Natalia
Tired of your shirts being too short? You can easily make your own DIY T-shirt extender at home with just a few simple steps! This is a great beginner sewing project that can be made with a variety of fabrics such as lace, chiffon, or knit. By following a few easy instructions, you can add length to your shirts, cover your bum, and stay comfortable. So, gather your supplies and get ready to take your sewing skills to the next level!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Add length to a shirt, cover the bum, prevent skin from showing when raising arms, provide extra coverage for low-cut tops, add a layered look without bulk |
| Materials | Fabric, lace, elastic, old t-shirts, camisoles, skirts, safety pins, sewing machine |
| Cost | Inexpensive; some sources suggest it can be made for free with existing items |
| Difficulty | Easy; suitable for beginner or advanced beginner sewists |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
When choosing the right fabric for your T-shirt extender, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a fabric that is lightweight and breathable. This is important as the extender will be worn as an additional layer under your T-shirt, so you don't want it to be too thick or heavy. Some good options include cotton, cotton blends, and other lightweight fabrics such as lace, chiffon, or knit fabrics.
Another important consideration is the stretch of the fabric. T-shirt extenders should have some stretch to them, as this will allow for a comfortable fit and ease of movement. Look for fabrics with 2-way or 4-way stretch, such as cotton-spandex blends or rayon-spandex blends. These blends provide the perfect amount of stretch and recovery, ensuring your extender moves with you and retains its shape.
The type of fabric you choose can also depend on the look you want to achieve. If you're going for a more neutral and classic look, you may opt for solid colours or minimal prints. On the other hand, if you want to make a statement, you can choose bolder prints and colours, or even add some texture with fabrics like lace or chiffon.
When purchasing fabric, it's always a good idea to feel the material to ensure it's soft and comfortable. Check the product description or consult with a staff member to understand the fabric's content and care instructions. It's important to select a fabric that is easy to care for and that will hold up well over time.
Lastly, consider the amount of fabric you'll need. Most T-shirt extenders require around 1 yard of fabric, but this can vary depending on your measurements and the style of the extender. It's always a good idea to buy a little extra fabric, just in case.
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Measuring and cutting the fabric
The first step in making a shirt extender is determining where you want it to sit on your body. You can choose to wear it at your waist, right below the bust line, or somewhere in between. This will affect the length of your extender.
Next, you need to measure how far down you want the extender to fall from the placement you decided on. For example, you might choose for it to fall at your hip or where your hip and leg meet. Take this measurement and add the width of your elastic, plus 1/4 to 1/2 inch for the seam allowance. This will give you the total length of fabric you need to cut.
If you are using a pre-made shirt, you can simply cut it to the desired length, adding an extra inch or inch and a half to your measurement to allow for the seam. It is recommended that you turn the shirt inside out before cutting.
If you are using fabric, cut your fabric pieces to the desired length, adding the appropriate seam allowance. You will need two pieces of fabric that are the same size.
Once you have cut your fabric to the correct length, you will need to measure your waist or hips, depending on where you want the extender to sit. Cut your fabric to that width, ensuring that it will comfortably fit around your body.
Now you have measured and cut your fabric, you are ready to start constructing your shirt extender!
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Attaching the trim
Now that you have your trim, it's time to attach it to the shirt extender. This process will involve folding, pressing, pinning, and sewing the trim in place. Here are the steps to follow:
- Fold over one of the raw edges of the fabric by 1/4" lengthwise and press it with a warm iron. This will create a neat finish for the edge that will be attached to the trim.
- Place your fabric piece on a flat surface with the wrong side facing up. The folded edge should be at the "south end" and the raw edge at the "north end."
- Position the trim on the fabric so that the raw edge of the trim aligns with the pressed fold (south end), and the finished edge of the trim faces the "north end." Adjust the trim as needed so that it fits comfortably around the hips.
- Pin or clip the trim in place. You may want to use multiple pins or clips to secure the trim evenly along the length of the fabric.
- Using a sewing machine, sew a straight line close to the open edge of the trim, using a 1/4" seam allowance. This will attach the trim to the fabric.
- Flip the fabric over so that it is right side up, and adjust the orientation so that the "south end" is facing right, and the raw edge is facing left.
