How to Sew a T-Shirt Together

The T-shirt is a classic sign of American culture that has spread in popularity across the world. Often used to display the wearer's interests, personality and sense of humor, this versatile shirt is worn by many in colors and designs. A T-shirt is a fairly simple article of clothing, consisting of four pieces: a collar, two sleeves and a body. Mainly stitched together at the shoulders and sides, the basic body block of a T-shirt is easily sewn.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern Fabric and thread Sewing equipment and supplies Serger Measuring tape Fabric pencil

Instructions

1. Find a good pattern that you like, or take apart an existing T-shirt at the seams to use as a pattern. All of the major pattern companies, such as Simplicity, Vogue, McCall, Butterick and KwikSew, offer T-shirt patterns in a variety of styles.

2. Measure yourself at the hip and chest to determine the pattern size. Fit the largest part of you first, then, if desired, take in other measurements for a more fitted look.

3. Cut out the pattern and pin it to your T-shirt fabric. Cut the fabric as instructed, and transfer all markings to the fabric with a fabric pencil. If using your own pattern, cut two of everything.

4. Stitch the front and back of the body together at the shoulders. Press the seams toward the back and finish them as desired.

5. Finish the neckline by binding or attaching a collar. Pin the collar or binding to the neckline and stitch. Press the seam toward the body and finish the edges.

6. Stitch the sleeves to the armholes, keeping all markings lined up. The center of the sleeve and the center of the armhole should match. Press the seam allowance toward the sleeve and finish the edges.

7. Stitch the T-shirt together at the underarms and sides. Press the seam allowance and finish the edges.

8. Hem the ends of the sleeves and the bottom of the body.

Tips & Warnings

• If sewing from a taken-apart shirt, add seam allowances to your pattern. Pay attention to the ease of the shirt. T-shirts tend to be loose, unless you would like your shirt to fit tightly. Tight T-shirts can be done only in stretchy, knit fabric. Serging is the best way to finish a T-shirt. Reinforce seams by using twill tape. Fit two pieces of twill tape on either side of a seam and stitch through all layers. At the underarm seam, where two seams meet, eliminate some of the bulk by turning the seam allowance in opposite directions before stitching.

Resources

• Not Your Ordinary T-Shirt
• T is for T-Shirts
• Making T-Shirts as Gifts