Sewing an Off-the-Shoulder Shirt

Take the trend a step forward and cut the hemline of the top making it into an off-the-shoulder crop top.

Off-the-shoulder shirts are both stylish and comfortable. Most clothing stores and companies sell this trendy look. You can easily create this style of top at home, in any color or pattern of your choosing, with a few basic steps and supplies. Try pairing your homemade off-the-shoulder top with a pair of jeans for a modern take of this 80's style.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton fabric
• Shirt pattern (optional)
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Sewing pins

Instructions

1. Iron out any wrinkles on your cotton fabric, and place it on a flat surface. Cut your fabric according to your shirt pattern, creating two even sides of the shirt. If not using a shirt pattern, use a fabric pen and ruler to outline the shape of your shirt. You can use a T-shirt from your closet to help eyeball the correct measurements.

2. Place the two sides of the shirt on top of one another, with the right sides facing one another. Begin pinning the sides together, starting at the bottom. Pin the sides together, as close to the edges as possible, leaving the neckline and upper portions of the sleeves unpinned. Cut the neckline of the shirt wide if you have not done so already. This will create the off-the-shoulder look. Cut the neckline in a wide U shape, being careful not to cut too much into the shoulders.

3. Carefully try the top on and check the fit. If the shirt is not off-the-shoulder enough, cut the neckline steeper. Sew the two sides of the top together, removing all the sewing pins as you go. Once the two pieces are one, carefully pin back about a one-fourth inch of the neckline and sleeve's fabric. Sew these hemlines, creating a finished look to the top.

References

• Girl Is Poison: Off the Shoulder Crop Top