DIY Project: The no-sew multi-way top

Recessionistas, rejoice! Here’s a ridiculously easy project you can do to instantly look chic. Best of all, there’s no sewing and measuring tape needed!

Materials:

• A few yards of cloth big enough to cover your torso

• Scissors

• Pencil

Procedure

1. Draw a circle onto fabric big enough to cover your torso. The diameter should be wide enough to go from your left wrist to your right. To make it easier, you can fold your fabric in half and just draw a half circle facing the folded part. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a perfect circle. You can also make an oblong if you want.

2. Measure the distance between your left and right shoulders with your hands. It is usually two hands wide (or two dangkals in local terms).

3. Cut two slits in the middle of the upper two-thirds of the circle as wide apart as your shoulder measurement to make arm holes.

4. Simply slip your arms through the two slits, cinch the top with a belt and you’re done! You can style the draped collar in several ways or you can leave it open to serve as a sort of vest. You can also wear this backwards and have draped drama at the back.

Tip: If you want a more structured look, choose stiff fabric like denim or stretch cotton. For soft draping, go for jersey or any other soft fabric. Choose a textile that doesn’t need to be hemmed or at least one that frays nicely.

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For comments or suggestions, e-mail me at donna.cunapita@gmail.com.