Make A Splash: Diy T-Shirt Tricks And Hacks

T-shirt dresses are a great way to wear something comfortable yet cute and can be dressed up or down with accessories. It's also a great way to upcycle old T-shirts. The process is simple: take a T-shirt of your choice, decide where you want the skirt to start, and cut the shirt across that point. Then, cut a rectangle of fabric for the skirt, sew the shirt and skirt together, and hem the bottom of the skirt. You can also add elastic to the waist for a vintage-like cinch, or add a collar or pockets for a unique touch.

Choosing the T-shirts

Choosing the right T-shirts is a crucial step in the process of making a T-shirt dress. Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting your T-shirts:

Neckline

The neckline of a T-shirt plays a central role in cultivating the desired look. The most common styles include the crew neckline, V-neck, Y (Henley) neck, polo, and scoop neckline. The crew neckline is a classic, universal style with a circular opening, while the V-neck is recommended for individuals with round faces and broad shoulders. The Y-neck is a variation between the crew and V-neck, and the polo features a fold-down collar. The scoop neckline offers a wider, ovular opening, while the hooded style extends the neckline upwards to form a hood.

Style

The style of the T-shirt refers to how it drapes around the body. It should provide comfort and freedom of movement without causing impingements or restrictions in areas like the arms, shoulders, chest, or back. The fit can vary depending on personal preference, with options ranging from slim-fit to baggy.

Sleeve

The sleeves of a T-shirt come in various shapes and sizes. It is important to consider the wearer's body type, including shoulder width and arm length, when selecting the sleeve style. Common options include regular sleeves, raglan sleeves, long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, cap sleeves, and sleeveless.

Fit

The fit of a T-shirt is crucial, as it determines the wearer's comfort and the types of activities it is suitable for. A slim-fit T-shirt, for example, is ideal for those with a slim or lean torso, as it provides a tighter fit. A regular fit is the most common and versatile option, accommodating a wide range of body types.

Fabric

The composition of the T-shirt fabric is essential for both comfort and print quality. Cotton is a popular choice due to its breathability, softness, and ability to hold ink well. Other options include synthetic fabrics like polyester, natural fabrics like linen, and blends such as cotton-polyester blends, which offer the benefits of both natural and synthetic fibres.

Dimensions

The weight and thickness of the fabric are important considerations, especially for the intended climate and season. Super light and light fabrics are ideal for hot weather, providing breathability and a silky feel. Medium-weight fabrics are versatile and suitable for layering, while heavy and super-heavy fabrics are designed for cold climates and provide more durability.

Cutting the T-shirts

Now that you've got your fabric and pattern ready, it's time to cut out the pieces for your T-shirt. This part is just as important as sewing, so take your time and be precise. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cut your T-shirt pattern pieces accurately:

• Find a large, flat surface, such as a big table. Lay your fabric over it, ensuring it's smooth and free of any wrinkles, stretched areas, or distortions.
• Place one of your paper pattern pieces on top of the fabric. Align it so that the stretch of the jersey fabric is across the width of the T-Shirt. For example, if you're using striped fabric, the stretch should go in the same direction as the stripes.
• Instead of pinning the pattern in place, use heavy books or sewing weights to hold it down. This will help avoid introducing distortions or stretches in the fabric.
• Carefully draw around the edge of the pattern pieces with tailor's chalk, being mindful not to tug or pull on the fabric as you draw.
• Cut out the shape with sharp scissors or tailor's shears. Cut out all the pieces, including the front piece, back piece, and two arms.

Remember, cutting out your T-shirt pattern pieces accurately will make it easier to sew them together and make refinements later on. So, take your time and ensure your cuts are neat and precise. Once you've cut out all the pieces, you'll be ready to start sewing your T-shirt together!

