Make sure that the front of both shirts is facing up. You can also use a fitted t-shirt or a sleeveless shirt for this.
It is best to use a dressmaker’s pen (light colors) or a dressmaker’s chalk (dark colors) for this. If you can’t find one, use a washable pen. If the bigger shirt is too long, you’ll need to trace 1 inch (2. 54 centimeters) below the smaller shirt as well.
The pins are there to keep the fabric from slipping around while cutting the shirt.
Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing to make it stronger. Trim the sleeves down if they are too wide for the shirt.
Remember to backstitch at the start and end of your sewing. Use sewing pins to hold the shirt together, if needed, but remember to take them out as you sew.
Remember to backstitch at the start and end of your sewing! For a more realistic shirt, add a second line of stitching just below the first one. Begin and finish sewing at a seam, not the middle of the hem. This will help disguise the backstitching.
Having trouble finding the exact color? Consider a contrasting color! If the shirt has a print on it, match the color to that.
If you cut the material from another shirt, make the bottom hem the 6-inch (15. 24-centimeter) wide edge. Add 1-inch (2. 54 centimeters) to the overall length for hem allowances. If you cut the material from store-bought fabric, add 2 inches (5. 08 centimeters) to the overall length for hem allowances. You can cut the panels wider/narrower to suit your needs.
If you cut the panels from an existing shirt, make sure that the bottom hems match up. If you cut the panels from store-bought fabric, leave an even amount of panel sticking out of the sleeve and bottom hems.
Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing. This will make the seams stronger.
Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing. If you cut the material from an existing shirt, you’ll only need to do the hem on the sleeve.
You don’t need to finish the inside seams, but you can trim them down to make them narrower.
Pull the collar enough so that it extends to the right side of the collar by ¼ to ½ inch (0. 64 to 1. 27-centimeters).
Folding the end of the collar will create a neat seam on the front.
Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing for extra strength. Remove the pins as you sew.
There is no need to fold down the end of the collar for this side. Remember to backstitch at the start and end of your sewing.
You can leave the edges raw, or hem them for a neater finish.
Cut through both the front and back layers of the shirt at the same time so that the slits are even. Cut the collar off to make it a scoop neck if desired.
Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing for added strength. Use gathered lace, or gather it yourself, for a more feminine touch. [24] X Research source You can use a similar method to add lace to sleeves. You’ll need just one piece of lace for each sleeve, however. [25] X Research source
Skip the bundling and rubber bands, and dip-dye the shirt for an ombre look.
For a trendier look, use fabric spray paint instead. For something more unique, use bleach spray. [28] X Research source Create your own stencils using freezer paper.
If you are printing out your own design, remember to reverse it first! Follow the directions on the iron-on packet very clearly and make sure that your shirt is pre-washed to prevent the print from coming off. Hold and press the iron on the iron-on transfer and apply constant heat to the iron-on transfer.
