Creating A Comfy Raglan Tee: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make a raglan t shirt

Raglan T-shirts are a fun and easy sewing project, even for beginners. The raglan sleeves are attached to the shirt by cutting across the shoulder area instead of being sewn around the armhole. This article will outline the steps to make your own raglan T-shirt, including creating a pattern, cutting the fabric, and sewing it all together. You can make a raglan T-shirt in any size, and they are a great way to use up scrap fabric from other projects.

Characteristics Values
Sewing machine Basic sewing machine with straight stitches
Serger Optional, but makes it easier
Fabric Knit fabric with stretch
Pattern DIY or use a pre-made pattern
Cutting Cut fabric according to pattern, ensuring seam allowance
Sleeves Attach sleeves to the front and back bodice pieces
Side seams Sew down the sleeve and side seam
Neck binding Measure and cut neck binding, sew short ends together, and attach to the shirt
Hemming Fold edges under or use binding method

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Choosing a pattern

The first step in making a raglan T-shirt is choosing a pattern. You can either buy a commercial pattern or draft your own. If you want to draft your own pattern, you will need a T-shirt that fits you well. Place the T-shirt on a piece of tracing paper, with the straight edge of the paper going through the exact middle of the shirt. Trace around the shirt, making sure to draw a straight line from the neckline down over the shoulder for the sleeve.

Once you have removed the T-shirt, you will have a basic shirt outline. Draw a slightly lower neckline curve for the front of the shirt and a straight line from the armpit to the neckline. Cut the pattern piece out and cut it apart at the armpit-neck line. You can then retrace each of the two pattern pieces, adding seam and hem allowances as needed.

If you are using a commercial pattern, simply print and trim the pattern, then assemble it according to the instructions. Make sure to choose the correct size for your body by referring to the size chart provided.

It is important to note that raglan sleeves cut across the shoulder area instead of being sewn around the armhole. This gives the shirt a more forgiving and appealing fit for all body types. You can also play around with different fabrics and sleeve lengths to create a unique look.

Now that you have chosen a pattern, you are ready to start cutting out the fabric pieces and sewing them together!

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Cutting the fabric

To make a raglan T-shirt, you will need a few things: a T-shirt that fits you well, tracing paper or tissue paper, a pen, a ruler, a pair of scissors, and, of course, the fabric you want to use for your new shirt. It is important to use a fabric with some stretch to it, and you want the stretch to go horizontally.

First, fold the body of your raglan T-shirt flat, matching the side seams and the sleeve seams together on the inside. Keep everything as flat as possible. Make sure the centre front of the shirt forms a nice straight line.

Next, grab your tracing paper and draw a straight line—this will be your centre front. Line up your centre front line with the centre front of the T-shirt and start tracing all the seam lines with your pen. You'll trace the neck first, then the sleeve seam, the side seam, and finish off with the hem. Do the same for the back of the shirt.

Now, we'll make the sleeve pattern. Go back to the front side of the T-shirt and fold the sleeve flat. The underarm seam will sit flat on the table. Draw a straight line—this is your sleeve's grainline, and it's also where the shoulder is sitting flat on the table. Trace the front side of the sleeve by following the seams along the neck, body seam, underarm seam, and the hem. Do the same for the back sleeve.

Now that you have traced all the pieces, you need to add seam and hem allowances. For the seams, you can go with a 3/8" allowance, and for the hems, you can add 1 1/4" for the front and back, and 3/4" for the sleeves.

Finally, make the neckband pattern. Fold the neck of the T-shirt together at the neckband, keeping it flat and together. Measure the length of the neckband along the neck seam and add 1/8" to this measurement. Then, measure the neckband width from the neck seam to the edge and add a seam allowance (e.g. 3/8"). For the width of the neckband, simply double the previous measurement.

Now you have all your pattern pieces ready, and it's time to cut out your fabric. Cut one front and one back bodice piece on the fold, and cut two sleeve pieces, making sure to pay attention to the stretch and direction of the fabric prints.

