Transform Your T-Shirt into a Tunic

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cal patch, contributor

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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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Sew it together in a new way
Now that you have all the pieces measured and cut out, it’s time to piece them back together.

1. Gather the insert opening. Sew two rows of gathering stitches 1⁄8 inch and 1⁄4 inch from the edge around the insert opening on the shirt piece. Then pull the gathering threads until the enlarged neck is the right size for the insert.

Gather the insert opening.

2. Pin and sew the insert. With right sides together, pin the insert to the gathered shirt, matching the notches at CF. Then sew a 1⁄4-inch seam allowance. Turn the shirt right-side out, and edgestitch the insert close to the seamline.

Pin and sew the insert.

3. Sew the keyhole opening. To finish the edge of your keyhole opening, turn it under 1⁄4 inch, and zigzag stitch it.

Sew the keyhole opening.

4. Try on the tunic. First, check the length. To shorten the top, cut and hem. Then check the armhole seam placement, and note the sleeve length.

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Comments (16)

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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