Also loved the serger hem tie off trick. I am trying to learn to use my serger to greater potential so am going back to your videos on it. Helpful! I think the tshirt redo here is so good. Thank you!!!
I love this! Thank you for sharing your way of doing this!! I’ve done this with my husbands old t-shirts that no longer fit him and make them fit my little boys. It’s pretty cute seeing them in something that their dad used to wear 🥰 And you’re so right, it’s amazing how much fabric you need when you’re sizing down so much!
Thanks, great tutorial! Defo will use for larger t-shirts! Also top tip on making a knot really close to finished seam and tidying the end of the thread, thanks!
I use Pamela's Patterns T-shirt Makeover pattern. Gives a really nice feminine shape to a boxy tee. And you are correct about starting out with the biggest size you can find
Love this! This is fantastic! Alterations are always great! I just bought a T-shirt from our favorite beach bar that has been a landmark for at least 2 decades and is closing at the end of the summer. 😞 All they had were huge men’s t-shirts. So, perfect timing! Thank you Whitney!
Thanks so much, Whitney! I bought several t-shirts on-line for my husband, and of course to get the best price and free shipping, I bought a bunch (for myself, granddaughters too)! I have that Core pattern, and the first one I made was out of a more stretchy knit and was a bit saggy. I think it will work on this t-shirt knit perfectly, so all I have to do is go cut and sew this afternoon :) Have a great rest of your day!
And I learned something new. I cut after knotting. 😳 But I love the finished look of threading. 😍. Must try! I love my cover stitch for knits. Why don’t you? Love to learn from you. 😍😍😍.
Well, this is just brilliant. I have a question. What about lowering neckline? Did this tee happen to match the pattern’s neckline so you left it as is? If it didn’t, then cut neckline like the pattern’s, and add a new neck binding in a different stretch material? Thanks so much for this! I have tons of tees like this that are so baggy, I’m going to try this for sure.
It didn't match the neckline of the pattern, but I just ignored that because I was just going to leave the neckline as is. However, you could recut the neckline, but yes, you would need to use a new stretchy fabric for the neckband.
First one I ever did was for my daughter. I took off regular sleeves & added raglan sleeves in another fabric. I was lucky enough to be able to reuse the neckband. Great info!!
Having completely screwed up one jumper trying to fix it. I'm so glad you have made this video. I have a very oversized filet crochet blouse that would fit 10 peeps together you have given me another solution. There is steeking but need to do a bit more than that. 💕👌
So fantastic!! I just bought a special TV show shirt [Lego Masters 😍] and even though it was 3XL it only just fit my size- 14-18. Next time if I have the option I will actually undo seams as this was overlocked and I could have gained a tiny bit more. Thanks so much- I would never have bought yet another t shirt pattern, but this one fits great and it's special as it doesn't expect to be a tight fit and have a lot of stretch. The tutorial was so easy to follow- just don't cut a back out on the front like I did 🙄.
What a fantastic idea, my employer always have t shirt for different évents and never has my size so it's always the big sizes left. Now, i will be busy fixing them all. Thank you for sharing this great idea, you are full of knowledge. 👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️
great tutorial, I love buying big shirts but end up sleeping in them instead of doing this to them . Now I ll be re-looking at a few & checking out a few thrift-ed ones . & I just pre order the summer capsule..looking forward to that . I know my color palette, I do a program called DYT (Dressing your Truth ) and have for yrs . so I have a color card & guide to go by for my colors ,lots of jewel tones and what i call fall colors and they sure make a difference when buying fabric or adding a bought top etc....so needing to getting back to making my own again!! Love your channel ,so glad I happened up on it a while back. I ve sewn all my life but most was self taught, so have bought books on fabric types and fitting, did buy Cashmerette fitting book. I am a total pear so know it is going to help . I wear a size 8-19 , there about & love she does offer smaller sizes .
I have a shirt from my oldest grandson that I have wanted to adjust, but didn’t want to butcher it. I went to the local GW and found a vintage look(albeit new) shirt in XXL to play with first, then I’ll do the other one. Thanks for this tutorial!
