Friday, November 11, 2016

Upcycle- "Add-a-Square" Shirt


Do you have some favorite t-shirts that aren't quite right? Don't despair; add-a-square!!  You can easily upcycle the shirts by adding a square or a rectangle! Two upcycling ideas and photos are included. This is "Sew Easy"!


Start with 2 t-shirts. They can either be the same color, or 2 different colors for a "color-block" effect. You will cut up the shorter of the 2 shirts.



Cut a 13" x 13" template from a piece of lightweight posterboard or heavy paper.



Cut off about 3 inches of the hem of the shorter shirt; set aside for another project.



Use the template to cut 2 - 13" x 13" squares above the cut edge.


Fold one of the squares diagonally. Place one cut edge against the side of the uncut t-shirt with the bottom edge extending about 5/8" beyond the hem of the uncut shirt. Mark the top of the triangle on the uncut shirt.


On the inside, staystitch by sewing a few stitches back and forth along the seam line above the place you marked.


Cut along the seamline below the marked point.


With right sides together, pin one square to 2 sides of one square, matching one corner of the square to the marked point on the t-shirt. 



Stitch using a 3/8" seam. Finish the seam with a serger or with a zigzag stitch. Repeat on the other side.





Finish the remaining 2 sides of the square with a serger or zigzag stitch. Turn under 5/8" and press. Hem by sewing a straight stitch about 1/2" from the edge. Repeat on the other side.

Don't forget to miter that corner!

Congratulations! You are finished! You have created a one-of-a-kind Upcycled shirt!

It's finished!

Add a Scarf!
And what about that extra rectangle with a hem?

Pin and topstitch the cut edge to another favorite t-shirt that needs a little length!



On the back side, serge the edge. Press.


Backside of finished shirt

Another t-shirt has been rescued and recycled! It looks great with this top that was already in my closet!


Now go check out your closet and see which shirts you can rescue and recycle. Be creative!

Add-a-Square Shirt with Beaded Scarf

Check out my other "Upcycled" fashions and projects!

No comments :

Post a Comment