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Attaching the sleeves

Firstly, place the right side of the shirt fabric against the right side of the sleeve fabric. Ensure that the seams align correctly, with the front seam being shorter than the back seam. If there is any mismatch, reposition the fabric instead of stretching it to fit. Pin the underarm of the T-shirt to the underarm of the sleeve.

Next, sew the sleeve to the shirt. Using a sewing machine, stitch the sleeve to the shirt by sewing the underarm of the T-shirt to the underarm of the sleeve. Repeat this process for the other sleeve.

Now, sew the side seams. With the right sides of the fabric together, sew down the sleeve and side seam. Continue sewing until you reach the waist edge. Your T-shirt should now resemble a shirt.

After both sleeves are attached, you can proceed to create the neck binding. Sew the short ends of the neck binding fabric, right sides together, to form a tube. Then, iron the tube in half. This will create a neat fold for the neck binding.

Finally, attach the neck binding to the shirt. Mark the centre front and back of the neckline and pin the binding in place. Stretch the binding slightly as you sew it to the shirt. This will help the binding retain its shape when worn.

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Sewing the side seams

Place the Front and Back Bodice Pieces Together: Lay the front and back bodice pieces right sides together, ensuring that the side seams are aligned. Pin the pieces together along the side seam line, starting from the underarm and extending down to the hem. Make sure that the notches or markings for the side seams match up precisely.

Stitch the Side Seams: Using a ballpoint or jersey needle and a straight stitch, sew along the pinned edge, following the seam allowance indicated in your pattern. Start stitching about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) below the underarm and continue down to the hem. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure the stitching.

Finish the Seam Allowance: Finish the raw edges of the seam allowance to prevent fraying. You can use a serger or overlock machine to encase the raw edges, or you can use a zigzag stitch or a faux overlock stitch on your regular sewing machine. Trim the seam allowance close to the stitching if necessary, especially if you are using a knit fabric that tends to curl or fray.

Press the Side Seams: Press the side seams flat, first pressing the seam allowance open, and then pressing the seam from the right side to create a neat, flat finish. Use a press cloth or a piece of thin fabric between the iron and the T-shirt to avoid leaving shine or imprint marks, especially if your fabric is made from synthetic fibers.

Topstitch (Optional): For a more professional finish and to add stability to the side seams, you may opt to topstitch. Edgestitch along the seam line, stitching through all the layers. This will help to keep the seam allowance flat and prevent it from rolling or twisting, which is common with knit fabrics.

Repeat for the Other Side: Repeat the same process for the other side seam, ensuring that the notches or markings match up and that the stitching is even and straight. Press the second side seam in the same manner as the first.

By following these steps, you will create strong and durable side seams that contribute to the overall structure and fit of your raglan T-shirt. Precise stitching and attention to detail are key to achieving a polished look.

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Adding a waistband

If you want to add a waistband to your raglan T-shirt, you can do so by following these steps:

Firstly, decide on the width of your waistband. For a thinner waistband, cut two strips of fabric that are 2" wide. For a wider waistband, cut the strips 3" wide. You will also need to cut a strip for the belt that will go through the waistband. Cut two or three strips of fabric that are 1" wide each for the belt.

Next, fold each strip for the waistband in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides of the fabric together. Pin one of the strips to the wrong side of the shirt, lining up the raw edges. Stitch the waistband in place, sewing along the top and bottom edges. Repeat this process for the second strip, sewing it to the other side of the shirt.

Now you will create the belt loop. Fold the bottom of the T-shirt up by 4 inches. Make cuts into the fold that are about 1/2" long and 2" apart. Make sure you have an even number of cuts. Turn the shirt inside out. Sew the strips for the belt together to create one long strip. Attach a large safety pin to one end of the belt and weave it through the holes in the waistband.

Finally, tie the belt in a bow at the front of the shirt, and your waistband is complete!

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