- Pull the trim by the finished edge so that the finished edge is now facing right. This will create a neat finish for the visible part of the trim.
- Lightly press this new seam and pin it in place.
- Return to your sewing machine and sew another straight line close to the open edge, again using a 1/4" seam allowance. This will secure the trim in place and complete the attachment process.
By following these steps, you will have successfully attached the trim to your shirt extender, creating a professional and durable finish. Feel free to adjust the length of the trim or add additional decorative elements to further personalize your creation.
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Making the casing for the elastic
Now, we will make the casing for the elastic. Measure down and mark 1 ½" from the raw edge of the fabric (opposite the trim edge). Fold over the raw edge of the long side of the fabric ¼" lengthwise and press with a warm iron.
With right sides together, fold your fabric in half short ways so the raw edges are touching. Pin or clip into place and using a ½" seam allowance, starting below your 1 ½" place marker you made, sew a straight line, close to the open edge. Be sure to reinforce both ends. Trim the seam down to ¼" and using a warm iron, press open.
Position so the seams are facing up. Starting on the right side, fold the seam over left so the edge is facing the fabric. Using a 1/8" seam allowance, stitch the seam in place using a straight or small zig-zag stitch, making a French seam. Repeat on the other side, folding the seam to the right. This will make a nice and clean French seam for the back.
Open the 1 1/2" opening at the top so it makes a "V". Fold each of the edges over ¼" and the ¼" more and sew each side in place, creating a finished edge. Fold over the pressed edge ½" and press with a warm iron. Next, fold it over 1" and press again. Using a 1/4" seam, sew along the open edge of the casing, making sure to backstitch to reinforce at the beginning and end.
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Sewing the elastic in place
Now, this is where you are going to do as I say, not as I did. I sewed the ends of my elastic together first, but it would be much easier if you folded your top edge down, slightly wider than your elastic, and did your zigzag stitch, leaving a one-to-two-inch opening at one of the sides. Then, attach a safety pin to the end of your elastic and thread it through the opening. Make sure it is not twisted inside the hem, and sew both ends of the elastic together, going over it several times to secure it. Stretch out your extender, and the elastic will disappear inside. Now, sew up the hole, and you're done!
Another method for sewing the elastic in place is as follows:
- Thread the elastic through the waistband, leaving both ends of the elastic sticking out.
- Try the extender on and decide how long the elastic should be.
- Sew the ends of the elastic together at the desired size.
- Once the elastic is in place, sew up the gap in the waist.
If you are using a thin elastic, you can fold the top edge down, slightly wider than your elastic, and do a zigzag stitch, leaving a small opening at one end. Then, attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic and thread it through. Make sure it is not twisted inside the hem and sew the ends of the elastic together. Stretch out your extender, and the elastic will disappear inside. Finally, sew up the hole.
If you are using a thicker elastic, you can create a casing for the elastic by folding the raw edge of the long side of the fabric and pressing it with a warm iron. Then, with the right sides together, fold the fabric in half so that the raw edges are touching. Pin or clip it in place, and sew a straight line close to the open edge, starting below the 1.5-inch place marker you made earlier. Be sure to reinforce both ends. Trim the seam, press it open, and you're ready to insert the elastic!
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Frequently asked questions
A T-shirt extender is an extra layer that goes under your shirt to add length. It can be worn to add coverage to a short shirt, to extend the life of a shrunken T-shirt, or to create the layered look without the bulk of multiple layers.
You will need fabric, such as a T-shirt, knit fabric, or lace, elastic, a sewing machine, and basic sewing supplies like scissors, pins, and a needle and thread.
First, decide where you want the extender to sit—at the waist, below the bust, or somewhere in between. Then, measure how far down you want the extender to fall from that placement and add the width of your elastic, plus seam allowance.
Create a casing for the elastic by folding over the raw edge of the fabric and sewing a straight stitch all around, leaving a small gap to insert the elastic. Thread the elastic through the casing, making sure both ends are sticking out. Stretch the elastic to your desired length, sew the ends together, and close up the gap in the casing.
Yes! You can add lace, chiffon, or other lightweight, decorative fabrics to your T-shirt extender for a cute and classy look. Simply sew the lace to the bottom edge of the extender, following the same steps as attaching the elastic.
