Redesign Your Old Shirts

Every closet has a few unworn, crumpled t-shirts that lay at the bottom of the wardrobe. These shirts are typically wearable, but just need a few adjustments. So this is a guide to redesigning those old t-shirts to make them into fashionable shirts once again.

Supplies
For this project, you will need a seam ripper, thread to match whatever shirt you are redesigning, a safety pin, knowledge of how to use a sewing machine, and how to perform most sewing tasks. You will also need thin elastic. The purchase of buttons or any other decorative accessory is optional.

The Project
First, search out your old t-shirts. If you don't have any, visit a second-hand thrift store like Goodwill and buy an inexpensive, vintage-looking shirt. If you're small, the little boys section has some awesome shirts. They are typically sporty shirts, but with a little creativity, you can make them really cute. Some Goodwill stores even have a vintage section with inexpensive pearl-snap shirts that can be refitted.

If the shirt does not fit you will you will need to use the seam ripper to take the sleeves off. Once you have removed both sleeves, you can turn the shirt inside out and sew the sides to fit your body. Next, take the sleeves and sew each one of them to fit your arms. You can go for either fitted sleeves or puff sleeves (my favorite). If you want puff sleeves, cut two small holes on the underside of the sleeve on either side of the hem where it doubles over at the bottom. Attach a safety pin to the elastic and slide the safety pin through the hole, around the inside of the sleeve, and out the other end. Once the elastic has gone through the sleeve, sew each end in place so the elastic is tight enough to fit your arm and excess fabric is scrunched. Repeat this step for the other sleeve then reattach the sleeves to the shirt. The process is kind of complicated, which is why it's best to attempt this after you have learned about the basics of sewing. If you get stuck at any stage, just take a look at another shirt and examine how it's put together. You can also add buttons to the shirt. Some ideas for where to add the buttons are featured in the pictures to the left of the article.

Redesigning old t-shirts is a great way to increase the amount of shirts available for you to wear without spending much.