Transforming T-Shirts Into Renaissance Fashion

If you're looking to make a Renaissance shirt from a T-shirt, you've come to the right place. This simple guide will take you through the process, which requires few materials and even less skill. The result will be a great-looking shirt that's cheap and quick to make, perfect for a Renaissance fair or costume party.

Measure your bust, waist, hips, and length

To make a Renaissance shirt, you will need to measure your bust, waist, hips, and length. These measurements will help you create a shirt that fits your body well and flatters your shape. Here is a detailed guide on how to measure each area accurately:

Bust:

• Remove your top and bra.
• Wrap the measuring tape directly below your bust, ensuring it is level and snug.
• Round the measurement to the nearest whole number.
• If the number is even, add four inches; if it is odd, add five inches. This will be your 'band number'.
• Now, wrap the measuring tape loosely around the fullest part of your chest, at nipple level, and round this measurement to the nearest whole number. This is your bust measurement.
• To find your cup size, subtract the band size from the bust size. If the difference is zero inches, your cup size is AA; if it is one inch, your cup size is an A, and so on.

Waist:

• Remove your clothing or raise your shirt just below your chest.
• Using your fingers, locate your waist by placing your thumbs at the base of your rib cage and your index fingers at the top of your hips. Your waist is the narrowest part of your torso.
• Stand up straight and exhale slowly.
• Bring the measuring tape from your navel around your body, ensuring it is parallel to the floor and fits snugly without digging in.
• Record the measurement at the point where the tape meets.

Hips:

• Stand in front of a full-length mirror in your underwear.
• Place your feet together, with toes facing forward.
• Find the widest part of your hips and secure the measuring tape in the middle with your thumb on the side of your hip.
• Bring the tape around your back to join at the starting point, ensuring it is level and snug without being too tight.
• Record the number at the meeting point of the tape.

Length:

Measure from the nape of your neck to the middle of your hips (or whatever length you desire for the shirt). This is your 'Length Measurement'.

By taking these measurements, you will have the fundamental information needed to create a Renaissance shirt that is tailored to your body. Remember to write down your measurements and refer to them during the shirt-making process.

Choose a t-shirt and fold it in half lengthwise

To make a Renaissance shirt from a T-shirt, you'll need to start by choosing a T-shirt and folding it in half lengthwise. This will serve as the basis for creating your pattern and cutting your fabric. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Choosing the Right T-Shirt:

• Select a T-shirt that is loose-fitting. Avoid using a tight-fitting shirt as you want to ensure your Renaissance shirt has a comfortable fit.
• Consider the colour and fabric of the T-shirt. For a more authentic Renaissance look, opt for natural fabrics such as cotton or linen in earthy tones like brown, olive green, or off-white.
• Poet shirts or tunics with large, long sleeves are also a good choice and were commonly worn during the Renaissance period.

Folding the T-Shirt:

• Lay your chosen T-shirt on a flat surface.
• Fold the T-shirt in half lengthwise, bringing the bottom hem up to meet the neckline. Ensure the fold is smooth and even.
• This folded T-shirt will now serve as a guide for creating your Renaissance shirt pattern.

Creating the Pattern:

• Use the folded T-shirt as a base to sketch your desired Renaissance shirt design. You can modify the neckline, sleeve length, and overall shape to create a unique look.
• Remember to make any design changes larger than the T-shirt to ensure a comfortable fit. Don't make your design smaller than the T-shirt, as it will be difficult to put on.
• Trace your design onto the T-shirt using a pencil or fabric marker.

Cutting and Sewing:

• Pin the fabric along your outline to prevent it from shifting.
• Cut out the outline, adding an extra inch or two outside your marks to allow for seam allowance.
• Sew the sides and sleeves together, being careful not to stitch closed the arm and neck holes.
• Turn your Renaissance shirt right-side out, and you're done!

Remember, you can always add more intricate details, such as embroidery, cuffs, or a collar, to enhance the Renaissance style of your shirt. Have fun with the process and feel free to experiment with different designs and fabric choices!

