Suley Manova
Tubular t-shirts are constructed from a single piece of cloth, without the use of side seams. They are made by taking a tube of fabric, slicing it up, and sewing on the sleeves and neck binding. This type of construction is less expensive and requires less sewing, but it results in a less fashionable and less figure-flattering fit. On the other hand, side-seam tees, which are sewn with seams down each side, offer a more structured and tailored look. While tubular tees may be a good option for those on a budget, side-seam tees are generally preferred for their superior fit and style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Construction | Tubular t-shirts are made without side seams, using a single piece of cloth. |
| Cost | Tubular t-shirts are cheaper to produce due to less sewing and labour involved. |
| Fit | Tubular t-shirts have a loose, boxy fit as they are not tailored to the human body shape. |
| Style | Tubular t-shirts are less fashionable and not figure-flattering due to their lack of structure. |
What You'll Learn
Cutting the fabric
To make a tubular T-shirt, you will need to cut a cylinder of fabric, create space for the neckline, and then sew on the sleeves. This is a simple process, but it requires careful measuring and cutting to ensure a good fit.
Firstly, you will need to measure the fabric. As tubular T-shirts are generally created using a single piece of cloth, you will need to ensure that the fabric is long enough to cover the desired length of the T-shirt, plus extra length for the sleeves and neckline. The width of the fabric will depend on the size of the T-shirt you wish to create. A good rule of thumb is to measure the circumference of the widest part of the body that will wear the T-shirt and add a few extra inches for comfort and ease of movement.
Once you have measured and marked the fabric, use fabric scissors to cut the fabric tube to the desired length. It is important to cut the fabric in a straight line to ensure that the T-shirt hangs evenly. If you are having trouble cutting in a straight line, you can use a ruler or measuring tape as a guide.
Next, you will need to create the neckline. Measure and mark the desired width and depth of the neckline, making sure to leave enough fabric to create a comfortable and flattering neckline. Carefully cut out the neckline, again using fabric scissors.
Finally, you will need to cut the fabric tube to create the sleeves. Measure the desired length of the sleeves, adding a few extra inches to allow for hemming. Cut the fabric tube at the sleeve length, being sure to cut in a straight line.
Now that you have cut the fabric, you can move on to creating the neckline and attaching the sleeves.
Please note that this is a basic guide and that the specific measurements and cutting techniques may vary depending on your skill level, the type of fabric used, and the desired style and fit of the T-shirt.
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Creating the neckline
To create the neckline, first, cut the fabric tube straight across, just below the armpits. This will create an opening for the head and the arms. The position of the cut will depend on the desired length of the sleeves and can be adjusted accordingly.
Next, fold the cut edge down by about 1 inch (2.54 cm) all around the neckline. Secure the folded edge with sewing pins, making sure that you can still open the shirt like a tube. Press the folded hem with an iron to create a crisp edge.
Now, sew along the folded edge, leaving a 0.5-inch (1.27 cm) gap in the back. Sew as close to the cut edge as possible, as this space will be needed for the elastic. Remember to leave a 0.5-inch gap between the beginning and endpoint of your stitching, or you won't be able to insert the elastic.
Remove the pins when you're done, and snip off any loose thread ends. Try to use a thread colour that closely matches your fabric. If your sewing machine has a knit fabric setting, it is advisable to use that.
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Sewing the sleeves
To sew the sleeves of a tubular T-shirt, you will first need to cut a cylinder of fabric, creating a space for the neckline. Then, you can sew the sleeves onto the shirt. This type of construction is considered crude because human bodies are not tube-shaped. As a result, tubular T-shirts tend to have a loose, boxy fit.
If you are using a sewing machine, use a knit fabric setting if available. This usually looks like a standard straight stitch that is broken up by V shapes. Try to use a thread colour that closely matches your T-shirt.
If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch to attach the sleeves to the body of the T-shirt. Make sure to tie off your thread securely at the beginning and end of your stitch to prevent it from coming undone.
When sewing the sleeves, it is important to ensure that they are the same size and shape for both the front and back of the T-shirt. This will ensure that the T-shirt hangs correctly and is comfortable to wear.
Finally, try on the T-shirt to check the fit of the sleeves. Adjust as needed by sewing further or cutting excess fabric.
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Choosing the right fabric
When choosing the right fabric for your tubular T-shirt, there are several factors to consider, including the type of fabric, its weight and breathability, and your intended use for the T-shirt.
Type of Fabric
The type of fabric you choose will depend on your intended use for the T-shirt. For example, linen is best for warm weather, while polyester is ideal for gym wear due to its moisture-wicking abilities. Cotton is the most popular choice for T-shirts because of its softness, breathability, and affordability. However, cotton tends to wrinkle and shrink, so it requires careful handling and maintenance. For a more luxurious option, Pima cotton is incredibly soft and durable, but it is more expensive. Polyester is a durable and wrinkle-resistant synthetic option, but it has a low breathability rate and is not suitable for hot weather.
Weight of Fabric
For a T-shirt, it is generally preferable to choose a lightweight fabric, especially if you intend to wear it to the gym or in hot weather. Heavier fabrics are more suitable for colder days or nighttime events.
Breathability of Fabric
Fabrics made from natural fibres, such as cotton and linen, are considered the best option for breathability, which is important for comfort, especially in hot and humid conditions.
Other Considerations
Other factors to consider when choosing the right fabric for your tubular T-shirt include the softness, durability, and price of the material. You may also want to think about the environmental impact of the fabric, as some synthetic materials, like polyester, are not biodegradable and pose environmental concerns.
In summary, the best fabric for your tubular T-shirt will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Cotton is a popular choice for its breathability, softness, and affordability, while polyester is durable and wrinkle-resistant. For a luxurious option, consider Pima cotton, and for gym wear, polyester or lycra are good options.
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Adding elastic
Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt
Lay the T-shirt flat on a surface and use a pencil to mark where you want the elastic to sit. This could be at the waist, under the bust, or anywhere else you choose. Try the T-shirt on to ensure you are happy with the placement before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Create the Casing
Using the pencil line as a guide, sew a casing along the inside of the T-shirt. This will form a tunnel through which the elastic can be threaded. Leave a small gap of around 0.5 inches at one side, which will be used to insert and remove the elastic.
Step 3: Cut the Elastic
Measure the distance between the pencil lines on the T-shirt and cut a piece of elastic to this length. It is important to ensure the elastic is not too tight or too loose, so consider trying it on before cutting if possible.
Step 4: Insert the Elastic
Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and use it to guide the elastic through the casing. Push the safety pin through the gap in the casing and work it through until it comes out the other side. Ensure the elastic does not twist as you guide it through.
Step 5: Secure the Elastic
Once both ends of the elastic are protruding from the gap, overlap them by around 1 inch and sew them together securely. Then, push the joined ends back into the casing and sew the gap closed. Ensure the elastic is lying flat within the casing and is not twisted.
Step 6: Try on the T-shirt
Try on the T-shirt to ensure you are happy with the fit and comfort of the elastic. Adjust if necessary by removing and recutting the elastic.
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Frequently asked questions
Tubular T-shirts are made from a tube of fabric, hence the name. The tube is sliced up and the sleeves and neck binding are sewn on.
Tubular fabric is made by threading yarn into huge machines in a circular formation. The arms of the machine then weave the yarn in a pre-programmed pattern.
Tubular T-shirts are less fashionable and less expensive than side-seam T-shirts. They are less labour-intensive and cheaper to produce but are not as figure-flattering.