If length of t-shirt is not an issue, you could carefully cut off the bottom hem (+1/4”) and use it to create a new neckline. I’m not a fan of crew neck t-shirts…they look great on men; but, never flattering on women. I will always buy a crew neck and change it. I have a bright pink 💯 cotton knit t-shirt…I cut neckband off and made it a boat neck…used a colorful batik fabric cut on the bias and it looks awesome!
This tutorial is great. I couldn’t find orange t shirt fabric one time so just bought an oversized t shirt to use for my grandson. I will definitely use this idea in the future. I, also, don’t like the tight neck on the freebie t shirts.
Thank you for this tutorial. I probably will get called by my daughter to do an adjustment for a big t-shirt. So this helps. I hope it is okay to ask about another pattern that you showed on RUclips. I am not good at adjustments. I am going to make myself a Rhapsody Blouse. I am a size XL from the chart except the waist I'm "gulp" bigger how do I make that adjustment?
I would first look at the finished measurements. It's a pretty relaxed top so you might be fine. If you do need more room, Love Notions has great instructions on how to grade from one size to another through the waist!
Neckline tip: fold the ribbing to the outside & stitch close to the outer edge. Opens up the neckline. A fancy stitch looks even nicer. I buy men's t-shirts on sale & alter to fit me. Never get women's as cheap. I buy them large enough at the bottom to fit my hips. I remove the sleeves, shorten the shoulder line, put the sleeves back on. After watching this I may buy them even larger & try this method.
Hi Whitney, I would really appreciate it if you would tell me what type of rotary cutter and blades you use. You whipped around that t-shirt cutting it out with what looked like hardly any effort. I searched your Amazon store but I couldn't find any cutting tools. I have purchased I don't know how many rotary cutters and still can't seem to find one that cuts without me having to practically put my entire body weight on to get it to cut smoothly. Thank you so much. This video is just genius. Again, thanks so much.
I have two rotary cutters. They are both Olfa one is a 28mm www.wawak.com/cutting-measuring/cutting/cutting-tools/olfa-rotary-cutters/#sku=cut2 that I use for when I need to get into smaller areas and the other is a 45mm www.wawak.com/cutting-measuring/cutting/cutting-tools/olfa-deluxe-ergonomic-rotary-cutter-45mm/#sku=cut33 that I use most often. The key is to make sure you change the blade somewhat regularly. I've been very pleased with both and I buy my refill blades from Wawak as well. They are the best prices I've found!
Nice tutorial! When you hemmed the shirt on your sewing machine, did you adjust the foot pressure? I find the knits don’t always feed smoothly/nicely under the foot?
I didn't adjust the pressure. I use a fusible double stick tape from SewKeyse to get my hems even and it helps to work as a bit of a stabilizer as well so you don't get the wavy hems!
The first time I tried this with an XL men's shirt it worked great, but when I tried with a 2XL, there wasn't quite enough fabric where the side of the arm hole on the pattern met the shirt armhole. I had a lot of fabric for the sleeve. Go figure. Size 10.
I just got the pattern for the T shirt, but I also found another pattern that I love. I have been looking for a 50's inspired swimsuit and they had it! Now what I would like to know is if I can add some power mesh or something in the tummy area. Some day's that area is Ok but others there's a lot to be desired. I've had 4 kids so not too bad, But I still want a little extra around the middle. Any idea's?
I've not made their bombshell bathing suit, but I have made their Sophia swimsuit and there are options to add power mesh the front tummy area. There very well could be help on how to add that to the Bombshell as well!
Whitney, Great video - I have watched several times. Question. My brother gave my son a 3XL shirt that I am converting to a Men's Large. I am using the Liesl + Co Men's Metro T-shirt pattern as it is for a 25% stretch - similar to the shirt material. However, the shoulder seam has a substantially different slope than the 3XL shirt. To match the shoulder seam on the back to the pattern, the pattern is way off the fold line - that is it very quickly is off 1" off the fold line. The front is substantially worse; that is, to match shoulder seam, the pattern angles so much that there is no more material. So I am thinking to keep the fold line correct and to sew a new shoulder seam. Is that what you would you do?
I would ignore the shoulder seam and just make sure that center front and center back are on the fold. If you connect the pattern front and back together at the shoulder and then just make sure your center back and front are lined up on the fold, the shoulder seam can fall anywhere within the shoulder area. Does that make sense?
