Transform Your Old T-Shirt With A Gathered Side Design

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple, but sometimes they need a little something extra to make them stand out. A gathered side T-shirt is a fun and creative way to transform a plain T-shirt into something unique and stylish. This DIY project can be a great way to upcycle an old T-shirt or create a one-of-a-kind piece. Here's a simple guide to making your own gathered side T-shirt.

First, you'll need to gather your materials. For this project, you'll want to start with a T-shirt that's a bit bigger than your usual size, as you'll be altering the fit. You'll also need some elastic thread, a sewing machine, and basic sewing tools like scissors and needles.

The process begins by cutting the side seam of the larger T-shirt, leaving the sleeve intact. You'll then create the gathered effect by sewing rainbows of loops on the side with your elastic thread. This technique involves sewing half-circles and loops to create a ruched, gathered look. It can be a bit tricky, so take your time and go slowly.

Once you've created the gathered side, you'll need to alter the shirt to fit your body. This may involve taking in the sides, shoulders, or other areas to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit. Finally, you can add a fun detail like a bow or leave the edges raw for a more casual look.

With a bit of time and creativity, you can transform a simple T-shirt into a stylish and unique piece that's sure to turn heads. So, get your sewing machine ready and let your creativity flow!

Choose a t-shirt

The first step to making a gathered side t-shirt is to choose the right t-shirt. You'll want to start with a t-shirt that's a little bit big on you. It's important to choose a t-shirt that's loose and comfortable, as you'll be adding fabric to the sides to create the gathered effect.

Look for a t-shirt that's made from a thin, drapey fabric. This will ensure that the gathers fall nicely and that the final product is flattering. You can find t-shirts like this in the men's section of most thrift stores. Look for one that's plain, without any decals or designs, and made from a thin fabric.

If you're using a sewing machine, it's also a good idea to wash and dry your t-shirt before starting your project. This will allow for any shrinkage, and you won't have to worry about your final product shrinking in the wash later on.

Once you've chosen your t-shirt, you can move on to the next step of creating your gathered side t-shirt!

Cut off the bottom

To cut off the bottom of a t-shirt, follow these steps:

Decide how short you want your t-shirt to be. Place the t-shirt on a flat surface and use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the desired length. Mark the cutting line with a fabric marker or chalk.

Cut the t-shirt along the marked line. Try to cut in a straight line, as this will make it easier to hem the raw edge later.

If you want to hem the bottom of the t-shirt, fold and iron the raw edge to create a neat finish. Then, sew along the folded edge to secure it in place. The type of stitch you use will depend on the fabric and your desired finish.

If you're creating a gathered t-shirt dress, as described in some of the sources, you'll need to attach a skirt to the bottom of the t-shirt. To do this, follow these additional steps:

Cut the t-shirt to the desired length, keeping in mind that you'll be adding a skirt.

Choose a coordinating fabric for the skirt and cut it to the desired length and width. Remember to allow for seam allowances and hemming.

Sew the side seams of the skirt, right sides together. Hem the bottom of the skirt.

Gather the top edge of the skirt by sewing two rows of basting stitches and then pulling the bobbin threads to create gathers. Distribute the gathers evenly.

Place the t-shirt inside the skirt, with the right side of the t-shirt facing the wrong side of the skirt. Match up the raw edges and pin them together. Sew the t-shirt and skirt together using a stretch stitch, such as a narrow zig-zag stitch.

To add a professional finish, sew a piece of narrow elastic into the seam allowance between the t-shirt and skirt. Stretch the elastic as you sew to ensure a snug fit. Trim off any excess elastic when you're done.

Finally, remove the gathering stitches and hem the dress to your desired length.

Measure and cut the skirt

To make a gathered side t-shirt, you will need a big t-shirt, preferably a thin one so it drapes nicely. You will also need elastic thread, a sewing machine, and scissors.

• Start by measuring your waist and hips to determine the width of the skirt. You will want the skirt to be gathered at the waist, so add a few extra inches to the measurement.
• For the length, measure from your waist to the desired length of the skirt. Add a hem allowance of 1-2 inches.
• Cut your fabric according to these measurements. You will need two pieces of fabric, one for the front and one for the back.
• Fold each piece of fabric in half and sew the side seams together, creating a tube shape.
• Hem the bottom of the skirt by folding and pressing the raw edge, then sewing a straight stitch.
• Gather the top of the skirt by sewing two rows of basting stitches along the top edge. You can use a long stitch length and low stitch tension for this step.
• Pull the bobbin threads to gather the fabric until it matches the width of the t-shirt waist.
• Place the skirt inside the t-shirt, with right sides together, and pin them together at the waist.
• Sew the skirt and t-shirt together at the waist, using a stretch stitch such as a narrow zig-zag stitch.

Now you have a basic gathered skirt attached to your t-shirt! You can further customize it by adding elastic to the waist, creating a ruffle, or attaching a fabric bow. Get creative and make it your own!

Sew the skirt

Now, you will want to gather the skirt lengthen your stitch to 4 or 5 and straight stitch 1/4" from the raw edge. Repeat this step by sewing a second line 1/2" from the raw edge. Pull the thread ends to gather the skirt to match the width of the t-shirt opening.

With the shirt facing right side out, insert it into the waist of the skirt. The skirt will be RST with the wrong side on the outside. Pin the shirt and skirt waist together. Sew them together using a 1/2" seam, or serge or zigzag stitch the edges to prevent fraying.

To make the dress look more professional, sew some elastic right into the seam you just sewed. Grab a piece of narrow (3/8") elastic that's about the length of your girl's waist. Place it on top of the seam allowance and sew around again, giving the elastic a good stretch as you sew. Use a wide zig-zag or serge stitch here to encase the elastic as you sew.

When you get all the way around, just overlap the elastic a bit and trim off any excess.

Your final steps are to pull out your gathering stitches and hem the dress.

Now, you will cut 2 rectangles 5 x 7 inches. Starting near one corner, sew 1/4" around the edges, leaving a 1 1/2" opening. Clip all four corners. Turn the rectangle right side out, pushing the corners out square, and slip stitch the opening shut. Repeat these steps with a smaller rectangle as well.

Push the centre of the bow together – you can sew this together if you like. Using the smaller rectangle, place it on the front of the bow and wrap it around until both ends meet. Hand sew the small rectangle edges together on the backside of the bow. When finished, hand sew and attach it to the dress in the desired place.

Gather the skirt

To gather the skirt, you will need to start with a t-shirt and a separate piece of fabric for the skirt. Cut the t-shirt to the desired length, and cut the fabric for the skirt so that it is wider than the t-shirt opening.

For the skirt, you will want to hem the bottom and then gather the top. To gather the fabric, sew two rows of basting stitches along the top edge, and then pull the bobbin threads to create the gathers. Distribute the gathers evenly, so that the centre front, centre back, and sides of the skirt match up with the same marks on the t-shirt.

With the t-shirt right side out, insert it into the waist of the skirt, so that the two are right sides together. Pin the shirt and skirt waist together, and sew using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. You can then sew some elastic into the seam allowance to give the dress a more professional look and ensure the skirt doesn't stretch out the waist.

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