Finding easy clothes to make when you’re just getting started can be so difficult!
But you’re in luck! This Off the Shoulder Top DIY is the perfect starter piece for your #MeMade closet.
This off-the-shoulder top is:
- Flattering for most body types
- Super stylish – I mean, I see these everywhere, don’t you?
- Made using only straight lines of stitches – no need to sew around curves
- Doesn’t need a pattern!
So are you ready to make your very own? Then keep reading!
Step 1: Supplies
- 1-2 yards of fabric
For beginners, non-stretch fabric (also called woven) is usually easiest to work with.
For more specific details on how much fabric you’ll need, check out Step 2: Body Measurements below!
- Matching Thread
- 1/2″ Wide Elastic
You’ll need enough elastic to go around your upper body and both arms
- Safety Pin (Optional)
You can do this without a safety pin, but with one is MUCH easier!
- Standard Sewing Supplies
These are the sewing tools you’ll need for every project (ie sewing machine, iron, scissors).
Not sure you have the Standard Sewing Supplies? No worries! Just check out my 10 Must-Have Sewing Tools List.
Step 2: Body Measurements
For this project we’re going to need (5) Measurements!
- Full Bust Measurement
- Around Arm Measurement
- Neckline to Armpit Measurement
- Desired Shirt Length
- Desired Sleeve Length
To make sure you know exactly how to take these measurements correctly, check out my How to Take Body Measurements blog post!
Step 3: Trace and Cut Your Fabric!
For the Front and Back of Your Off the Shoulder Top DIY :
Measure out a rectangle that is 1.5 x Full Bust Measurement wide (see Blue Arrow)
And as long as the Shirt Length + 1.5″ (4cm) + Width of Elastic (see Yellow Arrow)
Then cut this rectangle in half (as shown) to create the front and back of your shirt.
For the Sleeves of Your Shirt:
Measure out (2) rectangles.
Both rectangles should be 2 x Upper Arm Measurement wide (see Green Arrow)
And as long as the Sleeve Length + 1.5″ (4cm) + Width of Elastic (see Red Arrow)
Now you should have 4 rectangles of fabric.
(2) large ones for the Front and Back of your shirt.
And (2) small ones for the sleeves.
Step 4: How to Sew Your Off the Shoulder Top DIY
Step-by-Step Guide with Photos and Text
Construction 1: Line Up First Sleeve to Front of Shirt
Lay the FRONT of your shirt RIGHT SIDE FACING UP.
(Right side is the pretty side of your fabric!)
Lay one SLEEVE on top, RIGHT SIDE FACING DOWN.
(See photo)
Remember, you have two different sides to your rectangles.
Around Measurements: Full Bust and Around Arm
Length Measurements: Shirt and Sleeve Length
Make sure you line up the Around Measurements (yellow arrow) along the top of your shirt.
And line up your Length Measurements along the side of your shirt.
If this is confusing, just watch the video!
Construction 2: Pin First Sleeve in Place and Sew
Pin sleeve in place.
From the top of the shirt, measure down the Neckline to Armpit Measurement
Sew from the top of shirt to the Neckline to Armpit Measurement using a 1/2″ Seam Allowance.
***Seam Allowance is the distance from the edge of fabric to the stitch line***
Construction 3: Repeat to Attach First Sleeve to Back of Shirt
Lay your FIRST SLEEVE RIGHT SIDE FACING UP.
My finger is pointing at my First Sleeve.
Then lay the BACK of your shirt RIGHT SIDE FACING DOWN.
Pin in place.
Measure Neckline to Armpit Distance.
Sew from the top of shirt to the Neckline to Armpit Measurement using a 1/2″ Seam Allowance.
Now you should have this!
Your first sleeve is now attached to both the front and back of your shirt!
Construction 4: Repeat for Second Sleeve
Repeat Steps 1-3 for the second sleeve.
Once both sleeves are attached, your project should start looking like a shirt!
A BIG shirt, but a shirt :p
Step 5: Elastic Casing for the Neckline
Step 6: Hem the Bottom of the Off the Shoulder Top DIY
Examples of Finished Off The Shoulder Tops!
Here are some examples of other amazing tops made by home designers just like you.