@@TomKatStitchery Thank you for taking the time to respond to me. I sort of understand but not entirely. (1) When I ensure that the center back and center front pattern pieces are on the fold and meeting at the neckband of the shirt shoulder seam then a sideways "V" is created from neck band to where sleeve would be attached - adding about 2" of fabric by sleeve where the pattern shoulder seams don't meet and therefore the pattern sleeve will not fit. What am I not understanding? (2) When I tape the pattern shoulder seams of front and back together and lay them on the shirt, I can line up the back on the fold but then the front pieces angles way out off of the fabric. (3) I bought several other men's t-shirt patterns and the shoulder seams are all similar to the Liesl + Co, so a different pattern is not an option. That is why I am thinking to unpick the shirt's shoulder seam and basically cut out the sideways "V". Perhaps I just have an odd shirt if you have not encountered an event t-shirt like this. Marion Skinner
@@marionmichaud8048 I see what you’re saying. I’ve not encountered anything this extreme (I can usually just fudge it), it if you’ve got that much excess you might have to cut and resew the shoulder seams.
@@TomKatStitchery Whitney, Thank you. I watched your video again and what I did was angled the front up much more and allowed a little bunching under the seam. I figured it would be okay -- and it was. Shirt fits my son great. Thank you.
What would you do differently if it were a dressy tshirt (95 poly, 5span) and the existing neckline is a little too wide (I have narrow shoulders). I assume I would remove shoulder seams as well?
This is great. I’ve seen cool graphic tees but they’re in a 2x. So this would be just the thing to do and fun! I noticed you use the smaller rotary cutter. Is that your preference? If so why? Just wondering. Also do you think a cover stitch is worth the money? Do you use it a lot? If so what’s your recommendation? Thanks again for all you do!
I use the small rotary cutter for lighter weight fabrics and if I need to get into tighter areas. I use the larger one for the thicker fabrics. As far as a coverstitch machine, I use mine ALL the time! I have a Janome CoverPro900 and it does everything I need it to do. I don't use a zig zag stitch hardly at all anymore.
Also loved the serger hem tie off trick. I am trying to learn to use my serger to greater potential so am going back to your videos on it. Helpful! I think the tshirt redo here is so good. Thank you!!!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one!
I am going to Old Navy today and will buy the largest flag T-shirt that they sell and give this a try!
Oh good!
I love this! Thank you for sharing your way of doing this!!
I’ve done this with my husbands old t-shirts that no longer fit him and make them fit my little boys. It’s pretty cute seeing them in something that their dad used to wear 🥰
And you’re so right, it’s amazing how much fabric you need when you’re sizing down so much!
That’s so fun! I’ve done that for my son when he was smaller as well. He’s now just one size smaller than his Dad ☹️.
Thanks, great tutorial! Defo will use for larger t-shirts! Also top tip on making a knot really close to finished seam and tidying the end of the thread, thanks!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
I use Pamela's Patterns T-shirt Makeover pattern. Gives a really nice feminine shape to a boxy tee. And you are correct about starting out with the biggest size you can find
But this is a FREE pattern so I can totally see why she used it.
I forgot about that pattern, but you're right! I bet that works wonderfully!
Wow Whitney. Thank you. You have showed me how to use my superpower for a cool thing!!!
😂 I love that!
Love this! This is fantastic! Alterations are always great! I just bought a T-shirt from our favorite beach bar that has been a landmark for at least 2 decades and is closing at the end of the summer. 😞 All they had were huge men’s t-shirts. So, perfect timing! Thank you Whitney!
This will be perfect for that!
Thanks for this Whitney. I enjoy thrifting and am always on the hunt for interesting fabric/ garments that can be downsized.
I love doing that as well!
Really enjoyed this video. I have 2 large tees to make smaller. Thanks for instructions. Glad I found your videos.
Oh good! I'm glad this was helpful!
Thanks so much, Whitney! I bought several t-shirts on-line for my husband, and of course to get the best price and free shipping, I bought a bunch (for myself, granddaughters too)! I have that Core pattern, and the first one I made was out of a more stretchy knit and was a bit saggy. I think it will work on this t-shirt knit perfectly, so all I have to do is go cut and sew this afternoon :) Have a great rest of your day!
