How to upcycle a store bought shirt by crocheting onto the fabric so it fits more the way you like!
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Welcome to the April Pinterest Challenge! The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate us to not just pin, but to make it happen!
This month’s challenge is Eco-Friendly.
I purchased this Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Tartan Tee from SheIn a couple years ago (it’s sold out, but you can click “show similar” to find others like it or try this search of square neck fitted tops). It’s a pretty print, and the fabric is soft and comfortable but there were two issues for me: 1.) the square neckline (because it’s really not a scoop neck) goes out too far and my bra straps show, and 2.) it’s too short – it’s more crop length. I wore the top once (in this photo), and then it’s been sitting in my closet since while I’ve contemplated donating it. When I was trying to figure out what kind of fabric project I could upcycle for this Pinterest Challenge, I immediately thought about fixing this top. I figured what would be the harm if I messed it up, or it didn’t turn out?
My inspiration for this was a combination of this crocheted collar and this modesty panel. I wanted something simple to close in the neckline.
You can find more Eco-Friendly inspiration in my Seasonal: Eco-Friendly board.
AD-FREE, PRINTER FRIENDLY PDF:
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Materials:
- Small Amount of Worsted Weight Yarn – I used some Berroco Modern Cotton that I had in my stash
- G6/4.25mm Crochet Hook
- Tapestry Needle with Sharp Point
Material Notes:
You can use any lightweight worsted weight yarn for this project. I used this cotton blend because I am familiar with how it washes and wears, and I wanted something that would hold up well.
Time Spent:
This project took me about an hour to complete.
Abbreviations (US Terms):
- RS – Right Side of the Fabric
- SC – Single Crochet (Photo Tutorial)
- Rev SC – Reverse Single Crochet
Pattern Notes
Rather than knotting the beginning and end of the blanket stitch, leave a tail that you can weave into the crocheted fabric at the end.
To help me keep the 0.5″ distance around, I drew two dots on my thumb to use as quick reference as I worked the blanket stitch around.
Pattern:
First thing, you’ll need to sew a blanket stitch all the way around the neckline leaving 0.5″ in between each stitch. This is why a sharp tapestry needle is important so it will fit the yarn you’re using in the eye, and pierce the fabric. Once finished with the last blanket stitch, fasten off.
Make a slip knot and place it on your crochet hook – I normally would just tie on and chain, but the slip knot was a more secured, clean way to work into the blanket stitch. With the RS facing, work 2 SC into each space around the entire neckline. Join to the 1st SC. (I had 134 SC for mine)
R3 – 4: Chain 1, turn. SC into the 1st SC, and each SC around. Join to the 1st SC.
*Try the top on. If you want more/less coverage, you can add/subtract a round of single crochet.
R5: Chain 1, turn. Rev SC into each stitch around.
Fasten off, and weave in ends.
The top is still short, but I just paired it with some high waisted pants. Before, it was too much to have the neckline and length bothering me, but I can work with just one. I was tempted to crochet around here too but after testing the neckline out a little, I am worried it will be too tight, and I won’t be able to get my arms through.
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Let’s see what other things Pinterest Inspired! Head over and visit the other hosts to see what they crafted, cooked, built or tried!
Farm Girl Reformed | Sew Crafty Crochet | Mom Home Guide
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Southern Sunflowers | Stone Cottage Adventures | EyeLoveKnots
On Rockwood Lane | The Apple Street Cottage | Our Good Life
Pandora’s Box | Our Sutton Place
Very cool, I love the way it looks now with the crochet edge on the neckline and I have always wondered how you attach crochet edging to fabric!
Tania
Thank you! There is also a blade you can get for a rotary cutter called a skip stitch blade, and use it to poke the holes for you beforehand – I’ve used it on felt and fleece. Then you can crochet right into the holes.
Great post! Thanks for sharing. x
Thank YOU!
This is a wonderful way to update a top that is just sitting in the closet. Great idea!
Definitely! I almost donated this top, but glad I gave it a second chance.
The shirt is cute as is, but the crochet collar really adds extra personality….nice work!
That top is so cute with the crocheted neckline! It looks darling on you and so much more expensive too!
Thanks so much, Laura! I almost donated this top, but glad I tried this out first.
First, nope, not seeing any hummers yet. We got snow today. They are probably waiting it out! I love this idea. What a wonderful way to use up some leftover yarn, and add a little something something to a garment.
So hard for me to imagine that it could be snowing so late into April, but I also say that about how cold it gets in some places. Here in Florida we don’t have very many seasons
I love the detail of your new neckline! ‘Very pretty! Thank you for the step by step directions! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Thanks, Marci! Turned out better than I imagined it.
The neckline turned out perfect. You are really talented, Alexandra
If you can sew, you can attach black gathered lace trim to add length to the top
Thank you so much, Helen! My sewing skills are pretty basic, but I might be able to figure it out with a video – do you have one?
Perfect neckline with crochet border.
Thank you!
The crocheted neckline is fabulous! It’s a really lovely detail. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank YOU! Turned out better than I imagined it would.
That turned out great! I have added crochet trim to a fleece blanket before but used a tiny hole punch to put holes around the edges. What a great idea to use a blanket stitch around the existing neckline. Pinned.
That’s a good idea with the hole punch! They also have a blade for a rotary cutter called a skip stitch blade. It pokes the holes so you can crochet right into them.
Well done! It looks great!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks so much!
Wow, that’s a clever way to fix the top and personalize it a bit. Gotta keep this one in mind!
http://www.withinaworldofmyown.com
Thanks so much! I’m glad I was able to breathe new life in it so I could continue to enjoy it
What a fun touch with your top! I think it’s a really cute addition with the neckline! You’re very talented 🙂
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup 🙂 Hope that you have a nice weekend ahead of you!
Thanks so much! I had a lot of fun with this project, and just happy that it now fits me a lot better
That’s adorable, Alexandra! I would love to be able to do that! Great detail to the top.
Thank you, Pam! Never too late to learn 😉
Thank you for sharing this on Traffic Jam Weekend! It has been chosen as a fave feature for this week’s party that goes live on Thursday at 5:00 pm CST.
I really appreciate that! Thank you!
Hello, this is one of my personal favorites for last week’s Encouraging Hearts and Home. I hope you stop by and say hello, this post has also been pinned to the Encouraging Hearts and Home board! Thank you for being a part of Encouraging Hearts and Home, we appreciate all that you share. Have a great week ahead!