Make Your Own: Patchwork Top

Julia Rafael
by Julia Rafael
5 Materials
$5
1 Hour
Easy


Today, I am going to be making a patch t-shirt for you guys. This tutorial is great because not only is it easy, but it makes use of all those leftover fabrics you have lying around. So, without further ado, here’s how to make a patchwork top.

Tools and materials:

  • T-shirt
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Measuring tape
DIY patchwork top

Prepare your fabric 

The first step is to mark off the different points on your shirt where you will stitch and separate the patchwork. I started with a t-shirt I already own and placed pins on the areas where I will be separating the patches. Next, I took a piece of scrap fabric and placed it over the shirt, tracing out the first piece. I then cut out the first piece and placed it over the original shirt again to make sure it fits. Repeat this process with the same fabric for the opposite corner and one sleeve and then copy all three pieces onto a second fabric. 

Easy patchwork top

Connect the patches 

Place your two bottom corner pieces beside each other with the right sides facing up and then connect them with the wrong sides kissing. Use a zigzag stitch to connect the pieces. Repeat this step for the top pieces. Next, lay your top and bottom pieces together, right side up and pin them together in the middle (wrong sides kissing). Sew together with a zigzag stitch and you have finished the front part of your shirt. 

Basic patchwork top

Make the back piece 

For the back piece, take one of your two fabrics and trace the pattern of the front piece (except for the neckline). Cut it out. 

How to make a patchwork top

Connect the shirt

Lay your front piece over your back piece and sew down the shoulders. Next, cut off any excess fabric around the neckline. To connect the sleeves, lay the sleeve over the shoulder piece and have the right sides kissing this time. Pin down the curved side to keep your stitch stable and sew it down. 

Make a patchwork top

Attach the rest of the shirt 

With the right sides kissing, pin the sides and sleeves together. At this point, cut off any excess fabric and sew from the sleeve down to the bottom of the shirt. 

Sew a patchwork top

Attach the neckline 

Use a measuring tape to measure the opening of your neckline and then use that measurement to cut out one long tape of fabric. Repeat with the back of the neckline and then connect both your pieces of fabric in an L shape. Place your neckline strip on the edge of your neckline and match your edges as you work your way around the opening. Once it’s in place, sew it down. Next, fold the fabric over and sew it down once again. 

How to sew a patchwork top

To finish the shirt, simply hem the edges using a zigzag stitch. I pulled the fabric as I went to create a fun lettuce hem. I’m really happy with how this turned out, I think it’s a little funky but in a good way. I hope you guys try this one out and really get creative with the fabrics! 


Suggested materials:
  • T-shirt
  • Pins
  • Scissors
See all materials

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