Oh good! I hope it works for you as well as it did for us!
I’ve never done with a pattern. So slick! Thank you!!!
And I learned something new. I cut after knotting. 😳 But I love the finished look of threading. 😍. Must try! I love my cover stitch for knits. Why don’t you? Love to learn from you. 😍😍😍.
I do use my coverstitch for knits, I just prefer using the serger for the seams!
I’m heading to Goodwill for a 3X men’s t-shirt to practice on! Great tutorial!
Excellent!
What a fabulous idea! I wouldn't have thought of it myself, but I'm going to do this next time I get a freebie. Thanks so much for doing this video.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Well, this is just brilliant. I have a question. What about lowering neckline? Did this tee happen to match the pattern’s neckline so you left it as is? If it didn’t, then cut neckline like the pattern’s, and add a new neck binding in a different stretch material? Thanks so much for this! I have tons of tees like this that are so baggy, I’m going to try this for sure.
It didn't match the neckline of the pattern, but I just ignored that because I was just going to leave the neckline as is. However, you could recut the neckline, but yes, you would need to use a new stretchy fabric for the neckband.
Thank you so much for doing this! I can’t wait to try this on my next t-shirt. 💕
Oh good!
Or a huge, ugly, school issued teacher shirt! Thanks so much for this video, I need this so much to make those school mandatory shirts wearable!
Oh good!!!
First one I ever did was for my daughter. I took off regular sleeves & added raglan sleeves in another fabric. I was lucky enough to be able to reuse the neckband. Great info!!
I've done that hack before as well!
Having completely screwed up one jumper trying to fix it. I'm so glad you have made this video. I have a very oversized filet crochet blouse that would fit 10 peeps together you have given me another solution. There is steeking but need to do a bit more than that. 💕👌
Oh good!
So fantastic!! I just bought a special TV show shirt [Lego Masters 😍] and even though it was 3XL it only just fit my size- 14-18. Next time if I have the option I will actually undo seams as this was overlocked and I could have gained a tiny bit more.
Thanks so much- I would never have bought yet another t shirt pattern, but this one fits great and it's special as it doesn't expect to be a tight fit and have a lot of stretch. The tutorial was so easy to follow- just don't cut a back out on the front like I did 🙄.
😂 I have been there as well! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Always the best information on your videos. 😊
Thank you so much!
What a fantastic idea, my employer always have t shirt for different évents and never has my size so it's always the big sizes left. Now, i will be busy fixing them all. Thank you for sharing this great idea, you are full of knowledge. 👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️
Oh good! I'm so glad this will be helpful!
Great tutorial. Your machines sew so neatly.
Thank you! I love my machines!
Great information!. I LOVE the closet core t shirt. It is so comfy.
I agree! It's a great base t-shirt pattern!
Thank you! That is a brilliant way to remake a t-shirt! And so easy!!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
great tutorial, I love buying big shirts but end up sleeping in them instead of doing this to them . Now I ll be re-looking at a few & checking out a few thrift-ed ones . & I just pre order the summer capsule..looking forward to that . I know my color palette, I do a program called DYT (Dressing your Truth ) and have for yrs . so I have a color card & guide to go by for my colors ,lots of jewel tones and what i call fall colors and they sure make a difference when buying fabric or adding a bought top etc....so needing to getting back to making my own again!! Love your channel ,so glad I happened up on it a while back. I ve sewn all my life but most was self taught, so have bought books on fabric types and fitting, did buy Cashmerette fitting book. I am a total pear so know it is going to help . I wear a size 8-19 , there about & love she does offer smaller sizes .
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one!
I have a shirt from my oldest grandson that I have wanted to adjust, but didn’t want to butcher it. I went to the local GW and found a vintage look(albeit new) shirt in XXL to play with first, then I’ll do the other one. Thanks for this tutorial!
That’s a great idea!
I think I have remade 4 or maybe 5 now (2024), and still enjoy this method. Just finished a red with US flag on front for Memorial Day and July 4.
