My sister recently gave me a romper which is cute, but is just way too short. I’m somebody’s mother now (!!! still such a wonderful and wild experience !!!), so there are some lengths I just will not wear anymore. But the material is so pretty and the sleeves are so fun, so I decided to upcyle it and turn the romper into a tunic top. I’ve been on an upcycling kick lately turning a sweater into a skirt, and earrings into a necklace. Giving new life to old things is really rewarding and surprisingly easy.
I paired my new tunic along with my previously upcycled ankle length summer jeans. Read on for my full tutorial…
The skinny:
This was a super quick fix to take something unwearable and upcycle it into something wearable. I’m talking 10 minutes. You just need to hem the romper once, or twice if there is a lining, and voila! You have a brand new shirt.
Materials:
- a romper
- matching thread
Now onto my Upcycle Romper into Tunic Top Tutorial
Instructions:
1. Turn the romper inside out and cut out the seam at the bottom of the shorts so it opens up.
2. Fold the romper in half and cut along the bottom giving the bottom a brand new shape. If it helps, you can sketch it out first with some charcoal, as I did. After cutting it out, try it on just to make sure you like the cut of it.
3. Do a zigzag stitch across the edge of the material at the bottom. This will help prevent the material from fraying.
4. Hem the bottom(s) and you’re done! You now have a brand new upcycled tunic shirt!
FYI- If you’re wondering what the difference is between a romper and a jumper (like I was), look no further! According to wisegeek.com, a romper has shorts or a skirt attached as the bottom part, whereas a jumper has long pants. Good to know!
Thank you for writing this tutorial. I found a super cute romper at a thrift store but my body shape isn’t meant for rompers. I didn’t think it was going to be difficult but wanted to see how others have done it. I found several times fort turning a shirt into a romper on Pinterest but none doing what you did and I want to do. Great instructions and many thanks
You’re very welcome! My body is not meant for rompers either. The fabric was so pretty that I was thankful to be able to turn it into something that I will actually wear. Good luck on your project!
Beautiful! I found a romper at a thrift store. I didn’t trust myself to pull it off so I went to a seamstress! Cost me $20.
Thank you! My sister can pull these off, but I can’t. Did it turn out well?
This is fantastic, particularly that there is a built-in waistband, which is what makes me ambivalent about most tunics– too shapeless and maternity-like. So, thank you for posting this inspiring DIY! (I see I’m several years late to the party, but thanks anyway. <3 )
My pleasure! Thank you for reading. 🙂