Try this Simple Sustainable Fashion Hack: Tie-Dye Cut Out Crop Top
Looking for an easy way to bring new life to your thrift store finds? Upcycle with Tulip One-Step Tie Dye! This easy upcycling idea from @taethecreative will teach you how to transform a basic T-shirt into a cute cut out crop top with Tulip One-Step Tie Dye. This vibrant look is a great way to revitalize your thrift store finds, so grab your favorite colors and get to crafting!
Supplies Needed:
Natural-fiber fabric T-shirt
Rotary cutter or fabric scissors
Ruler
Sewing machine
Straight pins
Protective surface cover
Plastic tub (optional)
Plastic wrap or sealable plastic bag
Step 1: Prepare your T-shirt
For upcycling idea, Chanté is using a common thrift store find: a plain white T-shirt! Be sure to select a shirt made from natural-fiber fabrics, such as cotton, rayon, or silk, for best results. Prewash the shirt, then fold and bind using the spiral tie-dye technique.
Step 2: Prepare your dyes
Cover your tie-dye workstation with a protective surface cover— this sustainable fashion DIY is recycling used grocery bags, but you can also use newspaper, cardboard, or other recycled material as a cover. You can also choose to work over a plastic tub for extra easy cleanup. Prepare your tie-dye solutions by adding water to the dye bottles, filling to the neck. Replace the cap tightly and shake well until dye powder is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Apply dyes
Remember to always wear gloves when working with tie dye! Apply dye to each section of the T-shirt in alternating colors. Chanté is using pink and fuchsia dyes for this vibrant upcycling idea, but you can transform your thrift store find with any color combination! Use gloved hands to work the dye into the folds, flip your project over, and apply dye to the back side. Once you’re finished applying dye, wrap the T-shirt in plastic, let set for 6-8 hours, rinse, wash, and dry.
Step 4: Cut T-shirt into a crop top
Once your tie-dye T-shirt has been laundered, use a rotary cutter or fabric scissors to cut the shirt into a cut out crop top. Don’t discard the trimmed fabric— this sustainable fashion DIY uses almost every scrap!
Step 5: Pin the fabric
Chanté is adding fresh new style to this sustainable fashion project with a drawstring cutout! Cut the trimmed fabric into strips about 1 inch thick, turn your cut out crop top inside out, then use straight pins to line the cut out with a strip of fabric. Pin two fabric strips together to use as the drawstring cord.
Step 6: Sew the cut out crop top
Use a sewing machine to sew the hem of the shirt and sew the pinned areas into place. You can also sew your cut out crop top by hand if you don’t have access to a sewing machine—you’ll just need a needle, a thread, and a bit of patience!
Step 7: Reveal!
Thread the drawstring cord through the cutout, then your tie-dye cut out crop top is ready to wear! This sustainable fashion project adds a vibrant, unique look to any wardrobe!
Show us how you’re using Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye for your thrift store finds and sustainable fashion projects, and tag us on social media @TulipColorCrafts!
Check out these links and get inspired for your next tie-dye upcycling idea with Tulip!
- Shop Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kits
- Explore Tie-Dye Projects and Inspo
- Learn Easy Tie-Dye Techniques
- Tie Dye FAQs