If length of t-shirt is not an issue, you could carefully cut off the bottom hem (+1/4”) and use it to create a new neckline. I’m not a fan of crew neck t-shirts…they look great on men; but, never flattering on women. I will always buy a crew neck and change it. I have a bright pink 💯 cotton knit t-shirt…I cut neckband off and made it a boat neck…used a colorful batik fabric cut on the bias and it looks awesome!
If your fabric is stretchy enough for the neckband, you can definitely use some of the hem for the neckband. That is a great idea!
Very clever. Thanks for that.
My pleasure!
Love this! I have several t-shirts that are too big for me. Now I know what to do.
Oh good!
This tutorial is great. I couldn’t find orange t shirt fabric one time so just bought an oversized t shirt to use for my grandson. I will definitely use this idea in the future. I, also, don’t like the tight neck on the freebie t shirts.
It will totally work for all sorts of oversized shirts!
What a great idea! I’m excited to try this myself.
Oh good!
Love this , and TY for the free T pattern link. I signed up and downloaded the pdf. Can't wait to make a few
Oh good!
Thank you for this tutorial. I probably will get called by my daughter to do an adjustment for a big t-shirt. So this helps. I hope it is okay to ask about another pattern that you showed on RUclips. I am not good at adjustments. I am going to make myself a Rhapsody Blouse. I am a size XL from the chart except the waist I'm "gulp" bigger how do I make that adjustment?
I would first look at the finished measurements. It's a pretty relaxed top so you might be fine. If you do need more room, Love Notions has great instructions on how to grade from one size to another through the waist!
Thank you! Well done and will be useful.
I'm so glad!
Neckline tip: fold the ribbing to the outside & stitch close to the outer edge. Opens up the neckline. A fancy stitch looks even nicer. I buy men's t-shirts on sale & alter to fit me. Never get women's as cheap. I buy them large enough at the bottom to fit my hips. I remove the sleeves, shorten the shoulder line, put the sleeves back on.
After watching this I may buy them even larger & try this method.
That's a good idea for the neckline!
Hi Whitney, I would really appreciate it if you would tell me what type of rotary cutter and blades you use. You whipped around that t-shirt cutting it out with what looked like hardly any effort. I searched your Amazon store but I couldn't find any cutting tools. I have purchased I don't know how many rotary cutters and still can't seem to find one that cuts without me having to practically put my entire body weight on to get it to cut smoothly. Thank you so much. This video is just genius. Again, thanks so much.
I have two rotary cutters. They are both Olfa one is a 28mm www.wawak.com/cutting-measuring/cutting/cutting-tools/olfa-rotary-cutters/#sku=cut2 that I use for when I need to get into smaller areas and the other is a 45mm www.wawak.com/cutting-measuring/cutting/cutting-tools/olfa-deluxe-ergonomic-rotary-cutter-45mm/#sku=cut33 that I use most often. The key is to make sure you change the blade somewhat regularly. I've been very pleased with both and I buy my refill blades from Wawak as well. They are the best prices I've found!
Very good!
Thank you!
Great tutorial!! Thanks for all you share.
My pleasure!
Fabulous. Thanks
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Nice tutorial! When you hemmed the shirt on your sewing machine, did you adjust the foot pressure? I find the knits don’t always feed smoothly/nicely under the foot?
I didn't adjust the pressure. I use a fusible double stick tape from SewKeyse to get my hems even and it helps to work as a bit of a stabilizer as well so you don't get the wavy hems!
This is sooooooo good. 💯👌💯👌 Thank you Whitney!!!!
My pleasure!
Great tip
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Great vid, I tried to download free t shirt pattern but the link didn't provide any way to download.
I would reach out to Closet Core about getting the free pattern
The first time I tried this with an XL men's shirt it worked great, but when I tried with a 2XL, there wasn't quite enough fabric where the side of the arm hole on the pattern met the shirt armhole. I had a lot of fabric for the sleeve. Go figure. Size 10.
I think the cut of the original t-shirt also comes into play.
Thank you
My pleasure!
Thanks!
My pleasure!
Great idea!
It makes a difference!
My video didn’t have the clip with daughter wearing makeover tee.
It pops up in the beginning of the video before the tutorial.
