In this DIY sewing and clothes upcycling tutorial, I’ll explain how I refashioned a dress into a wrap dress.
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I recently bought this pretty sundress from a local thrift store for $5.00.
The reason I chose it was:
Number 1 - Because I liked the pretty cotton fabric with a delicate flower design. It was well made, fully lined and I loved the sleeve design.
Number 2 - Importantly, it had a button down front which made it perfect to upcycle into a wrap dress - my favourite way to quickly refashion a dress. This dress even had ties in place at the sides which I was able to repurpose to create the wrap ties. It couldn’t have been more perfect for this project.
I love wrap dresses because, in theory, they’re one size fits all. Due to their design, they can be tied tighter or looser depending upon what’s comfortable on the day.
When thrift shopping, I’m always on the lookout for dresses that have buttons all the way down - I’ve actually got a few sitting in my sewing pile ready to transform.
The first step in the transformation of this dress into a wrap dress was to cut off the ties at the side. These were then attached either side of the front opening at waist level forming the ties for the wrap design.
Next, I cut a hole in the side seam for the opposing waist tie to pass through. This then ties at the back or side, depending on your preference, with the other waist tie. I zig zag stitched around the hole to prevent fraying.
Then I removed the buttons from the former front of the dress. Save these as you may need them later.
I adjusted the neckline so it worked with the new cross over design at the front of the dress. You may or may not have to do this depending upon the design of your dress.
I chose to cut off the original collar and create a new, asymmetrical neckline with a simple, folded over, double hem.
And finally for modesty, I took advantage of the original buttonholes that had been on the front of the dress and sewed new buttons to secure the top bodice in place.
And here it is finished. Like all wrap dresses, it’s really comfortable. It’s perfect for work and play so gets a lot of a use making it exceptional value for money. Best of all, it’s got a second life in my wardrobe for many years to come.
Thanks for watching. If you want to see more upcycling videos like this one, please throw me a thumbs up. It really helps.
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See you next time,
BEX.
My videos and tutorials include:
* make a wrap dress
* sew a wrap dress
* wrap dress tutorial
* how to upcycle clothes ideas
* upcycling clothes ideas
* upcycling clothes before and after videos
* sewing tutorials for beginners
* easy sewing tutorials
* 10 minute sewing projects
* quick sewing projects
* chartity shop upcycle
* op shop upcycle
Second Life Upcycling is about altering and upcycling clothes to give them a second life, inspiring people to recycle, repurpose, refashion, reuse, and rethink. On this channel, you'll find easy, quick, and simple step-by-step clothes upcycling tips and easy sewing tutorials. I have been thrifting, second-hand shopping, and sewing for 30+ years. I started thrifting in the 1980s. My passion is following an ethical style when it comes to my clothing choices and living an environmentally friendly life. I rarely buy new clothes (or anything new for that matter), instead shopping second hand at shops, Goodwill, Vinnies, Salvos and flea markets.