How To Transform Leggings Into Top Creatively
Discover how to transform leggings into an adorable and unique one-off top! If you are into wearing print or colours as a top, then this is the perfect DIY sewing idea for you.
Check the video further down in this post for the details.

By Mariana Kirova
Why Looking At How To Transform Leggings Anyway
I don't know about you but I love leggings! Not every print or colour leggings are exactly my choice, though.
This legging came to me as a present. And, although the polka dot print is not busy, I didn't like the density of the T-shirt jersey material. The fabric content, on the other hand, was top notch natural cotton with good amount of stretch elastic fibres into it.
You know me, I can't waste it if it's such a good material. On top of this, it was a sentimental gift from my mum. So, I just couldn't wait to rework these adorable polka dots.
Let's see how much I liked it.
Colour: my favourite black - check. Print: something I loved how it looks around my face, thus, its suitability and lovability - check, check!
Besides, the fabric was very good quality and I thought although heavy for a bottom, it seemed perfect for a top. To keep my arms and upper body warm, since I need warmer tops.
Check, check and check ;)
Now, I just needed to figure out exactly how to transform leggings into a top...
Redesigning The Top
Now I couldn't be more happy that I've found a wonderful upcycling idea how to transform the leggings into a top at the end.
I played for a while with the different options, of course. Usually I tend to do that as there are always more than one ideas ;)
My favourite method of visualisation which includes draping on the stand instead of drawing on paper, helped me to finalise the redesign idea.

1. Design option #1

2. Design option #2

3. Design option #3
By the way, did you notice the skirt on the dummy?
It is another amazing zero waste refashion and, acclaimed by the audience at my local presentations as ingenious idea. It's so soft and warm in winter, I just love it! It's a dress turned into a skirt. Watch the video containing all the details here.
Back to the polka dot top, the final look actually came out different than the design options up above.
It got developed throughout the making process. This often happens when you rework clothing into something new.
If you can't wait to scroll down, check the video below with the finalised look or on YouTube here ;)
Finishing Off The Outfit
After dressing the top half of the body, I had to dress up the lower too. Refashioning is no different than dressmaking and styling in this regards.
I used the skirt from the above for another outfit, so I needed something else.
Therefore, to finish off the outfit I created a skirt that uses again the upside-down upcycling technique. The skirt also went as part of the collection. As most of the other items, over time it has proved itself as a wonderful winter piece, too.
I love how creative the upside-down technique is! All articles I've done with this technique instantly become true show-stoppers leaving in awe the audience at my local presentations and workshops every single time.
Great For The Runway, Great For The Wardrobe
This piece became one of my favourite from my upcycled collection "Upside-Down" that I created for the first Eco Fashion Week Australia.

Runway shot #1, credit: Harry Leonard Imagery

Runway shot #2, credit Harry Leonard Imagery
Most of the refashions from the collection had been proved being great over time.
So, after having this top for a while, I was surprised how pleasant was to wear. People around me say it suits me well. I'm adding a photo, so you can judge for yourself.
All this, at the end absolutely made it another fab staple to my wardrobe! Very happy with it :D

How To Transform Leggings Into A Top
Check details on how to transform leggings into a blouse reusing the entire material in the video below.
Video Highlights:
I hope this project idea of how to transform leggings into a top inspires you to dive into creating original clothing pieces of your own!
It would be much better do something with those castoffs rather than leaving them gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe, right? :)
Happy upcycling!
Mariana x