Sewing the T-Shirt Together:

With your T-shirt pieces cut out, it's now time to sew them together. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Place your two T-shirt body pieces back-to-back, so the wrong sides are facing out. Align them neatly, focusing on the neckline and shoulders. Pin them in place along the shoulders, aiming to pin about every 1 inch.
• Sew along the pinned shoulder edges to join the two pattern pieces, removing the pins as you go. Remember not to sew the neckline closed; just sew the two shoulders, leaving a hole for the neck.
• Open out the two pieces so they are only joined at the shoulders. Take one of the arm pattern pieces and find the centre point of the curved side. Line up this centre point with one of the shoulders and pin it in place, with the right sides facing in.
• Now, you'll need to pin the rest of the arm to the armhole. Starting at the pinned centre point, work outwards along the curved edge of the arm and pin it to the body piece. Half of the arm piece will join the front body, and the other half will join the back. This step can be tricky, so take your time and use as many pins as needed.
• Carefully sew the pinned arm piece to the body pieces along the curved edge, removing the pins as you go.
• Repeat this process for the other arm piece.
• Next, you'll sew the side seams and the bottom seam of the arm. Fold the T-shirt back together along the shoulder seam, with the right sides facing in, so the front and back line up neatly. Pin the sides together, starting at the underarm and working your way down to the bottom edge. Sew in place, removing the pins as you go.

By following these steps, you will have the basic structure of your T-shirt completed. The next step will be to add the neckline, which can be a bit tricky, so take your time and be patient.

Adding the Neckline:

The neckline is a crucial part of your T-shirt, and getting it right is essential. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Cut a strip of fabric measuring 4cm wide by approximately 45cm long. Ensure that you cut it so that it will stretch lengthwise, not width-wise.
• Press the fabric strip flat with a medium-hot iron. Neatly fold the strip in half along the long edge and press this fold in place.
• Find the midpoint of the neck binding strip. Turn your T-shirt from the previous steps the right way round. Line up the midpoint of the neck binding with the midpoint of the neck hole on the front of the T-shirt. Align the raw edges of the binding strip with the raw edge of the neck hole and pin them together.
• Make a mark on the binding strip 10cm to one side of the pinned midpoint. Pin this marked point to the shoulder seam of the neck hole. The length of fabric between the pins should now be shorter for the neck binding than the neck hole.
• You now have the neckline pinned in two places. Add more pins between the two existing pins, gently stretching the neck binding as you go to ensure it lines up against the neck hole without any gaps. Repeat this process for the other quarter of the neckline on the front of the T-shirt.
• Repeat the previous step for the back of the T-shirt, pinning the entire neckline in place.
• Set your sewing machine to a zig-zag stitch. Sew along the neck binding, removing the pins as you go, and gently stretching the neckline so that the binding is at a higher tension than the neck hole.
• When you reach the back of the neckline, where the two ends meet, stop sewing and remove any remaining pins. Unfold the two ends of the neckline and lay them flat against each other, with the right sides together. Pin them together and sew with a straight stitch. Trim any excess fabric, then fold the neckline in half again along the pressed line and sew it to the T-shirt using a zig-zag stitch.

At this point, try on the T-shirt to ensure the neckline can stretch over your head comfortably. If it's too tight, unpick the neckline, cut the hole larger, and repeat the previous steps. If the neck strap doesn't sit flat, it may be because the binding wasn't held at a high enough tension when sewn. In that case, unpick the neckline and repin it, stretching the neck binding more tightly against the neck hole.

Adding the Final Touches:

Congratulations! You've almost finished making your T-shirt. These final steps will help you put the finishing touches on your creation:

• Put on the T-shirt and use tailor's chalk to mark the desired length for the waist and sleeves.
• Take off the T-shirt and add an extra 3-4cm as a seam allowance to each of the marks you made. Then, cut off the excess fabric.
• At the waist section, fold the raw edge over by approximately 1-2cm, and then fold it over another 1-2cm so that the raw edge is hidden. You can fold it inwards or outwards, depending on the finish you prefer.
• Sew over the folded edge, starting at the side of the T-shirt and working your way around the waist. If your T-shirt has a loose fit, use a straight stitch. For a tighter fit, use a zig-zag stitch, but do not stretch the fabric as you sew.
• Repeat the same process for each of the sleeves.

And there you have it! Your very own handmade T-shirt. Don't worry if it's not perfect on your first attempt. Give it another go, refining your pattern and technique,

Sewing the T-shirts together

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirts

Before you begin sewing, you need to ensure that the T-shirts are the right size and made of similar fabric. If one T-shirt is too small, it can be cut up and sewn onto the T-shirt that fits. It is also important to note that this technique works best if both T-shirts are made of knit fabric, as woven fabric may unravel and the stretch may differ.

Step 2: Cut up the T-shirt with the image you want to use

If you are happy with the image on one of the T-shirts, cut it out, ensuring that you have enough fabric to cover the image on the other T-shirt. Measure the size of the image you want to cover and cut out a slightly larger piece of fabric from the other T-shirt.

