t-shirt reconstruction – WhatTheCraft

September 12, 2014October 18, 2018Tutorials, Video Tutorials

How to Make a Tie Back Halter Top

This is a super quick project for turning a t-shirt from crummy to kick-ass! Works best with a t-shirt that’s a little big (or really big) on you.

This tutorial is great for beginners because it requires no sewing! All you really need is a sharp pair of scissors, an old tee, and about 15 minutes!

Difficulty:

You’ll need:

A t-shirt that’s too big for you or approximately 1 yard of stretch/knit fabric
Sharp scissors

Click below to start the video!

This tutorial was filmed using a Creative Labs Vado HD Digital Video Camera, a Canon Rebel (for still shots), and edited in Sony Vegas Movie Studio.

If you’d prefer a text tutorial with diagrams, continue reading below!

Step 1
Get yourself a t-shirt and some scissors!
A t-shirt that’s at least a hair too big on you works best. Larger will also work, of course.
Get out all the wrinkles and make sure it’s laying nice and flat on your work surface.Read more…

July 1, 2011October 18, 2018Tutorials, Video Tutorials

How to Sew a Crew Neck Collar on a T-shirt

I finally posted a new video tutorial! This one shows my No-Measuring (Cheater) Method for finishing the neckline of a t-shirt!

This tutorial was filmed using a Creative Labs Vado HD Digital Video Camera, a Canon Rebel (for still shots), and edited in Sony Vegas Movie Studio.

November 17, 2009October 18, 2018Tutorials

How to Make a Surplice or Cross-over Bust Tank Top

This little twist on a tube top is the perfect way to revamp a big t-shirt.

Difficulty:

Step 1

Start out with your large-ish tee.

Mark like so.

The larger piece should have a top measurement to match under your bust. Grab a tape measure and measure right under your boobs.

How to Sew Set In Sleeves (the easy cheater way)

Attaching set-in sleeves (the easy, cheater way).

Okay, so it’s not really cheating. It’s a perfectly legitimate way of attaching a sleeve, and it is way easier.

However, a set-in sleeve is a set-in sleeve because you’re supposed to be setting it in, and with this method, you don’t.

Anyway, I’m splitting hairs.

Keep in mind, though, that this will only work if you haven’t already sewn up your side seams. If your side seams are sewn, you’ll either have to cut them open, or use the other method.

And if your garment doesn’t have side seams that line up with the sleeve seams, you’ll also have to use the other method.

How to Sew a Hood

You can use this method for making a hooded shirt from scratch or for reconstructing an existing shirt.

If you are making your own pattern on the fly, I’d suggest finding a hoodie and tracing the hood, making sure to add a seam allowance. You may need to alter the hood to fit the top you want to sew it to- just remember that the bottom edge of the hood should be the same length as the measurement around the neck hole.

halfleo — Zip up hoodie by SmarmyClothes.com

Difficulty:

Step 1

Your hood pieces should be sewn together before you start, and the edges finished. You can hem the edge or trim it with contrasting fabric or lace.

You can also line your hood. Cut two pieces of lining fabric the same shape as your hood. Sew the lining together. Then sew the lining to the hood, right sides together. Don’t sew the “neckline” edge of the hood and lining together. Leave that edge open so you can turn the pieces right side out, and then baste along the neckline before sewing the hood to your shirt.