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DIY Ruched Backless Top: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Jan 15, 26

If you’ve been looking for a beginner sewing project that’s stylish, customizable, and surprisingly easy to make, this DIY ruched backless top is perfect. You’ll learn how to sew a ruched backless top that fits your measurements perfectly, giving you a flattering, made-to-measure garment you’ll want to wear again and again.

I designed this tutorial to be approachable for beginners while creating a top that feels polished and modern, no “homemade crafty” vibes here. With simple techniques and clear steps, you’ll learn how to sew a top that’s versatile, wearable, and totally customizable to your style and fabric choice. I’ve included imperial measurements as well, so US-based viewers can follow along without doing any conversions.

I've gone for a 100% cotton poplin, I love the crispness of the cotton against the gentle ruching. It's also so easy to handle and sew. 

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for special occasions or a chic top to pair with skirts or tailored trousers, this project is a fun, rewarding way to build your sewing skills while creating something you’ll be proud to wear.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Top:

  • Made to Your Measurements: One of the best things about this project is that you can make it fit you perfectly. I’ll walk you through your measurements and the pattern, and in the final stage, you can adjust the gathers so it adapts to your curves.
  • Beginner-Friendly Sewing Project: Don’t worry if you’re new to sewing. This tutorial walks you through each step clearly, showing you how to sew a top from start to finish, including cutting the top out and making the ties for the ruching detail. I have also added in imperial measurements for all the US viewers.
  • Easy & Stylish: Thanks to its flattering ruching and tiered design, this DIY top looks effortlessly chic and professional, not homemade.

What you’ll need:

  • I recommend a cotton poplin if you are a new sewer because it presses and sews so cleanly. Otherwise a soft rayon, bamboo or viscose would be gorgeous with the ruching detail.
  • You’ll need approx. 1 meter (1 yard)

DIY Inspiration:

This project is a great way to practice how to sew a top while creating something unique. You can choose your favorite fabric, adjust the length, and even experiment with different colors to match your wardrobe. It’s a fun, approachable project for anyone wanting to try a beginner sewing project with a stunning result.

Finished Photos:

Here’s a peek at the finished top on me! You can see how the ruching adds shape and texture, while the backless design keeps it fun and flirty. These photos show how versatile the DIY top can be, I’ve paired it with tailored trousers but I think it would also look gorgeous as a matching two piece set.

Ready to make your own? Watch the full YouTube tutorial to learn how to sew a ruched backless top step by step. By the end, you’ll have a chic, made-to-measure DIY top that’s all your own.

Happy Sewing!

- Tess

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