Old Tee Makeovers Part 3: Cute DIY Crop Tee with Bows

Posted by Alexandra C. | Wednesday August 8, 2012

Continuing our series of cute tee makeovers, this week I'm showing you my favourite DIY tee I've done so far. It's also the most time consuming and requires quite a few items, but I think when you see the results, you'll agree that it's worth it!

This DIY can be done with an oversized or a fitted tee. You'll just need to omit/add some steps to get it just right (but we'll talk more about that later). You'll also need a good pair of fabric scissors. You can use regular ones as well, but your cuts won't be as clean. I'm going to be jazzing up this tee with a few bows as well. If you want to do the same, you'll need some ribbon and if you're extra crafty a needle and thread (if you're on the lazier side like myself, you can make do without).

Let's get started!

Step #1: Cut off the neckline hem

Step #2: Trace a line down the middle of the t-shirt back and then trace lines horizontally down the back at regular intervals. I drew a line about 4 inches long and about every 6 inches down the back. Of course, how you trace the lines will depend on the size of your t-shirt.

Step #3: Folding only the back of the t-shirt down the vertical line, cut a slit along the horizontal lines that you drew. (See Step #4 for example)

Step #5: Continue doing so until you have slits all the way down the back, along each line you drew. If you like the way your tee fits already then stop here. If you are using an oversized tee, continue on to Step #6. If you want to take off your sleeves, skip ahead to Step #7.

Step #6: My tee was pretty oversized so I decided to cut it off into more of a crop top style. I tried it on first to decide the best point to cut it at. If you want to keep the sleeves on your tee, stop here. If not, go on to Step #7.

Step #7: I decided to make this into a tank. To do this, I just cut about an inch away from the shoulder seam. If you want to measure it out and trace it you can, but I wasn't too concerned and I just cut away.

To Make the Bows:

Step #8: Cut a strip off of any part of the excess fabric you have. You're going to be gathering the fabric in between slits in the middle and tying the strip in a knot. You can leave it simple like this or, if you want a little something extra, read on.

Step #9: Using stiff ribbon, I cut a section off. With the strip of fabric perpendicular to it, I made a bow and tied it on with a knot.

Step #10: Adjust the bow accordingly! If you are super crafty, you can sew the ribbon, instead of knotting it. Or, you can find some spare trimming you have lying around (lace would be nice) and use that instead of excess fabric.

The Final Look

What do you think of this DIY? Is this something you'd try?

(adapted via lovemaegan.com)

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14 Comments

	on September 18, 2012 cutie_marlena 3,191 said: My sister did something similar to this only she did it with a spandex unitard (you know...the nice ones that you wear under high-wasted shorts) It worked out AMAZINGLY because the stretchy fabric pulled the cutouts taught and it made her outfit look very chic and expensive.
	on August 14, 2012 farouknabela 3,469 said: Very cute and classy idea!
	on August 12, 2012 Jessi 5,806 said: I like the open back look! looks classy in the front sassy in the back!
	on August 11, 2012 crysrob 1,881 said: Really like this. Normally I don't love bows, but this time it works!
	on August 10, 2012 Cassie_ 2,311 said: Yup i will!!
	on August 09, 2012 KatelynRose1984 20,704 said: Very cute! I like t-shirts that have designs on the back - and simple at the front. Fun DIY tricks!
	on August 09, 2012 amyknows 2,352 said: It's cute, but not something I'd wear. You can always rock this stuff though! I'm super jealous! xo
	on August 08, 2012 flower 4,433 said: not for me
	on August 08, 2012 Bren 26,031 said: That is cute!
	on August 08, 2012 bubbles77 28,057 said: Very cute, I may give this one a try. The back looks neat, great idea.