wardrobe refashion: another t-shirt

I have not abandoned my dream of many refashioned t-shirts. On a recent 99 cent thrifting spree I found my favorite style t-shirt in my size. Luckily the color didn’t look that great on me, so I took it apart to make a master pattern.

t-shirt pattern pieces

I’ll admit I was feeling a little over-confident when I tried this refashion. Here are a few things I need to pay attention to going forward.

  • Check the fabric! The original shirt is a 1×1 rib, the refashioned shirt is plain knit and has a lot less ease.
  • Make a paper pattern! No matter how hard you try, knit fabric is not easy to trace.
  • Err on the side of too big! Just a tiny bit extra seam allowance would have saved this project.

bmw corral shirt

Honestly, it turned out pretty darn good. I was most worried about the sleeves and shoulders and they are just fine. It’s the rest of the body that’s a little tight. Too bad I didn’t baste and try it on before serging the edges. Doh!

bmw corral shirt

stash: Sadly, I really did like this t-shirt. It’s from one of the worst Formula One races I ever attended. (The front reads “What Race?”) Ha! Guess it’s destined to be a tote bag now.

5 Replies to “wardrobe refashion: another t-shirt”

  1. Wait!!

    How about opening the side seam and inserting a strip? Maybe with a complimentary or contrasting color….I *know* I’ve seen a tute somewhere. Maybe craftster?

    k

  2. Oh, I’m sorry it didn’t work out as planned… all part of the learning experience, I suppose, but can be so frustrating.

  3. Julie,
    I love the idea of making a master pattern. Could you salvage the race shirt by taking the side seams out and adding a strip of coordinating color down each side…a racing stripe :)

  4. I just found my “what race?” shirt the other day and laughed at the memory of that stinky race! Now I’ve smiled seeing it again here!

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