Make a Trendy Lace-Up Top - Thrift Flip Edition

7 Materials
$40
90 Minutes
Easy


I found some inspiration for a lovely lace-up top and I decided that doing a DIY lace-up top on a thrifted shirt would be amazing! I found this mesmerizing pastel green top at my local thrift store- there’s nothing else to it except for the lovely color. I will be making this easy lace-up top and I’ll show you how you can easily pull off the same look at home. Let’s get to it!

Tools and materials:

  • Loose-fitting top
  • Grommets
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
  • Grommet tools and hammer
  • String
DIY lace-up top

Mark your folds

First thing's first, fold some fabric over and see how it looks. Wear your top and down the center sides, fold your fabric and see how you think the folds should go. Pinch around an inch of fabric inside and fold.

Lace-up corset top

My top was actually a little too loose, and when I tried folding in the center sides in front, the fabric would bunch up. So, if the same happens to you, simply take in the shirt on the sides.

Lace-up front top

Now that my top is more of a tight fit, I basically pinned the fold's starting points on top. Pin this on your body so that you have a concise idea of where the fold should start.

Easy lace-up top

Next, lay it on the table and neatly fold it in an inch, using the top pins as your guide. Make sure the folds are as straight as possible. Pin the fold accordingly.

How to make a lace-up top

Stitch alongside the two edges of the fold so that you have a flap.

Make a lace-up top

Install the grommets

Ok, so I suggest that if you have never installed grommets before, go ahead and practice on a scrap piece of fabric. Once you get the hang of it, return to your DIY lace-up top and start installing grommets along the flap of fabric. Get your tools out and start by piercing a hole through the folded layer with a sharp pair of scissors.

Women’s lace-up top

Stretch the hole open and stretch it around the bottom side of the grommet. 

Install the grommets

Then, take the top grommet piece and lay it on the other side of the fabric.

Hammer it down

With the hand tool centered in the middle of the grommet, hammer it down with a few firm slams. Once you are happy with the first result and you feel confident enough to carry on, go ahead and install more grommets alongside the flaps.

Repeat the process

Repeat for the other side

Remember to repeat the process on the other side, sewing a flap and installing grommets aligned symmetrically adjacent to the other side. Happy hammering!


TIP-

I added 3 grommets to each side, but then I tried it on and realized 4 grommets wouldn't harm the look. So if you feel you may need more, go ahead and add more grommets where necessary.

Add the lace tie

Add the lace tie

Now that your grommets are on, simply feed through your lace tie. I opted for a zigzag stitch with a cute, loose tie at the bottom.

Unique and sexy lace-up top

Wow! I'm so happy with the result! That was a unique DIY lace-up top project, and it went smoothly and even easier than I thought. I love how it looks, and it really gives the top a whole new meaning. I'm so chuffed, and I know you will be, too! I hope you enjoyed this fun tutorial, and good luck on your upcycled, lace-up top DIY project!




Suggested materials:
  • Loose-fitting t-shirt
  • Grommets
  • Sewing machine
See all materials

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