Transform an Old T-shirt Into a Cute Patchwork Crop Top

I turned an old short sleeved shirt into a patchwork crop top with reverse seams. It was pretty simple and easy to copy. Check out my instructions and you’re good to go.

1. Cut out the basic shape

Using a fitted top you already own and that fits you well as a template saves so much time.

Place your boring short sleeved top flat and place the fitted top on it, lining up the base of the neckline on each.

You can trace around the shape first, or do as I did and just start cutting. If you do that, be careful not to cut the top itself and leave a half inch (1 cm) seam allowance all the way around.

You could also fold both tops in half lengthwise first, so that way you’d be sure that both sides would be even.

I eyeballed it and then tidied up the armholes later.

2. Shape the neckline

Fold the front and back in half lengthwise.

Measure 2 inches (5 cm) down the fold and 3 inches (8 cm) along the shoulders for the neckline, and cut out the shape.

Fold one of the pieces in half lengthwise and cut the neckline 3 inches (8 cm) deep for the front.

3. Sew the center front and back seams

Fold the front and back panels in half individually with the wrong sides inside.

I’d suggest you try out various zigzag settings on the scrap fabric first. I ended up with a stitch width of 3 and a length of 2 but this may be different on your machine.

Once you’re happy with the setting, sew a zigzag stitch in a contrast thread down both folds.

4. Sew the shoulder seams and edge the neckline

Place the two pieces together with the wrong sides facing.

Line up the shoulders.

Using the same zigzag stitch, sew the shoulder seams together.

When you get to the neckline, don’t overstretch the fabric. Use your fingers to guide the fabric under the presser foot and sew around the neck edge.

5. Insert the sleeves and sew the side seams

You can cut the original sleeves from the top and remove any trim you don’t like, or cut a completely new pair of sleeves at any length you want.

I used the original ones and cut off the lace edging.

Cut open the sleeve seam and check that the top of the sleeve fits the armhole.

Pin the sleeves to the armholes with the wrong sides facing and sew the seams carefully.

Sew the sleeve seams and side seams in the same way.

You can leave the lower hem as it is, or cut it off and zigzag stitch around the edge, as I did.