How to Make T-Shirts Using a T-Shirt

If you can sew at all on a sewing machine, you could make as many different t-shirts, in as many different colors and designs as you wished.

This is truly the easy way out.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Permanent Press t-shirt material.
• Sewing machine
• thread
• Iron On transfers
• Paint suitable for use with cloth.

1. 
    

   Who is the t-shirt going to be for? Man, woman, child, baby?
   Is a v-neck, sleeveless, cap sleeves, full sleeves, long or belly button length?

2. Find an old t-shirt that fits the person you are going to be making the t-shirt for.
   
   Using a thread cutter or a single edge razor, CAREFULLY take it apart at the seams. Notice as you do, how it was sewn; how close to edges the side seams are, how the cuffs were turned up, the bottom turned up, and the neck line.

3. Once you have your pattern pieces, use them to trace around onto the underside of material. There are pencils just for this in the sewing shops that the lines disappear when washed.
   
   Turn the hem under on the sleeves about 1/2 inch or so. Press, pin in place and sew.
   Put the front and the back pieces together, right sides together, and make a small seam along each side.
   Turn up about an inch along the bottom; press, pin in place and sew.
   
   Attach the sleeves to the arm holes, kind of stretching to keep it from puckering while sewing on the machine.
   You will be placing the wrong side of the sleeve to the wrong side of the arm hole.
   Sew close to the edge, maybe 1/8 inch from the edge.
   
   There is neck trim you can buy for t-shirts. Cut a piece as big as your pattern is, press, pin and sew around the neck.

4. 
    

   Now you are ready to leave it plain, or add an iron on decal, if that's the look you want.
   
   If you are steady of hand, and can draw or print well, there is outline paints that you can get, that are raised up, a little like a glob of hot glue would be.
   Paint inside your outline. Add glitter if you want, while the paint is still wet. Shake off the excess onto wax paper and return to the glitter bottle. Add jewels or lace around the collar.
   Write the name of your child, if it's for your child.
   The sky's the limit!

[MyJB]

on 3/5/2009 Good article. This idea is really great - using a t-shirt to make one. Thanks. 5*

[roseanne09]

on 3/3/2009 I have always like these kind of ideas!!! Thankyou for writing this article!!! Recommended *****

[betterbody]

on 3/2/2009 Great ideas. Thanks for the tips. 5*'s, and a recommend.

[theperfectfit]

on 3/2/2009 10* for your effort on how to make a tee shirt. Today so few people learn to sew in school and trying to explain the process for making something from scratch is quite complicated. I see your link to Joann Fabrics. When Joann's has a sale you can purchase a variety of plain colored tee for $3 each. 50-50 poly and cotton works well. Great job from another Grandma.

[sanderdoe]

on 3/2/2009 Very interesting idea! My sons live in T's so I may have to try it. Your directions are very clear and well written. Thanks!