How to Make Short Sleeve Sweatshirts

Short sleeve sweatshirts are a niche product that is sold by specialty shops for around $25 each. Short sleeve sweatshirts are, basically, regular sweatshirts manufactured with short sleeves. Short sleeve sweatshirts are perfect for those breezy days where a T-shirt is too thin and long sleeves are too warm. But why pay $25 for short sleeve sweatshirts when you can craft short sleeve sweatshirts from $3.99 sweatshirts from Walgreen's. Better yet, use the ones set aside that are still good except for those frayed cuffs.

I have come up with three ways to make short sleeve sweatshirts; cut the sleevesabove the elbow, cut the sleeves above the elbow and hem, and cut the sleeves off and add T-shirt sleeves. I will detail the first two craft methods then cover the third craft method separately.

What you will need for short sleeve sweatshirts craft:

Sweatshirt

Scissors

Chalk

Sewing kit (craft methods 2 & 3)

Ribbing for sleeve cuffs (optional, craft method 2)

T-shirt sleeves (craft method 3)

Step #1, Craft preparations: The best way to measure the sleeves for the short sleeve sweatshirts is to put the sweatshirt on. Mark with chalk around the entire of both sleeves where they would look good cut. If you are hemming, you'll cut the sleeves an inch longer. If you are adding ribbing, cut the sleeves a half inch shorter. If you mess up with the chalk, a wet cloth will "erase" the mark. Take off the sweatshirt and compare one sleeve to the other to make sure the marks are even.

Step #2, cutting the sweatshirt:It is best to cut the sleeves an inch below the chalk line first to make sure you got it right. An even cut across the sleeve usually translates to a diagonal sleeve due to the nature of the shirt. Put the sweatshirt on and observe what alterations to make to the craft, using the chalk if necessary. Then make the final cut. This completes the cut-off short sleeve sweatshirts craft step. These short sleeve sweatshirts are good for yard work and wearing around the house. But let's take the short sleeve sweatshirts craft farther.

Step #3, hemming the sleeves: Turn the short sleeve sweatshirts inside-out and sew the hem with a sewing machine for best results. Hand sewing can also be used if you don't mind the sewn look to your short sleeve sweatshirts. A third alternative is to use fabric glue in place of sewing to hem the sleeves. Or instead of hemming, you can simply sew ribbing onto the sleeve to replicate the polo shirt sleeve look. Your short sleeve sweatshirts craft is complete.

Alternative craft method: Cut the sleeves off of the sweatshirt at the shoulders. Cut the sleeves off of a T-shirt of the same or a contrasting color, setting aside the sleeveless T-shirt for hot summer days or another craft. The sleeves should be as wide as the sweatshirt hole, even if it means gouging into the T-shirt a little. With the sewing machine, sew the sleeves of the T-shirt onto the sweatshirt and the craft is complete.

Recycle the leftover sleeves in a future craft. The sleeves cut from the shoulder can be used to craft winter hats, Santa hats, elf hats, and leg warmers. The sleeves cut at the elbow are probably too narrow for the adult hat craft but can make an excellent hat for a toddler or be used for a different craft.

Short sleeve sweatshirts are the perfect way to get the most of your sweatshirts, providing a way to recycle around tattered cuffs. And you don't have to pay $25 for your short sleeve sweatshirts when you can get them at Walgreen's for $3.99 or from your closet for free. If you get real good at making short sleeve sweatshirts, you can even open your own shop and resell the short sleeve sweatshirts for a profit!