Patriotic off the Shoulder Shirt DIY

During our recent trip to Provincetown (which was lovely and you can read all about our stay with the Salt House Inn here), I needed the perfect shirt to accompany my very loud pants. This off the shoulder rick rack shirt diy is the perfect wardrobe staple for all the summer holidays! The best part about making your own clothes is that 1. they fit 2. they are made of better quality materials 3. they can be infinitely less expensive.

Moreover, this off the shoulder diy shirt cost me $7. Made of a gorgeously textured cotton, it is perfect for hiding a secret baby bump – whether it’s fetal or carb based is up to you.

Materials for Off the Shoulder Shirt DIY

1-2 yards cotton fabric

matching thread

1-2 yards 1/2″ elastic

rick rack (4-5 yards each color)

Instructions

step one: doing the math.using a tape measure, take 2 measurements. For the first, measure across your chest at the widest part. Next, measure across your shoulders. Record each measurement and multiple by 1.5. By multiplying by 1.5 you are allowing for the extra room to create the ruffle. For a less ‘flowy’ look, which may better compliment a larger chest, multiple by 1.25 for the chest measurement.

Next, let’s measure from the top of your chest to your desired length. I wanted my shirt to fall ~1-2 inches below my pant, so I decided on a final measurement of 20″. Cut your chest measurement x desired length out of the cotton fabric. next, Cut another rectangle ~8 inches long by your shoulder measurement as determined in previous step.

step 2: creating the elastic slip: Next, fold down the top edge of each piece of fabric ~3/4 inch. Iron, pin and sew to create a small, long pocket for the elastic to thread through.

Step 3: Hemming and adding rick rack. Fold up the bottom of each strip ~1 inch. Iron to secure the fold and pin on rick rack to the edge as desired. Finally, sew to secure.

step 4: cutting and threading the elastic. In this step we are going to cute two pieces of elastic. For the first, we are using your shoulder measurement (not multiplied). The second will be measurement across your chest (right above your chest where the shirt will lay. Thread the elastic through the corresponding pockets, allowing ~1 inch to stick out from each end. Pin in place to secure.

Step 5 : “creating the tube” Tucking right sides together, sew along length and over the excess elastic to connect. This should create two “tubes” as I like to call them.

Step 6: securing together. Finally, place the shoulder piece on top of the bodice. Pinning on the seams, sew a small vertical seam to secure together.

This project pairs amazingly with these DIYs: