Discover how to make a trendy top from a bandana
In this article we're going to explain how to use a new bandana, or an old one you have at home, to make a fashionable summer top that can be worn under a blazer, a denim jacket or on its own as a trendy little top.
Bandanas are so easy to make, even for styles that require sewing, that even someone with little sewing experience can make their own brand new bra in under an hour (DIY).
By the end of this article you will be able to make your own trendy tops using simple bandanas for your personal wardrobe, or why not, to make gifts for your friends and family for a summer birthday or other special event.
This will make it an original, trendy and inexpensive gift!
I) DIY: bandana top - Make a top with a seamless bandana
1. Simple bandana top
Material needed: a classic size bandana (55cm by 55cm) minimum.
Procedure:
- Lay your bandana flat (optional: you can if you wish iron it to avoid wrinkles and have a more elegant top)
- Then fold your bandana in half diagonally.
- Place the bandana, pointing down, on your chest, holding it by both ends.
- Tie both ends at the back of your back.
And that's it! Simple and effective, here is your first trendy top bandana!
PS: if your bandana is not big enough to tie it in your back, you can add elastics or laces to make the knot.
2. Double bandana bra
You will need two bandanas for this style.
Directions:
- Fold the bandanas in half diagonally.
- Tie the two points (opposite angle to the fold line) of each bandana together.
- Place the bandanas over your chest like a bra.
- Tie the ends together at the back of your back.
II) Turn an ordinary bandana into a trendy and original bra with stitching
What you will need
- 50 to 60 cm bandana
- Pillowcase
- Iron
- 2 cm wide ribbon
- Sewing pins
- Needle (or sewing machine)
- Discussion thread
- Elastic
1. Top with bandana style bra
Step 1:
Unfold a bandana and lay it on a flat surface over a pillowcase with the wrong side up. Iron your bandana to avoid wrinkles. Fold one corner inward about six inches. Use an iron to create a clean crease along the fold line.
Step 2:
Cut a piece of ribbon about 60 cm long and 2 cm wide. Open the folded fabric and place the ribbon along the fold line. Fold the fabric over and pin the fabric in place.
Step 3:
Sew the fold by hand using a small straight stitch, or use a sewing machine. The seam line should be above the ribbon (be careful not to sew through the ribbon). The ribbon should move freely in the fold. Trim the excess fabric beyond the seam line of the 6" folded flap.
Step 4:
Fold over the opposite corner approximately 25 cm. Press a fold into the fold and sew the fold in place with a straight stitch. Trim the excess fabric in the 25 cm below the sewn fold.
Step 5:
Try on the top of the bandana. Tie the ribbon around your neck and tie the ends of the bandana around your back.
2. Strapless bandana top
Step 1:
Unfold a bandana and place it on a flat surface with the wrong side facing up. Make the folds disappear.
Step 2:
Fold the bandana in half and use an iron to create a crease along the fold line.
Step 3:
Open the fabric and insert a length of elastic equal to the length of the fabric. Pin the elastic, stretching it slightly as you insert the pins so that the elastic gathers the fabric a bit when the top is finished.
Step 4:
Sew the elastic in place using a straight stitch by hand or with the sewing machine. Trim the excess elastic and sew around the edges of the fabric to hide the ends of the elastic.
Step 5:
Try on the top. Place the fold just above the bust line and tie the ends of the bandana behind your back. The elastic at the top will help hold the top in place.
Now you're ready to make your own bandana bra and t-shirt, you're going to be a hit!
You can now create endless outfits using different bandana patterns and colors.
If you're ever looking for original designs to create a totally unique look, check out our bandana collection!
