How to Make a Free T-Shirt For Someone
If you like the idea of gifts that come from the heart and not from the pocketbook, try making a free T-shirt. Start by rummaging through your closet or a family member's to find a decent T-shirt. It can be anything from a marathon giveaway to a concert T-shirt from a band performance that has long since been forgotten. Even a nice white undershirt will do. Using what might otherwise be a thrift shop donation, you can make this free T-shirt halter top with minimal skills and no sewing machine required
Instructions
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1
Select a large or extra-large T-shirt. The body of the shirt should be in good condition. For this halter top, the front of the shirt is partially turned to the back. The asymmetry created by the style adds a modern edge to even the most esoteric T-shirts designs.
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2
Estimate the circumference of your friend's waist. Size 12 measures approximately 30 inches. For every size up or down, add or subtract an inch. Alternatively, sneak a look at the tag on her jeans and subtract 2 inches for a close approximation of her waistline. For example, if she wears 30-waist jeans, her actual waist circumference is roughly 28 inches. Divide this number by two and add one to determine X. Here's a sample calculation: if the waist measures 26 inches, divide by two to get 13; add 1 so that X equals 14. Record this number for use in Step 4.
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3
Turn the T-shirt inside out and lay flat. Pin the shirt closed across the hem and along the collar to prevent the material from shifting as you work.
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4
Measure X inches along the hem starting from the left side of the shirt. Mark a dot A on the bottom of the shirt with tailor's chalk. From the dot, measure up from the hem 24 inches and place a second dot. Write B. Connect dots A and B in a vertical line. Draw a line from just underneath the left sleeve to dot B. You will have created a trapezoid shape. Cut along the chalk lines through both layers of material. Leave the material folded and pin the right side closed.
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5
Mark a dot C on the right side 7 inches from the bottom. Mark another dot D 14 inches up from the bottom right corner. Draw a third dot E 21 inches up from the bottom right corner. From dot D, measure 4 inches horizontally toward the center of the T-shirt and place dot F. Connect dots C, F and E with chalk in an arc. Pin along the arc to prevent the material from shifting. Cut along the chalk line through both layers. This cutout forms the open back of your free halter T-shirt.
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6
Sew closed the opening along the right side using a needle and thread and a small running stitch. Ensure that there is a 1/2-inch seam allowance and leave the arc open. Turn the shirt right side out.
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7
Fold your free gift in a box so that the recipient can see how the garment should be worn. The side seam with the cutout is the center back of the halter top. The seam above the cutout goes at the back of the neck. The shorter side seam is the center front. The original T-shirt hem is also the hem of the halter top. When worn, the T-shirt front forms a plunging cowl neckline.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider any asymmetrical designs or logos before you cut. You may prefer to cut the T-shirt with the diagonal rising from right to left, rather than left to right as specified in Step 4.
Follow the instructions carefully and label the dots on your garment. Tailor's chalk will wash out.
References
- Photo Credit Goodshoot RF/Goodshoot/Getty Images
