How to Make a 3 Piece Goth/Punk Outfit for Free!

Almost everyone has an old turtle neck shirt packed away in the closet. Now, you can turn that old shirt into a new 3 piece trendy outfit. It's easy to do, and requires no sewing, or talent. So easy if fact a child could even do it. All you need is a turtle neck shirt, and a good pair of scissors and your on your way to owning designer pieces.

The idea came to me as I was looking though a rack at a trendy Goth, and punk store in the mall. I happened upon a tank top that looked home made, with a sale tag of $24.99. On the next isle over I spotted a pair of arm warmers that matched the top for $16.99. After looking at the two pieces carefully, it dawned on me how anyone could make these plus a headband with something they already own, a turtle neck. Oh, by the way they also had some headbands for $6.99.

First thing you need to do is find a turtle neck shirt that you like. You don't need to like the shirt in general, but you should like the color and print (if you plan to wear it). If for some reason you don't own one, you can always look around at your local second hand store, where you can buy one for a couple of bucks, or ask a friend if they have one their willing to part with. Once you find the shirt, you'll need to grab some scissors. Sharp fabric scissors work the best, and you can pick up a cheap pair for less then a few dollars at any craft store, if you don't own a pair.

The next step is simple, your going to make a small cut (to work your scissors into) below the actual seam of the turtle neck. Now just follow that seam all the way around the neckline, separating the two pieces. You will end up with a rough edge neckline, that you can trim up (if need be). If you want the neck bigger, then cut it out bigger. A V neck is also another possibility, it all depends on what type of neckline you like. Make sure to save the actual turtle neck piece.

After your finished with that part, you will need to do the same around both the arms. Right before you get to the seam, your going to make a small cut to get your scissors started, then follow it all the way around removing both arms. Once both arms are cut out, you will find you are left with a tank top. If your a bit more on the creative side you can add embellishments to the shirt. If not you can always wear it plain, or use 2 small pieces of ribbon to tie the shoulder straps to the neckline on each side.

With the actual neck piece of your turtle neck you can make a headband. Simply cut the seam (that was attached to your shirt) off and your done. If you want to add a little extra touch with embellishments you can.

Now your left with the two arms, which is pretty easy to figure out. You want to cut them straight across, approximately 3 inches from the seam where they were attached to the shirt, maybe even farther depending on the length of your arms. After your done cutting slip them onto your arms and see if they fit. Congratulations if it's a prefect fit, it not, don't give up. Simply pinch the material of the arm warmer together until it fits right, and use a pencil to mark each side. After the measuring is done, remover the cuff and cut tiny slits about two inches apart on your marks. You can make as many as you like. Now using ribbon, lace the slits as you would a pair of shoes. Once you have them laced, try them on, and tighten to fit.

Tip: I found that by using my daughters old turtle necks from winter, a size 6X, I can make her a summer tank top, with a matching headband, and me a pair of fitting arm warmers that don't need lacing.

Hint: All of these pieces are machine washable, your pieces are not going to unravel or fall apart on you. Shoulder seams, and side seams are done with locking stitches on T shirt material, so your good to go.

Now that your done, sit back and enjoy your wonderful designer pieces. Just think you made over $45.00 worth of clothes and accessories by recycling an old shirt, and spending less then an half hour cutting it all out.