designer look for less: Dolce & gabbana
Lately, I’ve been really into cropped hoodies and sweatshirts. I won’t necessarily purchase a RTW cropped top because the crop is a little too high for my comfortability but custom making one to fit my body and style is right up my alley.
Fashion is all about personal style and expression, and age should not limit anyone's ability to wear what they feel comfortable and confident in. There are many ways to style a cropped top for a woman over the age of 30, such as pairing it with high-waisted jeans, a flowy skirt, or layering it over a longer tank top or shirt. The key is to find a style that suits your body type and personal taste, and to feel confident and comfortable in what you wear.
To complete this project in a fast, safe, and efficient way, I turned to my Fiskars DuoLoop Rotary Cutter. It is a versatile and reliable cutting tool that can be a valuable addition to any crafter or sewer's toolkit. Here are a few reasons why you should consider owning this tool:
Precision cutting: The DuoLoop Rotary is a 2 in 1 rotary cutter that features a 45mm rotary blade that is designed to make clean, precise cuts through a variety of materials, including fabric, paper, and vinyl. The blade is easy to replace when it becomes dull, ensuring that you always have a sharp cutting edge. This rotary cutter also includes the 60mm rotary blade which is larger than the standard 45mm rotary blade and is ideal for cutting through multiple layers of fabric or thicker materials. It is particularly useful for cutting long straight lines and curves.
Comfortable grip: The cutter's ergonomic handle is designed to be comfortable to hold and reduce hand fatigue, making it ideal for longer cutting sessions.
Safety features: The DuoLoop Rotary Cutter features a magnetic blade hub system for safer, easier, touch-free blade changes. The retractable blade also automatically retracts when the handle is released, helping to prevent accidental cuts and injuries. Additionally, the blade guard provides added protection when the cutter is not in use.
Versatility: You can switch between the 60mm or 45mm blade depending on the task. The rotary cutters can be used for a wide range of cutting tasks, including cutting curves, straight lines, and intricate shapes. It is also useful for cutting multiple layers of fabric at once, making it a time-saving tool for sewers.
Overall, the Fiskars DuoLoop Rotary Cutter is a versatile and reliable tool that can help you achieve clean and precise cuts in a variety of materials. Whether you are a seasoned crafter or just starting out, this rotary cutter can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. You can find it at online at Fiskars or at your local Joann store.
Let’s get on to the project! To create a cropped sweatshirt, you will need a few materials and tools:
Materials:
A plain sweatshirt or hoodie
Fiskars Measuring tape
Fabric marker or chalk
Pins or Fabric Clips
Sewing Machine
How to Make it:
Start by trying on the sweatshirt to determine how much you want to crop it. Use the measuring tape to measure the desired length from the bottom of the sweatshirt up to where you want to crop it.
Once you have determined the length, mark the cutting line using a fabric marker or chalk. Make sure the line is straight and even all the way around.
Use the scissors to cut along the marked line. Make sure to cut both the front and back of the hoodie.
Cut off the bottom band of the sweatshirt leaving ½ seam allowance. Set aside.
Mark the both side seams of the sweatshirt with fabric chalk.
Create a box pleats at the side seams. Use a sewing machine to baste pleats in place.
Pin the bottom band to the bottom of the sweatshirt and sew in place using ½” seam allowance. Top Stitch.
Step 5
Step 6A
Step 6 B
Step 7
If you want to add any additional details to the hoodie, such as patches or embroidery, now is the time to do so. I added rhinestones because I can’t live without a bit of sparkle.
