How to Make a Custom Sleeveless Shirt
Converting a winter wardrobe to summer clothing can be expensive and time consuming. Sleeveless tops and flowing blouses replace long-sleeved blouses and sweaters, not to be seen again until the weather cools off. Converting winter clothes to new summer styles is a great way to save money. Remove the sleeves from a long-sleeved button-up blouse and use them to create a ruffled neck, perfect for summertime.
Instructions
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Remove the sleeves on a woman's button-up blouse or a men's button-up shirt, making a small hole in the sleeve with sewing scissors. Cut around the sleeve just inside the seam and cut right beside the seam, going all the way around. Remove the collar and cut the neckline to preference. Set the sleeves aside.
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Cut up the entire length of each sleeve at the seam. Iron them flat. Cut each of them in half length-wise, leaving you with four strips of equal widths.
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Sew the four pieces together end to end, creating a long narrow piece. It should be about double the neckline measurement. Trim the edges if needed. Fold the piece inside out and iron it flat. Sew down the length of the cut edges and turn it right side out. Iron it flat.
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Fold the long piece over, making pleats that will become ruffles. Pin the pleats to the neckline starting at the shoulder. Make sure there is enough fabric to cover the entire front. If there is not, make the pleats a little smaller. Sew the pleats to the blouse. Another option is to baste along the edge of the long, narrow piece using a basting stitch. Slowly pull the thread to make the piece ruffle. Starting at the shoulder, pin the ruffle to the shirt and sew it on using a regular stitch length.
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Create seams to finish armholes and the back of the neck or use hem tape.
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References
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