DIY Pleated Fabric-Back Sweater

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Instead of throwing away those catalogues filled with expensive clothing that you don't think you can afford, keep them for inspiration and make similar outfits for way less money. All you need to make this cute Anthropologie top is a turtleneck sweater from your own closet and some pleated fabric or a thrift shop skirt.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

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Things You'll Need

  • Turtleneck sweater

  • 1 yard lightweight pleated fabric

  • Chalk

  • Measuring tape

  • Sharp scissors

  • Pins

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 1

Mark across the back of the sweater 1 inch below the arm hole seams with a piece of chalk.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 2

Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the side seams open from the bottom of the sweater to the chalk line.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 3

Continue to cut the sweater across the chalk line on the back of the sweater.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 4

Cut a piece of pleated fabric that is 8 inches longer than the width of the sweater and as long as you'd like the pleated back to be. Cut a slight curve on the bottom of the pleated fabric so the sides are an inch longer than the sides of the sweater to allow for a hem.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 5

Hem the bottom of the pleated fabric, using the directions from this tutorial for hemming lightweight fabrics.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 6

Adjust your sewing machine to the longest stitch length.

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Step 7

Using the longest stitch length, sew across the top of the pleated fabric piece.

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Step 8

With the right sides together, pin the center of the top of the pleated fabric to the center of the raw edge of the sweater back.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 9

Pull on the basting stitch to gather the pleated fabric. Adjust the fabric to fit onto the cut edge of the sweater back. Pin in place.

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Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 10

Adjust the sewing machine back to a medium stitch and sew the pleated fabric to the sweater with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 11

Turn the shirt inside-out so the right sides are together and pin the side seams together.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 12

Sew the side seams with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Remove the pins as you sew.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Turn the sweater right-side out and stay warm knowing your DIY version looks just as great as the expensive Anthropologie sweater.

Image Credit: Beth Huntington

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