Transform Your T-Shirt into a Tunic

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Sloan Howard

With a few easy steps restyle an old T-shirt into a standout tunic.

Tim Voytek

Find an old T-shirt in your closet or at a thrift store.

Sloan Howard

Photo: Sloan Howard

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If you’ve been to your local thrift store lately, you’ve probably noticed that the world has enough tees in it to clothe us all for the rest of eternity — that is, if you want to run around looking like a sack of potatoes emblazoned with a corporate logo! But take an old T-shirt, apply a little sewing know-how, and you’ve got a great way to expand your wardrobe.

I’ll show you how to transform a tired tee into a sweet tunic to welcome spring. This is a simple project for the moderately experienced sewer; you need to be comfortable with machine sewing, fitting, and making some renegade alterations. The top shown here includes a cute insert with buttons at the front and a keyhole cutout at the back, but you can leave them out. That’s the best thing about restyling: you’re the designer.

What You'll Need:
• Disappearing-ink marker or tailor’s chalk
• Pins
• Ruler or hem gauge
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• T-shirt, very oversize
• Tape measure
• Thread to match

Measure Carefully, and cut up your tee
Break out the trusty tape measure. Then take that ugly tee apart, so you can sew it into something fabulous.

1. Take your measurements. Measure your bust and bicep circumferences as well as the distance between your shoulder points.

2. Enlarge and cut the neck. Fold the shirt in half along the center front (CF) so one sleeve is stacked on top of the other. Match the neckline, shoulders, and side seams on both layers. Draw the enlarged neckline with chalk, and cut on the line. On the top shown, the neckline was lowered about 2 inches, and made 1 inch wider on each side.

Create an insert at center front.

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Comments (17)

belleeven writes: What a lovely design! It may be a while before I can find a T that is **THAT** big on me, but when I do, I'll give it a go. :)
Posted: 5:27 am on September 6th

chibimaddy writes: I hope to be able to make one for me. Since I'm already a big girl, I may have to buy 2 over-sized shirts, but I've not seen a design this cute in any of the stores, so learning to sew this pattern would be worth it!.
Posted: 9:51 pm on March 11th

Apachewmn writes: This looks great! I am not a clothes sewer, I usually just make crafts and this looks like it would be too daunting of a task for me??? although I might give it a try.

Thanks again for the tutorial.
Posted: 2:36 pm on July 14th

earthwings9 writes: I like it and think its cute. They are selling something like them at Kohls. Its only a T shirt so not much expense involved if you mess it up or don't like it lol.
Posted: 6:06 pm on May 12th

wdetc2914 writes: Looks really cute. I would love to see it on someone modeling it.
Posted: 4:53 pm on May 12th

paintedwithheart writes: Going to give it a try, really hope it turns out as cute! Thanks for posting!
Posted: 4:41 pm on May 12th

PearlieGirl1 writes: So creative....makes me want to dust off my sewing machine and give it a go!
Posted: 9:43 am on April 20th

doodah_mama writes: Thank you for the tutorial! I just love reconstructing garments...it is so satisfying! Did have some trouble with this one, but I'm sure it was my error; the bustline included way too much of the sleeve! Very tight across the front with lots of fabric in the back! I will certainly try again, though.
Posted: 8:41 am on April 9th

quilties writes: I really like this, thank you for sharing! I'll surely try it!

I would like to see the finished product on you...what do you think?

Posted: 12:02 am on February 4th

adornable writes: I am soooo impressed! I always thought that all those jersey tee-shirts could be sewn into something stylish and fun. Thanks for this tutorial.
Posted: 2:00 pm on January 31st

birdlingsflat writes: Thanks so much. I've been saving big t-shirts until I could figure out a pattern & here it is! I love it.
Posted: 1:27 pm on January 14th

Idna writes: Great idea!!! I'll recycle the too loose tees of my brother :p thanks! it seems easy!
Posted: 7:58 am on January 14th

Bigpurpledragon writes: I really love this. Can't wait to try it! Thanks for an easy tutorial too. x
Posted: 5:24 am on January 14th

sunFlowerseeds writes: This Is a Great Way To Make This I Wear These A Lot. I just Hope I Can Do It.There Not Cheap Either I Have Had My Newachine For 5 Months And Have Never Used It Im Having Next Week As Soon As I Heal Up Im Going To Try This I Like the Way It Show The Details.Just Wanted To Say It Turned Out Great.
I Will Be Checking This Site Out ALot Happy sewing Everyone!
Posted: 9:23 pm on January 13th

brendagail writes: This is really clever, I agree. It seems like a lot of redesigning, though..almost as much trouble as making one from scratch. If I buy a man's larger size t-shirt, I am wondering if I could just lay a current pattern on top and recut based on the pattern? Somehow I am more comfortable with a pattern to rely on than with entirely resizing armholes, necks, etc. But, hey -- that salvage store t-shirt is still much cheaper than buying the fabric off the bolt!


Posted: 8:08 pm on January 13th

hellopf writes: Very cute makeover but didn't the color of the t-shirt change somewhere in the process? I like the darker green much better! Thanks for sharing.
Posted: 7:37 pm on January 13th

Terry6 writes: This is the most clever and cutest shirt I have EVER seen!!! I have to get some oversize tees and try this for my daughters. The creativity of the designer is amazing! Thank you for yet another fantastic idea.
Posted: 6:56 pm on January 13th

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