Thrift Flip Tutorial: How to DIY a Sexy Open Back Knit Top

Hi guys! I’m going to be turning my turtleneck dress into an open-back knit top. My DIY crop top project is meant to inspire DIY crop top ideas for you to repurpose an old shirt you want to work on. Grab your supplies and join me in this crop top DIY.

Tools and materials:

• Old turtle neck shirt dress
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Sewing chalk
• Measuring tape

1. Prep

Lay the garment inside-out on a flat surface. If you’re using a dress like me, cut off the bottom.

2. Cut to desired length

Measure and mark the desired length of the shirt starting from the outer part of the neckline. Then cut the excess fabric length from the bottom.

3. Get in position

Place the shirt folded from the center back so that the front center is on one side, the back center is on the other side and the sleeves are together.

4. Making the cut-out

Measure and mark 5 inches up from the bottom of the center back. Then measure and mark 4 inches out from the center on the bottom.

Move 2 inches up from that point. Then measure and mark 5 inches out from the center. This will help you create a circular cut-out.

Cut out that piece.

5. Finish the edges

Lay the shirt flat with the back facing up. Go all along the edges of the cut-out shape and pin them inward about ¼ inch.

Measure 1 and ½ inches up from the bottom of the shirt. Fold, pin, and sew along the bottom of the entire shirt.

6. Finish the neckline

To turn the turtle neck into a regular neckline measure 1 inch up from the neckline seam and measure and mark all the way around. Then cut off the turtle neck.

Fold the fabric above the neckline hem down ½ an inch (by folding it in half). Pin it in place and sew.

7. Making the strap

Use the excess fabric from the bottom of the shirt and measure an inch up from the bottom. Cut the entire way around creating one long strip of fabric.

Fold the strip in half and sew together using a zig-zag stitch.

Attach a safety pin to one end and use it to thread the strip through the bottom seam of the shirt.

Pull it through so the ends come out evenly from each side and you're done! Try it on and don’t forget to tie it at the back.

Open back knit top

I hope you enjoyed this DIY crop shirt tutorial. I love the finished product. It’s hip, modern, and shows off just the right amount of skin. What do you think? Leave me a comment and let me know how your crop top DIY shirt turned out.

Next, try out this Quick and Easy Reversible Tote Bag Pattern Tutorial.