I have a confession to make. I am short. I am curvy. I am not a size 2. (Heavy Sigh!) T-shirts are a basic wardrobe staple – if they fit. Finding one that fits me is difficult. I really don’t want to look like a box, but at the same time, I’d rather not look hoochey hoo either.
Have you ever noticed those packages of men’s T-shirts that are like, oh, $10.00 for four shirts? Some of the packs have white shirts, some have multiple colors, some have round necklines, some have V’s? I love re-designing these into something else… A T-shirt that fits me.
You will need:
1 Men’s T-shirt in a size that is a little too big for you
Thread to match or contrast the Men’s T-shirt
1 of your FAVE T-shirts
Some safety pins
Chalk
Sewing machine
Here’s what you do… Purchase a package of men’s T-shirts in a size that is a little too big for you. Any scraps cut away can be used for embellishments later. Wash the men’s T-shirt so you don’t have to worry about shrinkage.
Turn the men’s T-shirt wrong side out and lay it on a flat surface. Once it is really flat, put a few safety pins around the edges and down the middle, so it can’t wiggle crooked later.
Take one of your fave shirts and lay it on top of the men’s T-shirt. This is how you will get the right fit.
I use coasters to weight the fave shirt while working out the pattern. Use chalk to draw where you would like the side seam.
Carefully fold back the sleeve on your fave shirt, exposing the line of the seam at the shoulder. Using your fave shirt for the pattern, cut the men’s T-shirt along the sleeve seam of the fave shirt. Cut away the remainder of the men’s T-shirt sleeve. Keep the men’s sleeve. We will need it later.
Here’s how the men’s T-shirt will look after chalking the sides and cutting the sleeves.
I like to sew the sides next to make sure the sides fit before I hassle with the sleeves. Once the sides are a size you like, trim the side seams to about half an inch.
Again, using your fave shirt for a pattern, cut the men’s T-shirt sleeve to fit into the new arm hole.
Attach sleeve. If you like to keep things simple, stop right here.
Here’s my new FAVE shirt! I love it! Make one for yourself and share the joy!
That’s better. ‘Not too boxy, not too hoochey hoo! 😉 -Marci
