OFF SHOULDER TOP (3 Free sewing tutorials)

This post gives step-by-step directions to make a pattern and sew 3 types of off-shoulder tops.

An off-shoulder style looks casual and, at the same time, very glamorous. Suppose you have good shoulders, nothing like this top. This very easy-to-sew top can show off your lovely collarbones to perfection.

A lovely bohemian look can be achieved by pairing this top with a long maxi skirt and some long  fabric necklaces.

3 ways to make an off shoulder top

Method 1. Off shoulder top with long sleeves

Note : if the top length is ending near hip you will have to take the hip width when marking B-D. Mine ends somewhere under the waist, so I am using the same width for A-C & B-D

Step 1

Cut out the pattern pieces and the bias tape ( fabric strip cut crosswise would do)

Sleeve pattern – cut 2.

Bodice pattern – cut 2

I joined two pieces of fabric together.

Step 2

Join the armholes of the sleeves and bodice.

The sleeve will be joined by the slash we have made on the sleeves to the slashed cut on the top corners of the bodices

Measure the top edge. Cut out the fabric strip to this measure plus 1″ overlap (for elastic casing).

Then join the sides together. You can start from the hem and continue stitching in one line till the sleeve hem.

Do the same for both sides.

You will get a bodice that looks like the picture below

Step 3

Join the binding on the top edge. If you want a contrasting edge, join the fabric strip from the inside of the garment to the front so that the binding is visible outside.

You can take it to the back as well – for that, join from the face of the fabric ( fabric strip and bodice right sides together) and take to the back.

Start binding from the back so that the joint is not visible in the front. If you want to know more about bias binding checkout the tutorial.  

Leave a 1″ opening in the back of the bodice on the binding stitching so that you can insert the elastic. Use a safety pin to insert elastic through the casing. Securely close stitch the elastic with two or three stitching of zig-zag stitches. Sew the opening closed.  

Step 4

Hem the bodice and sleeves with a turned under hem. You can give a different hemline for the front and back, as in the picture below.  

The sides will look like this.

One another option is to shirr the top edge  of the bodice.

Checkout the tutorial to do shirring – sewing with elastic thread for more details on how to do this.  

This is a very easy technique to do if you have a thin elastic thread with you.

Elastic thread is used in the bobbin. You will have to do at least 4-5 close rows of shirring -The resultant gathers look very pretty. Remember to finish the top edge before doing the shirring.

Method 2. Off shoulder top with frills

This method is for a top with frills covering the bodice and works as sleeves, as well – You can use a lace fabric or any contrasting colored fabric. Choose a flowy fabric.

This is a customizable pattern, very easy to sew with just 4 pieces of rectangular fabric joined together with some easy seams and some elastic.

I made the top for my young daughter, and I can vouch that this top can be made in less than an hour. 

Off the shoulder top pattern.

Take the measurements:

• Bust round
• Hip round
• Over the arms
• around the bust ( Where the frill will lie)

Step 1.

Cut out the pattern pieces.

You need two pattern pieces – front bodice and back bodice.

Step 2

Cut out the frill piece. Use a flowy fabric for this part. Measure your shoulders near the bust. Multiply this by 3 ( or 2.5). This is the length you need for the frill. The width I have taken is 7 inches.  

Join the fabric pieces if you have not got a long strip. It is better to make a french seam, because you will get a clean fabric edge this way.

To make this seam, stitch the seams, first wrong sides together, then trim the seam allowance and sew the seam enclosed from the wrong side.

Checkout the post on french seams more details. 

Join the strips together at the short edges to make a tube.

Step 3

Fold the top edge of the fabric tube some 1 inch.

Stitch along the edge. Leave a 1 -2 ” opening for inserting elastic

Step 4

Finish the bottom edge of the tube with a rolled edge or a simple turned-under finish with your sewing machine. I have a scalloped edge already on the fabric. You can make hand stitches as well.

Step 5

Insert elastic ( length equalling the measure taken over your shoulder) into the casing, and you have the frill ready.

Step 6

Prepare the bodice. Bind the armhole and top edge.

Sew the side edges of the bodice together

Step 7

Keep the frill on the bodice; baste stitch in place, slightly stretching the frill. Then finally, stitch the bodice to the frill.

Method 3 – Off shoulder top from a tshirt.

To make this one, you need a slightly oversized t-shirt with a crew neckline ( neckline very close to the neck).

Check out the post on DIY ideas to refashion t-shirts for more ideas like this

Cut off the crew neck band very close. Do not cut too low and regret it later. Turn under the top cut edge and sew a casing for elastic or make a separate casing for the upper edge with a 3-inch or so bias cut strip.

Use 1/4 inch elastic threaded through this casing, and you have a very easy 10-minute-sew off-shoulder top. Find this instruction and many other ways to refashion old t-shirts here.

If you have a smaller t-shirt, you can get away without sewing the elastic on the top edge, but you have to be very, very careful that you do not cut too much from the neck. Very close to the neckband is the right way to cut.

Try it and cut again if you want to. In this case, you will have a very casual cut edge, but as the t-shirt material does not fray, this casual look is super cool.

Related post:

 Cold shouldered top sewing pattern

Another option is  this offshoulder cape diy. Checkout the tutorial to make this in the post on 8 types of ways to make a cape here

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