Thrift Flipping Tutorial: How to Upcycle an Old Camisole Top
Most people think of thrift flipping as using one type of garment to make another. This can get complicated if you're new to sewing.
Another way to thrift flip clothes is to take something you donāt like, either that you've thrifted or already have in your closet, and upcycle it by changing the fit or adding a new trim. That's what I'm going to show you today.
You'll need a serger or a sewing machine with an overlock stitch, and almost nothing else.
Tools and materials:
- Baggy camisole top
- Camisole as template
- Contrast thread
- Tailor's chalk
- Ruler
- Pins
- Scissors
- Serger or sewing machine
1. Resize
The camisole top I thrifted was too loose and baggy to be flattering and very plain.
Lay the top down flat with the right side out.
Place a well fitting camisole on top and line up the straps.
Cut the new camisole to be about half an inch wider on each side than your template.
You can mark the new side seams first, or cut straight on to the fabric by eye, as I did.
Pin the cut side seams together, with the wrong sides facing.
2. Mark the trim
Refold the camisole so the side seams are in the center and the center front and back are at each side.
Line up the top edge.
Measure and mark 2.5 inches in from the center front fold at the lower edge and 3 inches in from the fold at the armhole.
Join the marks with a straight line.
Transfer the marks to the other side of the front and draw a matching line.
3. Sew
Using a contrast thread and overlock stitch or a serger, join the side seams with the wrong sides together.
Fold the front along one of the marked lines, still with the wrong sides together.
Serge or overlock the fold with the contrast thread.
Repeat for the other marked line.
Thrift flipping: Upcycled top
Now you've turned a baggy camisole into a well fitting one with a flattering trim.
I just folded the lower edge of mine to the inside to make it a crop top. If you prefer, catch it down with a few stitches at the sides.
You can adapt this idea in other ways, using a self-colored thread instead of a contrast one for example, or adding a third stitched fold down the center.
You can even use the same technique on other styles of top. Be creative and make something unique for yourself.
And please let me know what you think in the comments below!
Next, check out my post on How to DIY a Cute Bandana Dress.
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