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4 Unique Styles from 1 Basic Kimono Pattern 4 unique styles from 1 basic kimono pattern. Does that sound impossible to you? I was skeptical at first but I’m so excited to share the four new kimonos I have added to my wardrobe all while …
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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!
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.)
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.
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!
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.
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Sew Along with me! It’s a great way to stay motivated and learn new skills. This line up of great styles is perfect for those who want to explore new patterns and learn more about custom sewing and alteration details.
Here’s your chance at sewing success! I am starting a monthly sew along class. This class will be completely free and you can sew one month or all 12 as you choose. Most patterns are easy, we will have videos, Facebook lives too on each step!
I have chosen these commercial patterns for this Sew Along. Partially because I know people struggle with them and I can help, but they are also readily available and have the majority of sizes people are looking for. Here is the list, stock up on the next sale for the entire year and get sewing!
January: You will love this cozy Funnel Neck top. Make just the top, or buy extra fabric for the leggings, if you choose. This pattern is McCalls 7061.
February: What’s not to love with this date night dinner dress! Cherry red is perfect for Valentine’s Day! Mc Calls 7535 is easy to sew and looks great on all shapes! Suitable for woven or knits.
March: I adore this Marfy Caftan. Make it long or short, wear it over a swim suit, out to dinner or just around the house. This easy pattern is Marfy F3921.
April: Mimi G Style pattern, love this jacket with optional capelet. Mimi G Style, Simplicity pattern S1016. Learn to sew rainwear fabrics and make buttonholes. This pattern has a lot of extra details on pockets, sleeves and caplet collar as optional custom designs.
May: Learn about stripes this month with this fabulous shirt dress. We will learn collars, facings, and how to work with bias stripes. Pattern is McCalls M7084.
June: Perfect for the romantic summer evening, this chic blouse would be great with chiffon sleeves. We will use Vogue 9243 for this project.
July: Explore vintage pattern Simplicity 8445. Darling! This pattern is available with long sleeve or short sleeve design options. We will learn about constructing collars, yokes and sleeve cuffs.
August: The perfect summer skirt! Very easy pattern and can be reversible! Easy and quick construction, includes a straight style option if you don’t care for the A-line look. This is McCalls 7129.
September: You will love learning about denim this month with this super trendy set of overalls! Great for back to school!Great way to learn to work with denim fabrics. Mc Calls 7547.
October: Fabulous knit top, can be stretch lace, stretch velvet, knit or sweat shirt fleece. Or use all four fabrics! This is Mc Calls 6992.
November: Learn to make custom fit jeans. We will cover specific pattern alterations to get a great fit! More advanced fitting techniques are easy with McCalls 5894.
December: Close out the year learning satin, brocade or velvet techniques. We will sew this darling Gertie vintage pattern for the holiday dress of your dreams! Gertie does vintage so well! This is Butterick 6412.
I am also giving away a free monthly calendar to new subscribers where you can have each task listed for every month in the sew along.
Print your free downloadable calendar here.
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