Design your shirt's shape and cut the fabric

To design your shirt's shape and cut the fabric, you will need to take several measurements. These include:

• Circumference of the chest, waist, neck and wrists
• Length of the front from collar bones to the natural waist
• Side measurement (natural waist to the armpit or where the person feels comfortable wearing their armhole)
• Width of the shoulder (from shoulder point to shoulder point)
• Width of one shoulder (from shoulder point to where the neck meets the shoulder)
• Length of the arm from the shoulder point to the wrist (while the arm is bent)
• Bust
• Hips
• Nape of the neck to the middle of the hips (or the desired length of the shirt)
• Bone of the shoulder to the wrist bone (sleeve measurement)
• Around the wrist

Using these measurements, you can then create a pattern on a piece of paper. The body piece of the shirt should be cut wider to allow for extra fabric, which will be pleated into the collar. The width of the body piece should accommodate the circumference of the chest and/or waist, with an additional 6-10 inches for a more comfortable fit.

The neck hole should also be cut larger to account for the wider body piece. The neck hole will be pleated into a collar that is measured for the neck. It should also be cut slightly off-centre from the top of the shoulder, as the human neck is set forward on the shoulders.

For the sleeves, you will need to add 2-3 inches of length to give them some "poofiness" at the wrist. Measure around the bicep and add 2-4 inches for extra room around the arm. Cut out two smaller rectangles for the sleeves and two fairly roomy squares for the under-sleeve gussets.

Once you have cut out all the pieces, you can begin sewing them together.

Sew the sides and sleeves together

Sewing the sides and sleeves together is a crucial step in creating a Renaissance shirt. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, place the fabric pieces for the front and back panels right sides together, ensuring they are properly aligned. Start sewing from the hips and continue until you reach a point just after the maximum width of the bust is achieved. This will form the side seams of your shirt.

Next, focus on the shoulder seams. Measure the top flaps where the neckline will be, and divide this measurement into thirds. Sew the outer thirds together, leaving the middle third open to create a hole for your head. Remember to use only half of your usual seam allowance for this step.

Now, it's time to work on the sleeves. Fold each sleeve in half lengthwise, with the right sides together. Sew along the length of the sleeve, leaving about 3 inches unsewn at one end. This unsewn portion will be used to create a nice double-rolled edge later.

After completing the individual pieces, it's time to assemble them. Turn your sleeves right side out and insert them into the armholes of the shirt, which should still be inside out. Pin the seam of the sleeve to the top of the side seam and the center of the sleeve to the shoulder seam. Adjust the gathers until the sleeve lines up neatly. Then, sew the sleeves in place.

Finally, sew up the side seams of the shirt, taking care to work around the sleeve gussets. This step can be a bit tricky, and it may be easier to hand sew this portion if you are using a sewing machine.

Add finishing touches like embroidery or buttons

Adding buttons and embroidery to your Renaissance shirt is a great way to add some flair and make it unique. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:

Adding Buttons:

• Plan the placement of your buttons and buttonholes. The buttonholes will go on the right back opening, and the buttons will go on the left back opening. You can use the mnemonic, "Women's clothing does up right over left, because women are always right."
• Stitch the buttonholes on the right back opening. If you're using a manual sewing machine, you'll do a four-step buttonhole. If you have a computerized machine, it will likely be a one-step automatic process.
• Open the buttonholes carefully with a seam ripper. Make an incision at one end, gently rip towards the centre, then repeat in the other direction.
• Place the right back opening over the left, as if you were doing up the shirt. Pin it in place, then use a chalk pencil or washable pen to mark the button positions through the buttonhole.
• Sew the buttons on by hand, centring them over the dots you just marked. If your thread keeps knotting, try using some thread wax to keep things smooth.

Adding Embroidery:

• Choose a design or pattern for your embroidery. It can be as small as a heart on the sleeve or as large as a design covering the front of your shirt.
• Prepare your shirt and stabiliser. Turn the shirt inside out and place a piece of paper between the fabric layers. Place the stabiliser at the back of the embroidery area and secure it with large basting stitches. Alternatively, use a press-and-stick stabiliser that adheres to the fabric's surface.
• Place your shirt in an embroidery hoop, avoiding over-stretching the fabric.
• Transfer your design onto the shirt. You can trace or print your pattern onto a wash-away stabiliser or use stick-and-stitch patterns.
• Embroider your pattern using short stitches like the long and short satin stitch. Avoid pulling the stitches too tight to prevent distorting the fabric. Use short stitches on both sides of the garment, knotting the thread as needed.
• Remove any excess stabiliser. If you used a basted stabiliser, remove the basting stitches. For tear-away stabilisers, tear away the material around the edges and inside the embroidered design. If you used a water-soluble stabiliser, cut away the excess and soak the embroidery in warm water.
• Iron your shirt from the backside to smooth out wrinkles and remove hoop markings.

Now you're ready to show off your one-of-a-kind Renaissance shirt!

Frequently asked questions