Learn How to Make an Off The Shoulder Ruffle Crop Top

Tools and materials:

• Pattern
• Lightweight denim fabric
• Elastic
• Seam gauge
• Fabric marker
• Pins
• Clips
• Sewing machine or needle and thread

Cut the fabric

Cut two strips of fabric that measure 38x8 inches (91x20cm). These pieces will become the ruffle of the top. Then cut two additional pieces that will become the front and the back of the top. Visit my website for the dimensions of these pieces.

Sew the strips

Overlock or zigzag stitch the four (8 inch) side edges of both of the rectangular strips. Place both strips right sides touching and sew together the side seams. Then press the seams open.

Sew the front and back

Overlock or zigzag stitch the four side edges of the front and back pieces. Place the front and back pieces together, right sides touching. Pin them in place and proceed to sew the side seams. You also need to hem the armhole openings.

Attach the ruffle

Now you’re going to attach the ruffle to the top. Mark the center top of each layer of the strips and bodice pieces with a pin. Pin the top of the bodice piece to the top section of the strips. The right sides of both layers should be facing the same direction. Pin this area. Repeat on the other side. Once you’ve done this, overlock or zigzag stitch all the way around.

Measure the elastic

The next step is to measure the elastic snugly around your shoulders. The elastic is what will make what you’ve made so far into a wearable top that you can wear around your shoulders. Measure the width of your elastic. Use a seam gauge to mark this width around the entire top circumference and, once marked, pin the fabric in place. Now sew along the whole circumference. Remember to leave a gap to be able to insert the elastic.

Tip:

Always double-check the width of the elastic before you start sewing.

Add the elastic

Attach the elastic to a safety pin and thread the pin into your garment. When finished, sew the ends of the elastic together. Then tuck it inside and sew up the gap. Hem everything - and you’re done!

Tip:

Always check that the elastic doesn’t get twisted.

What I absolutely love about this crop top is the fact that you can wear it in five different ways!

You can wear it off of both shoulders...

...you can wear it on your shoulders...

… you can wear it off of one shoulder...

… you can wear it one-sleeved...

… And you can wear it as fully sleeveless!

With so many choices as to how you can wear this top, you’re never going to get bored of it. The top is so simple to make, the ruffles are flowy and feminine, and the fact that it’s denim means that you can pretty much wear it with anything. What’s not to like?