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Transform Your T-Shirt into a Tunic

comments (16) January 13th, 2010     

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CalPatch cal patch, contributor
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With a few easy steps restyle an old T-shirt into a standout tunic.
Find an old T-shirt in your closet or at a thrift store.
Photo: Sloan Howard
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Alter the sleeves
Depending on the tee, this part can be a little tricky. If you’re happy with the positions of the armhole seams (ideally somewhere near your shoulders), you can use Method A. If the seams are way down by your elbows, you might want to do a complete overhaul of the armhole and sleeve (Method B).

Method A - refit the sleeve. From the folded center of the sleeve, measure half the bicep circumference plus 1 inch. Mark a new underarm seamline up to the armhole. Then adjust and blend into the side seam.


 Method A


Method B - create a new sleeve. Cut the sleeves off the shirt. Using a tee that fits and your shoulder width as a guide, draw a new armhole and side seam on the shirt. Then, draw new sleeve shapes on the sleeve pieces. Cut them, and attach the new sleeves.


 Method B


Tip: Tunic too cute? For an edgier look, try contrasting colors for the insert, neck binding, and cuffs. You could also decorate the insert with embroidery, appliqué, or trips instead of buttons.


Part Four: Add designer details
Here's where you can get creative. Use any scraps that catch your fancy for a tunic that reflects our personal style.

1. Make the cuff ruffles. From your T-shirt scraps, cut two strips to the desired ruffle width plus a 1⁄2-inch seam allowance. The length should be one and a quarter to one and a half times the full circumference of the sleeve edge. With right sides together, join the short ends of each strip to form a ring; then sew two rows of gathering stitches around the edge. Gather to fit the sleeve, and sew the ruffle to the sleeve. Press the seam allowances toward the sleeve, and topstitch around the sleeve to anchor the seam allowance.


 Make the cuff ruffles.

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posted in: sewstylish feature, embroidery, sewstylish technique, t-shirt
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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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