Step 3: Pin the cut-out to the T-shirt that fits

This step is easier if you place a piece of cardboard or plastic inside the T-shirt to provide a flat surface. Pin the cut-out to the T-shirt, ensuring that the pins are perpendicular to the line you will sew along.

Step 4: Sew the cut-out onto the T-shirt that fits

Remove the cardboard or plastic from inside the T-shirt and place it under the sewing machine. Use a contrasting thread colour or one that matches the T-shirt. Use a long stitch length and, if the fabric is stretchy or the T-shirt is tight, a slight zig-zag stitch to allow for stretch.

Step 5: Trim the edges

First, trim the edges of the cut-out about an eighth of an inch from the sewing line. Then, turn the T-shirt inside out and trim away the excess fabric from the inside, ensuring you only have one layer of fabric over the new image area.

Step 6: Repeat for additional images (optional)

If you have a larger image that you want to replace with a smaller one, cut out the smaller image and pin it along the stitching line, rather than perpendicular to it. You may need to remove each pin as you sew.

Step 7: Wear your new creation!

Your new mashed-up T-shirt is now ready to wear and can be washed in the same way as before. Knitted fabric does not fray, so any trimming imperfections can be easily fixed by cutting off loose threads or sewing up any holes.

Adding a skirt

To add a skirt to a t-shirt, you will need an old t-shirt and your fabric of choice. You can choose a skirt that you already own and want to upcycle, or you can buy new fabric. If you are buying fabric, you will need 1/2 to 1 yard of quilting cotton fabric or lightweight cotton fabric such as cotton voile, cotton lawn, or cotton shirting.

First, decide where you want to cut the t-shirt. You can cut it just above the hem for a drop-waist style, go for an empire waist by cutting just under the armpit, or cut it about halfway between the armpit and hem. Fold and press the t-shirt where you want to cut it, and then cut along the pressed line.

Next, you will need to measure the t-shirt to determine the length and width of the skirt. For the length, measure from the cut line to where you want the skirt to end. For the width, lay the t-shirt flat and measure across the cut line, then multiply this number by 3 or 4. This will give you a full or very full skirt, respectively.

Now you can cut out the skirt. Use a ruler and marker to draw a rectangle with the dimensions you calculated. Make sure the width of the rectangle runs parallel to the selvage (finished edges) of the fabric. If your fabric is not wide enough, cut two rectangles instead.

Before assembling the skirt, it is a good idea to press the hem. Press up one of the long edges of the fabric by 1". Then, fold the raw edge towards the first pressed line and press again. Finally, fold the hem over on itself and press one more time. This will be the bottom of the skirt.

Next, sew the skirt together. Place the short ends of the fabric right sides together and sew with a 3/8" or 1/2" seam. Finish the seam with a zigzag stitch or serger.

Now you are ready to attach the skirt to the shirt. First, mark the t-shirt bottom and the skirt into quarters by folding them and placing pins at the quarter points. Then, place the shirt inside the skirt, right sides together, and match up the quarter marks. Pin the skirt to the shirt and sew them together with a 3/8" or 1/2" seam allowance.

Finally, finish the dress by sewing a zigzag stitch or serging around the waist seam to prevent fraying. Press the seam towards the waist, and your t-shirt dress is complete!

Finishing touches

Hemming

You can choose to hem the bottom of your dress. T-shirt fabric does not fray, but hemming will give your dress a more professional finish. Fold the bottom hem under by 1/2" (1.27 cm) and press with an iron. Sew around it using a narrow zigzag stitch, 1/8" (0.32 cm) away from the inside edge. You can also hem the sleeves or armholes in a similar way.

Collar

Most baggy T-shirts have a simple collar. You can modify the collar to give your dress a nicer look. Cut the collar off and trim the front into a V-neck or a scoop neck. Fold the raw edges under by 1/2" (1.27 cm) and stitch them in place using a zigzag stitch. Alternatively, bind them with bias tape or extra ribbed/jersey fabric.

Belt

For a cuter look, wear a wide belt over your dress to hide the waist seam.

Pockets

For a fun, unique touch, add a pocket or two to your dress. Cut a square of scrap fabric, approximately 6" by 6" (15.24 cm by 15.24 cm). Fold the top edge down by about 1" (2.54 cm) and sew it in place. Press the other three edges down with an iron. Place the pocket on the dress and sew the three edges, leaving the top open.

Frequently asked questions