Upcycle a Skirt and Scarf into a Boho Swing Tank Top
Last year, I scored a beautiful ikat scarf at the thrift store for $1. I knew I wanted to mix it with denim, but it took me FOREVER to find the PERFECT distressed shade of blue to match the scarf. I did a little happy dance when I found the denim skirt for just a few bucks. The bias flair of the skirt inspired me to refashion it into a boho chic swing top.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to upcycle the scarf into a shoulder yoke and attach the skirt as the bodice of the swing tank top. This easy sewing project only took me 2 hours to make.
Here’s a quick overview of the swing tank top refashion:
Step 1: Cut out shoulder yoke
Step 2: Cut out skirt for the bodice
Step 3: Attach skirt to the shoulder yoke
Step 4: Trim armhole and sides of tank
Step 5: Sew shoulders and sides
Step 6: Finish the neckline and armholes
Step 1: Cut out shoulder yoke
I used the top 6″ of my Christine Haynes Emery pattern to cut the yoke from the scarf. Be sure to stay stitch the neckline and armholes so you don’t stretch out the fabric (I learned this lesson the hard way).
Step 2: Cut out skirt for the bodice
I chopped off the waist and side seams of the skirt
Step 3: Attach skirt to the shoulder yoke
With right sides together, attach the yoke to the skirt.
Step 4: Trim armhole and sides of tank
Shape the armholes and taper the sides of the skirt.
Step 5: Sew shoulders and sides
With right sides together, sew the shoulder and side seams.
Step 6: Finish the neckline and armholes
I made my own bias tape and sewed it to the neckline and armholes.
And here’s the finished swing top . . .
Don’t you love the way the bodice drapes? I didn’t bother adding bust darts because the bias of the fabric easily stretches around curves.
Here’s a side view. The loose, flowing fit makes this tank top perfect for hot summer days.
I hope you enjoyed this skirt and scarf to swing top refashion. Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
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This is really cute! I am a REALLY lazy sewer, so this gave me the idea to refashion a too tight and/or too short tank top and a skirt into a lovely swing top like this. Same result with less finishing! Thanks for the idea.
Thanks! I know what you mean about lazy sewing. Whenever possible, I try to reuse existing hems, sleeves, collars, etc. Why reinvent the wheel when someone else has already done the work?
I love it! You did a great job, the top turned out great and you look fantastic in it!