut the fabric
I first measured on myself how long I wanted the top to be. Then, I measured from the bottom up, added a few inches for seam allowance at the top, and cut straight across.
2. Measure and cut the elastic
Next, I took my elastic, fitted it around me, and cut it to my size.
3. Pin and sew a hem
I pinned down a hem that will enclose all the raw edges when I fold this edge down again to make the tube for the elastic later. Then, I proceeded to sew the hem down.
4. Pin and sew the tube
I used my elastic as a guideline for how wide I needed my tube to be. So I folded that over, leaving myself about a ¼ inch of space or so, and pinned that all down.
I removed the elastic and sew as close to the edge as possible to create my elastic tube.
5. Insert the elastic
To thread my elastic through the tube, I pinned a big safety pin through the end of one side of the elastic. I inserted it into the tube and then pulled it through to the other side.
Once the opposite end reached where I started threading through, I pinned that end to the opening so the elastic didn’t fall back into the tube.
6. Sew the two elastic ends together
Once both ends were through the openings, I pulled them out a little and pinned them down about an inch overlapping each other.
Then I used a zigzag stitch to make a good few passes through this inch of overlap.
7. Join up the fabric
Next, I hid the elastic seam with the ends of my tubes, so they were nice and lined up.
I then pinched the top of the tube, avoiding the elastic so I could sew a short stitch above and below the elastic connecting the ends of the tubes.
8. Add the tie
For my decorative tie at the back, I decided to use some rope that I had lying around.
I cut it in two and tied it in a bow, leaving two short ends. I pushed them through this slight opening in the tubes so they’ll be hidden.
After that, using a needle and white thread, I sewed straight through the rope in the back of the top to secure it all down. The tie is only decorative; it isn’t functional since I have the elastic.
How to make a strapless crop top
I really enjoyed this DIY strapless crop top project. It felt very rewarding to take an unwanted tablecloth and completely transform it into a cute top that I can wear in the summer.
This DIY was so easy, so I hope you’ll give it a go, or perhaps this tutorial gave you some inspiration for other upcycling projects that you can do. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Linen tablecloth
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Elastic
- Pins
- Safety pin
- Sewing machine
- Rope
- Needle and thread
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I don’t see. Am not handy with my hands, but the top is so cute! & simple.
I have been collecting old floral linen tablecloths for decades, & have an idea to have a 3 different florals, 3 row skirt (can’t think of what they are called right now, but I have several). Great little summer skirt with elastic waist!