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A few months ago I got this top from Lulu*s. Although it looked pretty in the product shot on their website, I didn’t realize how flowy it was, or how much I really would love it. It’s a flattering shape and style, and is perfectly casual for daytime, or can easily get dressed up for evening.

It’s a really simple top to make, and as a refashion it’s even easier. I picked up this blue sweater from Old Navy a few weeks ago (on clearance for less than $10), and knew it was perfect for recreating this top. Especially when combined with some polka dot chiffon that I snagged at the LA Fabric District for a few dollars.

photos by Sara Walk
Click through for the step by step tutorial!

1 // start with your oversized sweater.
2 // carefully cut your sweater into a slight hi-low shape.
3 // cut the chiffon hem out of your fabric, making sure the length of both of these pieces is the same length as your newly cut sweater hem. (In the photos above, you can see I cut my chiffon too long so it created some puckering when I sewed them together. I plan to go back and fix it — Just make sure you cut your chiffon the right length so it lays flat when sewn to the sweater)
4 // with right sides together (RST), sew the front and back chiffon pieces together.
5 // with right sides together, pin the chiffon to the sweater and sew around the entire hemline with a straight stitch (don’t pull as you sew).
6. hem the chiffon, then carefully press and you’re done!


top: made by me 
jeans: gap
bag: c/o lily jade
sunglasses: similar
wedges: c/o lulu*s

CHIFFON HEM REFASHION TUTORIAL

A few months ago I got this top from Lulu*s. Although it looked pretty in the product shot on their website, I didn’t realize how flowy it was, or how much I really would love it. It’s a flattering shape and style, and is perfectly casual for daytime, or can easily get dressed up for evening.

It’s a really simple top to make, and as a refashion it’s even easier. I picked up this blue sweater from Old Navy a few weeks ago (on clearance for less than $10), and knew it was perfect for recreating this top. Especially when combined with some polka dot chiffon that I snagged at the LA Fabric District for a few dollars.

photos by Sara Walk
Click through for the step by step tutorial!

1 // start with your oversized sweater.
2 // carefully cut your sweater into a slight hi-low shape.
3 // cut the chiffon hem out of your fabric, making sure the length of both of these pieces is the same length as your newly cut sweater hem. (In the photos above, you can see I cut my chiffon too long so it created some puckering when I sewed them together. I plan to go back and fix it — Just make sure you cut your chiffon the right length so it lays flat when sewn to the sweater)
4 // with right sides together (RST), sew the front and back chiffon pieces together.
5 // with right sides together, pin the chiffon to the sweater and sew around the entire hemline with a straight stitch (don’t pull as you sew).
6. hem the chiffon, then carefully press and you’re done!


top: made by me 
jeans: gap
bag: c/o lily jade
sunglasses: similar
wedges: c/o lulu*s
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28 Comments

  1. Nina Piccini says:

    I wish I had the time and ambition to do this kind of thing. You are so inspiring!!

    xo, NIna
    afterthe40barfinish

  2. That is a very cute refashion – I could see myself living in that top! Thanks for the inspiration

  3. Friederike says:

    What a great idea, thank you for sharing! I've been eyeing this trend for a while, but didn't want to spend too much money it.
    Also, I just have to tell you how much I LOVE the photos you've posted lately (kudos to Sara Walk!). Don't get me wrong, the ones before were great, too, but now they look so professional, like from a magazine. And those graphics! Simple, to the point, easy to follow… perfect! It's great to see the evolvement of a blog when you follow along for a while (this was how I found you over Pinterest: http://8f8.ac9.mwp.accessdomain.com/2011/12/pieces.html )
    Keep doing this 🙂

  4. Love this look! Thanks so much for the fashion inspiration! Your blogs is one of my favorites and I love your style! 🙂 Have a great weekend!

    The Style Storm
    <3, Christina

  5. Johanna says:

    I LOVE these new drawings that you always have, they're so cute! Do you do them all yourself with a tablet or something? Awesome!

  6. I have the LuLu's sweater and I LOVE it too!!! It's awesome that you recreated it!

  7. I'm not too handy with a sewing machine, but this project I'd definitely consider. So many options for chiffon pattern and top to pair it with. You always do such a great job refashioning your clothes!

  8. Janelle says:

    Ohh I love this tutorial! I really need to become better at sewing because I'm pretty much obsessed with every tutorial you do!

    http://www.janelleinreallife.com

  9. Anne says:

    What a great idea! Adorable 🙂

    xoxo, Anne
    Rays of Rossi

  10. Navya says:

    You constantly amaze me with your creativity. Your top looks much better than the lulu one you have linoed to. Given a choice I would buy yours 🙂

  11. Genius! I love this! I just got some amazing silk chiffon but had no idea what to do with it… this is perfect!

  12. Paige Flamm says:

    Loving this sweater refashion! You did such an amazing job on it!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

  13. Team Jacob says:

    That is cute!! and my favourite colour as well!!

  14. Nikki says:

    This is such a cute top and I love how you styled it with a pair of boyfriend jeans. Great look! xo

  15. Tabet says:

    Wow, this looks great. Amazing DIY! 🙂
    Kisses
    Tabea
    http://wolkedrei.blogspot.de/

  16. Rory Brio says:

    love it!!! very cute idea 🙂

  17. LittleMissL says:

    Love that outfit, it's so spring & just lovely. I do love a hem that doesn't match the rest, either a one piece with a hint, like your gorgeous chiffon polka dots, or because I have a layer a little shorter than the other, with 'floaty' being the underneath. May definitely start giving this DIY a go; get my beautiful vintage singer (yes handle style) a chance to shine. x

  18. I love this! Your posts make me want to invest in a sewing machine so badly. When I graduate and start my full-time job in January I think a sewing machine will be one of my first adult purchases. My mom is great with a sewing machine so maybe I inherited the sewing genes!

    Brooke
    theangieb.blogspot.com

  19. dana studer says:

    Would the bottom need to be hemmed?

  20. Lindsay says:

    This is awesome! looks great

  21. Christin B says:

    This is such a great idea, I'm definitely going to try it! How did you create the graphic with the instructions, is it Photoshop?

  22. Monica says:

    OK, Merrick–I'm calling it (pretend I am the first), you are going to be a major fashion designer some day.

  23. xinsomnia says:

    Hi Merrick – I'm a bit of a beginner sewer – I always have trouble with what type of thread to use! I walk into a craft store and there seems to be several different kinds…. do you always use the same kind of thread? Does it matter with what materials you're sewing? Thanks, I'd definitely try this tutorial!

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