Transforming T-Shirts Into Comfy Cardigans: A Diy Guide

how to make a cardigan out of a t shirt

Cardigans are a versatile garment that can be worn in any season and are perfect for layering. If you want to make your own cardigan, you can upcycle an old T-shirt to create a unique and fashionable piece. This is a great way to give new life to a shirt that no longer fits or is no longer worn, saving you money and reducing waste. With just a few simple steps, you can transform a T-shirt into a cardigan, adding your own personal touches such as buttons, ruffles, or crocheted details.

Characteristics Values
Required Materials T-shirt, scissors, measuring tape, tailor's chalk/fabric marker, sewing machine, buttons
Optional Materials Iron, hem tape, yarn, crochet hook, needle, thread
Steps 1. Cut off bottom of T-shirt; 2. Cut open shirt along front center fold; 3. Cut strip from off-cut and use as facing for front openings; 4. Fold seam allowance toward facing and understitch; 5. Hem bottom edge; 6. Fold facing and stitch into place; 7. Mark placement for buttons and buttonholes; 8. Sew buttons and buttonholes into place

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Choosing the right T-shirt

Size

Consider the size of the T-shirt in relation to your body measurements. If you plan to wear the cardigan over other layers, choose a T-shirt that is a size or two larger than your usual size to allow for comfortable layering. On the other hand, if you prefer a more fitted look, choose a T-shirt that is closer to your actual size. Keep in mind that you will likely be cutting and reshaping the T-shirt, so the original size may change during the alteration process.

Fabric

The type of fabric the T-shirt is made of will impact the drape and structure of the final cardigan. For a more structured cardigan, choose a T-shirt made with a sturdy fabric such as double knit or ponte. If you prefer a flowy, drapey cardigan, look for T-shirts made with lighter-weight and more flexible fabrics such as rayon or jersey. Consider the season you intend to wear the cardigan in; for colder months, opt for thicker fabrics like sweatshirt fleece or french terry.

Sleeves

T-shirts with set-in long sleeves are ideal for cardigan hacks as they offer more coverage and versatility. Avoid T-shirts with cap sleeves or kimono sleeves, as these styles may not provide the desired look or functionality for a cardigan. If you plan to wear your cardigan during colder weather, ensure the T-shirt sleeves are long enough to keep your arms warm.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the T-shirt will determine the overall aesthetic of your cardigan. Choose a colour that complements your existing wardrobe to ensure your cardigan can be easily paired with various outfits. Consider whether you want a solid colour or a pattern, such as stripes or graphics. Keep in mind that a patterned T-shirt may require more careful cutting and reshaping to ensure the pattern remains aligned during the alteration process.

Condition

Inspect the T-shirt for any stains, holes, or other damage. Avoid T-shirts with significant wear and tear, as they may not be suitable for alteration. Look for T-shirts that are in good condition, with intact seams and minimal signs of wear, to ensure your cardigan will be durable and long-lasting.

Remember, the key to a successful T-shirt-to-cardigan transformation is choosing a T-shirt that is the right size, fabric, and style for your desired outcome. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different options!

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Cutting the T-shirt

The first step to making a cardigan from a T-shirt is to cut the T-shirt. The specific cutting method will depend on the style of cardigan you want to make, but all methods will involve cutting up the centre of the T-shirt.

Basic Cut

Lay the T-shirt face up on a flat surface. Using a measuring tape, measure the bottom of the shirt and mark the halfway point. Repeat this at the top of the shirt. Then, line the measuring tape up with the marks and, using tailor's chalk or a fabric marker, draw a line from the top to the bottom of the shirt. Cut along this line.

Trim and Reshape

Alternatively, you can reshape the T-shirt to fit your bust, bicep, and armhole circumferences. First, fold the T-shirt in half lengthwise. Then, measure and mark half of your bicep, armhole, and quarter of your bust width, connecting these marks with a chalk line. Cut through all four layers of the T-shirt along this line.

Cut and Sew

For a more complex cut, you can cut the T-shirt and then sew on a strip of the excess fabric. First, cut the centre of the T-shirt open. Then, cut a strip from the excess fabric at the bottom of the T-shirt. Fold this strip in half lengthwise and sew it to the front openings of the cardigan.

