6 Squares - 6 easy DIY Tops!

We are going to make not 1 but 6 tops (or as many as you want of course;)!
Don't be afraid to pick your best/prettiest leftover, handkerchief or tea towel, the tops are easy to make!:)

Needed: Squares! A fabric that can be made into a square...use a tea towel and fold it in a square to get the basic size. Cords and/or elastic (check what you need for the version you want to make).
Extra: maybe some rushing or lace or other trimming material, elastic, trimming will go much faster with a sewing machine but if trimming is already done (handkerchief) it's doable by hand, basically add whatever you have or want to finish of the look:)

1. 2.3.

4..5 6.

WARNING: It's very addictive! Because it's so easy and looks so good and every style and fabric make it a whole new look. Make them all and more if you want ;) ,but i can suggest to start with nr.1, just to get the hang of it.  Just choose a version and follow the instructions...and Enjoy!

1. Triangle top
Ok, let's start by laying the square in a diamond shape. (and make sure all the edges are trimmed!) Fold a tunnel on the top (neckline) put he cord in already but be sure not to sew it to the material;) Sew the tunnel and then attach two cords on the side (probably at the corners but depending on the size of the top..so try it on and see what works best. Done already! Add extra cords or elastics in the back if wanted and finish the look by adding jewels or whatever you like (more tips on bottom of page).

2. Triangle V

Start by laying the square in a diamond shape. (and make sure all the edges are trimmed!) Cut a V shape and trim edges. Now we create two tunnels ,on the side leading up to neckline, with cord inside but be sure not to sew it to the material;). knot the ends of the cords and...Done already! try it on and add whatever you want to finish the look.

3. Continuous triangle
Start by laying the square in a diamond shape. (and make sure all the edges are trimmed!) Fold and sew a tiny peace of the top (neckline). Now we create two tunnels ,on the side leading up to neckline, with cord inside going all the way from one end of the neckline trough tunnel around the back into other tunnel en out by neckline again. Be sure not to sew the cord to the material;). knot the ends of the cords and...Done already! Isn't it amazing?! Try it on and add whatever you want to finish the look.

4. Square top
Put the fabric (with trimmed edges!) on a flat surface and fold/sew the outside corners almost to the middle (leave some space for neckline). Fold the top part and sew it into a tunnel. Get the cord to go through the tunnel and attach on both sides (probably where fold is but depending on the size can also be higher or lower so try on first! and add more cords if you want more waistline:). Done! Try it on again and add whatever you want/like to finish off the look. (more tips on bottom of page)

5. Elastic Triangle
Start by laying the square in a diamond shape. (and make sure all the edges are trimmed!) Fold&sew a tunnel on the top (neckline) put a cord or elastic in already but be sure not to sew it to the material;) Then attach the elastic on the sides (probably at the corners but depending on the size of the top..so try it on and see what works best and also decide the tightness.  Done already! Add extra elastics in the back (or make one go all around like in example) for more waistline if wanted and finish the look by adding jewels or whatever you like! (more tips on bottom of page)

6. Strapless Elastic
We are going to need good looking elastic or stretch fabric for the top of this one. (if not, no worries! Use regular elastic and make a tunnel on the top see tea towel post). Trim all the edges and measure the length of elastic you need for the top. Sew the elastic onto the top part (make sure it does not loose too much elasticity if fabric is not stretchy:) And done! If you want you can also add one on the inside of the bottom to create some volume and/or ad a smaller elastic around waist for more fitted look. (more tips on bottom of this page!) Enjoy going out without getting a tan line!:)


Enjoy! Have fun with it! Make a hundred of them! (It' s really addictive isn't it?) And please, feel more then free to share your results on instagram #1nici_diy or on the 1nici facebook page.

Share on fb page - - >

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Extra inspiration

Themes: Farming, Indian, Romantic, Bohemian, Seductive, Sweet, Chinese, Flowerpower, Native American,  Summer, Daisy Duke, Glitter/Glamour, palmtrees/leafs/nature, etc.

Materials:  Hankerchiefs, Tea towels, Cotton, Lace,  Macrame, Scarf, Sheets, Curtains, Rope, Chains, Beads, Leather, Fringes, Pom poms, Charms, Embroidery etc.

Other: Cut the bottom triangle into a rounded shape (or straight for crop top), Create more waistline by adding elastic or cords on sides or even all around the top, add jewel or necklace to collar instead of rope, Necklaces attached on top of collar, Add pockets,  Add buttons, Hand paint on top of pattern, embroid following existing lines etc.