How to Sew a Ruffled Neckline Onto a T-Shirt

Use contrasting thread colors for basting if desired.

Though T-shirts are comfortable and relaxed, they are often considered frumpy and plain. You can spice up your T-shirts by making ruffles and adding them to your neckline. The ruffles can be made with the same material or color as the T-shirt, or you can experiment, creating your own styles with different materials and colors. Minimal sewing experience is needed to create the ruffles and to add them to the neckline, though some knowledge may make the process quicker and easier.

Instructions

1. Cut out two strips of fabric that are 1 1/2 times as long as the neckline of your shirt. The strips can be as wide as you like, but the second strip should be half an inch wider than the first. For example, if your T-shirt neckline is 7 inches, your first strip can be 2-by-10 1/2 inches and your second strip can be 2 1/2-by-10 1/2 inches.

2. Lay the thinner strip on top of the thicker strip and line up the ends. Move the thinner strip so that it is in the center of the thicker one. Pin the strips together, then thread your needle and tie a knot in the end of the thread.

3. Baste stitch the two strips together. The basting stitch should go down the middle of both strips. Using just one pin, secure the middle of the strips to the middle of the neckline of the T-shirt. Before you tie the knot in the other end of the thread, create the ruffles by pulling on the thread and pushing the fabric back towards the pin in the middle of the strip.

4. Pin the rest of the now ruffled strip to the neckline and stitch it in place using a new piece of thread in your needle. Knot the end of the thread and clip it. Remove the pins and enjoy your new ruffled T-shirt.

Resources

• Freshly Picked: How To Sew A Basting Stitch