Transforming Old T-Shirts Into Trendy Buffs

If you're looking to give your old T-shirts a new lease of life, you can easily turn them into a buff—a tubular scarf that offers both warmth and protection. All you need is a sewing machine or serger, the right fabric, and some basic sewing skills. This simple project is a great way to recycle old clothing and create something useful, with minimal effort and cost.

Measure and cut the t-shirt

To make a buff from a T-shirt, you will first need to measure and cut the T-shirt. Start by laying the T-shirt flat on a surface. If you want to make a larger neck gaiter that can be wrapped twice around your neck, measure 41 cm (16 inches) from the bottom hem of the T-shirt towards the armpit and mark this line with pins. Cut along this line. If you are happy with the size, you can skip the hemming step and move on to cutting along both sides of the tube and opening it out flat.

However, if you want to hem the raw edge, fold the raw edge of the fabric to the inside and sew it in place. You can use a twin needle or a cover stitch machine for this step. Once you have hemmed the edge, cut along both sides of the tube and open it out flat.

Now, you will need to cut along the side seams of the T-shirt. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter to do this. Make sure to cut in a straight line. If you are using a rotary cutter, it will be easier to cut straight lines.

At this point, your T-shirt should be cut into a rectangular shape with the fabric still attached at the top and bottom hems. You can now proceed to join the side seams of the buff.

Sew the side seam

Sewing the side seam of your buff is a crucial step in ensuring a comfortable and durable finish. Here's a detailed guide on how to tackle this step:

Preparation:

Before you begin sewing, it's important to have the right tools and materials. You will need a sewing machine or a serger (overlocker), matching thread, and a large-eyed needle (optional). For the fabric, choose a soft, lightweight knit fabric with good stretch and recovery, such as cotton, wool, or merino wool jersey. Ensure your fabric is cut to the desired width and height, typically around 46cm by 50cm, with the stretch running across.

Sewing the Seam:

• Fold the fabric: Lengthwise fold your fabric with the right sides facing each other and the wrong side facing up.
• Choose the right stitch: Select a narrow zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. This will allow for stretch and flexibility in the final product. Alternatively, if using a serger, set it up for a flatlock seam, which will create a rub-free finish.
• Sew the seam: Using the selected stitch, sew along the edge of the fabric, creating the side seam of your buff. The seam allowance should be relatively small, between 0.6-1 cm (1/4-3/8").
• Press the seam open (optional): For a flatter and more skin-friendly seam, use an iron to press the seam open. Be sure to adjust the heat setting according to your fabric type (low to medium heat for wool or polyester, slightly warmer for cotton).
• Stitch the seam down (optional): To make the seam chafe-free and more comfortable, you can opt to stitch over the seam from the right side. Choose a decorative stitch or use a regular zigzag stitch.

Final Steps:

After sewing the side seam, you can finish your buff by pressing and stitching the top and bottom edges, and then turning it right-side out. If you used a serger, remember to tuck the thread tails inside the seam to prevent them from unraveling. And that's it! You've sewn the side seam of your buff, now ready to be worn or gifted to an adventure sports enthusiast!

Press the seam open

Pressing is just as important as sewing! It makes a huge difference to your result, making your seams and hems look crisp and professional. Pressing is different from ironing. When pressing, you hold the iron still and apply pressure, lifting it up and down. When ironing, you move the iron back and forth.

To press the seam open, first press the seam flat. This evens out the stitches and makes it easier to press the seam open. Then, with the fabric wrong-side up, press along the seam, flattening the seam allowance. If your fabric is delicate, you may wish to lay the seam on a seam roll to avoid marks from the seam allowance.

Turn your fabric so that the right side is up. Press the seam again from the right side. Now you have a nice, crisp seam! Remember to use the correct iron temperature for your fabric and press on the wrong side of the fabric.

Stitch the seam down

Stitching the seam down is an optional step, but it will make the seam chafe-free and prevent it from rubbing your skin. Pick a decorative stitch on your sewing machine or use a regular zigzag stitch, and sew over the seam from the right side. This will ensure that the seam lies flat and feels soft and comfortable against your skin.

If you used a serger in the previous step, you will need to tuck the thread tails inside the seam to prevent them from unravelling. Fray Check can be used for this, but it may be scratchy when it dries, so try to avoid that.

Now, turn your creation right-side out, and it's ready to wear!

Hem the top and bottom

Hemming the top and bottom of your gaiter is an important step in ensuring a neat finish to your homemade buff. This step is optional, but it will make your garment more durable and chafe-free, enhancing your comfort when wearing it.

To begin, decide whether you want to hem both the top and bottom edges of your gaiter. If you are using a fabric like jersey, which tends to curl instead of fray, you may choose to leave these edges unfinished. However, if you prefer a more polished look or are using a different type of fabric, hemming is a good option.

If you decide to hem, start by folding the raw edges of the fabric towards the inside of the tube. Take your time to ensure that the fold is straight and even all around. You can use an iron to press the fold and create a crisp edge.

Once you have folded the edges, it's time to secure them in place. You can use a needle and thread to hand stitch the hems, or you can use a sewing machine for a quicker and more durable finish. If using a sewing machine, select a straight stitch or a narrow zigzag stitch. Sew along the folded edge, ensuring that your stitches are close to the edge to prevent the fabric from fraying.

When hemming, you also have the option to add seam allowances. This means adding extra fabric to the top and bottom edges before folding and stitching. Seam allowances can provide a little extra room and ensure a more comfortable fit, especially if your buff is made from a stretchy fabric.

Remember, the key to successful hemming is precision and patience. Take your time to ensure that your folds are straight and your stitches are secure. This attention to detail will result in a buff that looks and feels great!

Frequently asked questions