Learn to Make 3 Stunning Styles of Open Back Crop Tops

Jess Dang
by Jess Dang
6 Materials
$5
30 Minutes
Easy


Have a couple of old T-shirts sitting in your closet? There is no need to get rid of them when they can be so easily refashioned into something amazing! This tutorial will show you how to transform a boring old T into a fashion statement crop top! Learn all the tips and tricks to creating 3 different, gorgeous crop tops that can be dressed up or down and styled in so many ways. Follow my easy, step-by-step guide and get started on totally revamping your T-shirts into what will definitely become new closet favorites! This DIY will leave you with some fun and flirty pieces you never knew you needed!

Tools and materials:

  • T-shirt
  • Measuring tape
  • Tailor’s chalk
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
Measure your T
Crop the T-shirt



For this amazing crop top, use a tight-fitting T-shirt. Start by measuring the length you want to make your new top and mark it. 

Cut the T


Use a pair of scissors to cut straight across the T, making it the perfect length for your amazing new crop top. 

Fold the bottom


Next, Measure 4 inches from the bottom of your top and fold the fabric. Pin the fold in place and sew two seams to hold the fold securely and keep it neat. 

Mark the center
Make an open back




Turn the T right side out and mark the middle of the back, Draw a straight line down the middle. 

Draw two lines


Once you have a line down the middle, measure 2 cm on each side and draw another two lines down. Make sure that all your lines are 24cm long. 

Cut out the back


Then draw a curve using your lines as a guide and cut to create the gorgeous open back for your new top. The open back definitely makes this piece a show-stopper! 

Fold the cut edges


Turn the shirt inside out again for this next step. Measure around the gap you just cut and create a 2cm fold all the way around. Hold the fold in place with pins and then sew it down. This will definitely give your open back a perfect finish!

Cut two strips
Make a tie



To create the ties for this stunning top, use the extra T-shirt fabric and cut two strips with a 3 cm width. 

Connect the strips


Then sew two ends of the fabric strips together to make one long tie. 

Open back criss cross crop top

Fold two of the sides towards the middle and then fold the strip in half to make the tie. Make sure you pin the fold in place as you work your way along the long strip of fabric. Once you have folded the whole piece, hop back on over to your sewing machine and sew the fold in place. 

Attach the tie


Attach a safety pin to one end of the tie and thread it through the channel you created in the back earlier. The tie is a stunning detail that adds so much to this open back crop top!

White open back crop top


This crop top is so easy to make. It’s definitely got a business in the front, party in the back look! 

Draw a line down the middle
Make an open back


For this second crop top style, once again cut a small-sized T to get the cropped look. Turn the T-shirt over and draw a line down the middle of the back. Measure 2 cm from the bottom of the centerline and mark on both sides. Then draw a line from your 2 cm marking to the top of the middle line. If you want a more open back, extend your second markings by more than 2 cm. 

Cut along markings


Next, cut along your markings to create this fun and flirty, open back top.

Sew the edges


In this step, fold the edges of your new back inwards. Pin them in place and then sew along your pinned line. This step will definitely give your crop top a nice clean finish!

Add detail
Create a fitted look



To give your crop top a little extra detail, mark 10 cm from each side and make a few small folds at the marking. Sew over the folds to give your new top the perfect fitted look. 

Cut the extra fabric
Create ties


Once again with that extra fabric cut two strips, each with a 3 cm width. Connect the strips together to make one long piece! 

Attach to the front


To give your crop top the glam-up it needs, attach the long strip of fabric to the bottom front of your top, making sure there are equal amounts of fabric hanging off of each side. 

Fold and sew


Now that you’ve sewed on your strip, fold it just like you did for the first crop top to create an amazing tie for this new top. 

Add a button
Add a button




Finally, don’t forget to add a button and buttonhole to the neck!

DIY open back crop top


The tie and the open back definitely add a bit of flirtiness to this stunning crop top! 

Mark the top
Mark the T-shirt



For this third gorgeous crop top, I recommend using a medium-size T-shirt. Start by marking a line at 40 cm in the front and then turn the T over and draw two diagonal lines from the neckline to the center bottom of the top. 

Draw diagonal lines


Then draw another two diagonal lines from the center of your shirt, meeting the center bottom. 

Cut at the drawn markings
Cut at the markings



Get out your scissors and cut along your markings including at the front. 

Cut the neckline


Now that you have cropped your top, cut out the neckline of the T-shirt. 

Fold along the edges
Sew along cut edges




To give your new top an amazing finish and to avoid any fraying, double fold all the cut edges inwards. Pin them and then hope on over to your sewing machine to sew the folds in place.

White crop top open back


This crop top is so fun and cute. I just adore it! Which style is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! 

Suggested materials:
  • T-shirt
  • Measuring tape
  • Tailor's chalk
See all materials

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