There are many ways to transform a simple t-shirt into an updated style. This 3 step t-shirt pattern hack will add style to any wardrobe!

This post contains affiliate links. By making a purchase I will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support!

T-Shirt Pattern Hack

I started this t-shirt pattern hack by finding some adorable pink polkadot fabric from Walmart. It’s a woven fabric and I loved the pretty colors. I knew it would be the perfect addition to my t-shirt pattern. My main fabric is a soft white jersey knit fabric also from Walmart.

The pattern I used for this project is McCalls #7331. Because it’s a basic t-shirt pattern, I simple made 3 changes to it with the help of my Cricut Maker.

First, cut out the t-shirt pattern pieces in your size from your desired fabric. (You can also use a couple of store bought t-shirts. Directions for that are below.)

3 Step Easy T-Shirt Pattern Hack:

1. Login to Cricut Design Space here.

2. Download my free 3 Step Easy T-Shirt Hack pattern file here.

3. Cut out the pieces with your Cricut Maker.

Using your Cricut Maker makes this project so easy to cut and put together!

This post is sponsored by Cricut. Any opinions given are completely my own.

Assembly Instructions:

1. Fold sleeve bands in half, right sides out. Stitch together with 5/8″ seam allowance on the long edge.

2. Cut your sleeve piece in half just above the elbow. Next, sew the contrasting rectangle piece underneath the raw edge of the sleeve with a narrow zig zag stitch 1.5 wide. Overlap the pieces by 1/2″.

(THE RAW EDGE OF THE KNIT T-SHIRT IS SUPPOSED TO SHOW as in the photo above.)

3. Gather the bottom part of the sleeve by stitching along the top edge with 5.0 basting stitch. (I added 3″ in the sleeve width to my existing pattern to make the gathered ruffle.) Pull up threads and gather the piece to fit the sleeve band (check the fit on your arm before you finish sewing). Overlap the gathered knit sleeve on top of the contrasting fabric by about 1/2″ (right sides up). Stitch in place with narrow zig zag stitch 1.5 wide.

4. Add lace trim to the bottom of the sleeve hem by stitching lace on with 1/4″ seam allowance while using a narrow zig zag stitch.

5. Place the neck facing right side up on the front of the t-shirt neckline with the two pieces touching at center front. Pin in place. Stitch along the outside edge with a narrow zig zag stitch. Tack the facing with the zig zag stitch at center front 1″ from bottom to secure as seen in photo below.

6. Slash center front along the facing at center front to the bottom edge of the facing. Sew lace edging over raw edge with zig zag stitch, folding lace to miter at corners. Sew shoulder seams together. Add lace all around the neck edge, as well as front and back with the same method. Fold under ends at center front and tack in place.

7. Add lace trim to outside of neck facing while stitching again over your first stitching with the same narrow zig zag stitch.

8. Finish shirt by stitching sleeves into armholes, as well as sewing underarm seam. Hem, press and finally enjoy! Share with your friends!

Alternate Assembly Instructions:

If you do not want to make an entire t-shirt, you can certainly create this look with two old t-shirts.

1. Cut out contrasting pieces with your Cricut Maker as above.

2. Remove neck ribbing on old t-shirt.

3. Cut 7″ wide strip of fabric off the bottom of one of the t-shirts.

4. Gather fabric along top edge, as in step 3 above. Attach contrasting sleeve trim to existing sleeve edge as well as lace as described above.

5. Finally, add contrasting fabric at neck as described in step 5 above.

Thanks to Cricut for sponsoring this post!

Looking for other projects that also use the Cricut? Check these out:

Easily Restyle a Boring Denim Jacket

How to Read a Sewing Pattern Envelope

Shorten Pattern Sleeves the Correct Way

How to Measure for Pattern Alterations

What You Should Know About the Cricut Maker

Although this is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut,he opinions and text are all my own.

Don’t forget to Pin this post for later!