How to Make a Cami From a Regular Shirt

Cut the sleeves and neckline of a regular T-shirt to make a simple camisole.

While camisoles are easy to sew from just a small piece of fabric, you can also make one from an existing shirt. If you have a T-shirt you love but it is stained or damaged on the sleeves or collar, making it into a camisole will preserve at least part of its former glory. Use a knit shirt that is form-fitting and made from cotton or a cotton blend.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric scissors
• Cotton T-shirt
• White fabric pencil

Instructions

1. Iron the shirt, spraying it with a little starch to give it a crisp feel.

2. Put the shirt on and draw the neckline and tank-top shape with a fabric pencil. Cotton will tend to roll up on the ends when it's cut, so add a few extra millimeters around the neckline and armholes. Draw lightly with the pencil on the side of the fabric that will be cut off. Remember to also cut the bottom if the shirt is long.

3. Remove the shirt and cut the neckline and armholes with fabric scissors. Put the shirt back on and test the look. Trim off more of the neckline or sleeves if you desire.

4. Wash the shirt to achieve the "rolled" look on the edges of the fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make a sexy back on your cami by cutting out a square of fabric from the lower back, poking holes on either side, and then stringing ribbon through the holes, like a shoelace.

References

• Cut Out and Keep: Cut T shirt