Introduction: How to Upcycle a Skirt Into an Cold Shoulder Shirt

By Pivot Point Patterns
About: I breathe new life into old clothes by upcycling thrifted finds into new garments. It's possible to be fashionable and sustainably responsible on a small budget. I am happiest when I am sewing and working with…

Recycle a $4 thrift store skirt into an a stylish off-the-shoulder shirt. I chopped off the bottom of the skirt to make the top ruffle and used the rest of the skirt to make the bodice. This easy sewing project only took 1 hour to complete, and it's the perfect fashion statement for hot summer days.

Step 1: Cut Off the Bottom of the Skirt

The skirt is made of 3 tiers. I chopped off the bottom tier, which will become the top of the blouse. The top 2 tiers will become the bodice of the blouse. I’ll be reusing the the skinny belt with beads on the end.

Step 2: Cut Out Armholes

Trace the armholes on the bodice using an existing ready to wear tank top. Since this is going to be an off the shoulder blouse, I only traced the bottom 2 thirds of the armhole. Cut out and finish the armholes.

Step 3: Attach Ruffle to the Bodice

Place the bodice inside the middle of the top ruffle, aligning the edges. Fold over the top edge of the bodice and ruffle to make a casing for your elastic. To make sure the casing was wide enough for the elastic to lay flat, I used a gauge to measure a casing that was a smidge wider than the elastic.

Step 4: Sew Casing, Insert Elastic and Finish Bottom Hem

Sew the casing and leave a 1 inch gap. Insert the elastic and sew the ends together. Sew closed the casing gap and finish the bottom hem.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Shirt

Here's a front and back view of the cold shoulder shirt. I used the original belt with beads on the ends to create a peplum look to the shirt.

For more refashioning, upcycling and remaking ideas, check out my blog at Pivot Point Patterns.