I just got the pattern for the T shirt, but I also found another pattern that I love. I have been looking for a 50's inspired swimsuit and they had it! Now what I would like to know is if I can add some power mesh or something in the tummy area. Some day's that area is Ok but others there's a lot to be desired. I've had 4 kids so not too bad, But I still want a little extra around the middle. Any idea's?
I've not made their bombshell bathing suit, but I have made their Sophia swimsuit and there are options to add power mesh the front tummy area. There very well could be help on how to add that to the Bombshell as well!
It was really helpful. Thank you!
My pleasure!
Whitney, Great video - I have watched several times. Question. My brother gave my son a 3XL shirt that I am converting to a Men's Large. I am using the Liesl + Co Men's Metro T-shirt pattern as it is for a 25% stretch - similar to the shirt material. However, the shoulder seam has a substantially different slope than the 3XL shirt. To match the shoulder seam on the back to the pattern, the pattern is way off the fold line - that is it very quickly is off 1" off the fold line. The front is substantially worse; that is, to match shoulder seam, the pattern angles so much that there is no more material. So I am thinking to keep the fold line correct and to sew a new shoulder seam. Is that what you would you do?
I would ignore the shoulder seam and just make sure that center front and center back are on the fold. If you connect the pattern front and back together at the shoulder and then just make sure your center back and front are lined up on the fold, the shoulder seam can fall anywhere within the shoulder area. Does that make sense?
@@TomKatStitchery Thank you for taking the time to respond to me. I sort of understand but not entirely. (1) When I ensure that the center back and center front pattern pieces are on the fold and meeting at the neckband of the shirt shoulder seam then a sideways "V" is created from neck band to where sleeve would be attached - adding about 2" of fabric by sleeve where the pattern shoulder seams don't meet and therefore the pattern sleeve will not fit. What am I not understanding?
(2) When I tape the pattern shoulder seams of front and back together and lay them on the shirt, I can line up the back on the fold but then the front pieces angles way out off of the fabric.
(3) I bought several other men's t-shirt patterns and the shoulder seams are all similar to the Liesl + Co, so a different pattern is not an option.
That is why I am thinking to unpick the shirt's shoulder seam and basically cut out the sideways "V". Perhaps I just have an odd shirt if you have not encountered an event t-shirt like this.
Marion Skinner
@@marionmichaud8048 I see what you’re saying. I’ve not encountered anything this extreme (I can usually just fudge it), it if you’ve got that much excess you might have to cut and resew the shoulder seams.
@@TomKatStitchery Whitney, Thank you. I watched your video again and what I did was angled the front up much more and allowed a little bunching under the seam. I figured it would be okay -- and it was. Shirt fits my son great. Thank you.
May I ask your option of the Love Notions classic tee pattern for a beginner sewer of knits? Thank you
I think that would be a great pattern to use as a beginner to knits!
What would you do differently if it were a dressy tshirt (95 poly, 5span) and the existing neckline is a little too wide (I have narrow shoulders). I assume I would remove shoulder seams as well?
Yes. You would probably benefit from recutting the shoulders as well.
Very helpful! Thank you
My pleasure!
Awesome! Thank You!
My pleasure!
This is great. I’ve seen cool graphic tees but they’re in a 2x. So this would be just the thing to do and fun! I noticed you use the smaller rotary cutter. Is that your preference? If so why? Just wondering. Also do you think a cover stitch is worth the money? Do you use it a lot? If so what’s your recommendation? Thanks again for all you do!
I use the small rotary cutter for lighter weight fabrics and if I need to get into tighter areas. I use the larger one for the thicker fabrics. As far as a coverstitch machine, I use mine ALL the time! I have a Janome CoverPro900 and it does everything I need it to do. I don't use a zig zag stitch hardly at all anymore.
Where's the finished product clip at the end?
It was at the beginning.
Sorry! I put it at the beginning and didn't add it again at the end.
🇨🇦😃 very helpful!
Oh good!
😊❤😊
❤️❤️❤️
Nice tutorial. The neckline of tshirts I just can’t deal with. Even when I see men in them they look tight.
I agree! Wearing the much larger size really helps with that neckline!