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Hemming the edges

Preparation:

Before you begin hemming, ensure that you have the necessary tools, including a measuring tape, fabric marker or tailor's chalk, scissors, pins, an iron, and a sewing machine. It is also recommended to have a scrap piece of fabric to test the process before working on your T-shirt.

Folding the Edge:

  • Fold the raw edge of the fabric inward by about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This step is important to hide the raw edge and create a neat finish. Use pins to hold the folded edge in place.
  • If your T-shirt fabric is safe to iron, use the iron to press the crease. This will help set the fold and make it easier to sew.

Sewing the Hem:

  • Set up your sewing machine with the appropriate thread color and type for your T-shirt fabric.
  • Sew along the folded edge, ensuring that your stitches are straight and secure.
  • Repeat this process for both the right and left sides of the opening you created in the T-shirt.

Finishing Touches:

Once you have hemmed both sides, your cardigan is almost complete! You can add buttons or other decorative elements if desired. Additionally, you can use the remaining fabric from the bottom of the T-shirt to create a facing for a more polished look, as described in one of the sources.

Remember to take your time and work carefully when hemming the edges. This step is important to ensure your cardigan looks and feels well-crafted.

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Adding buttons

If you want to add a decorative button, simply sew it on at the spot where a button would usually go on a cardigan. This is purely for decoration, so there's no need to add a buttonhole.

If you want to add a functional button, you'll need to create a corresponding buttonhole on the other side. You can do this by marking the placement for your buttons and buttonholes with a water-soluble marker. Then, use your sewing machine's buttonhole setting to stitch them in place. Sew the buttons on by hand.

For a more creative approach, you can crochet the button placket. Gather your yarn, hook, and buttons to begin. Make a slip knot with your yarn and join it onto the top of the placket edge, about a quarter-inch down from the neck edge and a quarter-inch over from the center front, with a single crochet. Continue with single crochets, alternating with chain stitches, down the entire edge of the placket. You'll need a few rows for the placket to fit the buttons.

For the "buttonhole side," crochet two rows in the same way. Then, measure the length of the placket and divide it by the number of buttons you plan to use. Place stitch markers where you want each hole. Chain the required number of stitches to begin the buttonhole, and sc into the very next stitch. Continue this pattern down the row, and complete the remaining rows in single crochet. Sew the buttons onto the other placket.

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Sewing it all together

For this project, you will need a sewing machine, an iron, a t-shirt, scissors, tailor's chalk or a fabric marker, a measuring tape, and a button (optional).

Firstly, lay your t-shirt face up on a flat surface, ensuring the body of the shirt is totally flat. Next, measure and mark the halfway point across the bottom and top of the shirt. Then, using your measuring tape, draw a vertical line down the front of the shirt, connecting the marks you made at the top and bottom. Cut along this line.

Now, you will hem the opening on the right side. To do this, fold the raw edge in about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch and use pins to hold it in place. If your shirt can be ironed, use an iron to press the crease. Sew the hem using your sewing machine. Repeat this process on the left side.

If you want to add a button, mark the spot where you would like it to go and sew it on. You can also add a buttonhole if you would like the cardigan to be able to close. To do this, mark the spot for the buttonhole and use your sewing machine's buttonhole setting to stitch it in place.

Your cardigan is now complete! You can wear it over dresses or tanks to add a touch of style or warmth to your outfit.

Frequently asked questions

You can use almost any T-shirt, but for a cardigan with a more structured look, opt for a shirt with a thicker fabric such as a double-knit or ponte.

Yes, you will need to cut along the front center of the shirt to create an opening for the cardigan. You may also need to trim the shirt for length or reshape the sides and armhole seams for a better fit.

Basic tools include a measuring tape, fabric marker or tailor's chalk, scissors, and a sewing machine. You will also need buttons and, optionally, hem tape.

You can hem the edges using a sewing machine, or for a no-sew option, use hem tape and an iron following the manufacturer's instructions.

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