T-shirt Refashion into Ruffle Madness

July 30, 2009 8:25 pm

Hello!!!
I wanted to do a new tutorial and thought I’d use a jersey T for this one since I’ve used cottons for most of my other ones.

I took this vintagey looking t-shirt that was in my little sister’s giveaway pile.
Then I cut off the sleeves.

Next, mark your new neckline, however you want it. Then cut the neckline out.

Cut the sleeves open at the seams. I also had wrist bands on mine and I cut those off.
Then cut those sleeves in half. So you’ll have four strips at this point.

What I did next was connected the two arms pieces. Just fit them together and sew them together.

Here’s what it looks like after you sew them together.

You’ll do that to both pieces, then cut them in half. At this point you also want to trim up the sides so you have even, straight lines. You will end up with four strips.

Then sew all the strips together to make one long strip.

Now it’s time to ruffle. If I had to name my blog all over again, it would include the word ‘ruffle’. It’s one of my favroite things to do :) SO… set your tension to the highest number it will go, then set your stitch length to the longest stitch your machine will go, then away you go! Here’s what you’ll get- one long, lovely ruffle piece.

Now get your shirt ready and find the center of your ruffle piece.


Center it to the middle of your shirt and pin it in place.

Work your way all around the neckline and pin the ruffle to the top of the shirt’s neckline.

Go all the way down the front of the shirt, too. Pin it well! Now all you do is stitch it in place. You don’t need to hem anything since it’s jersey!

Here’s how it turned out!

Here’s Ava trying to bite/kiss me.


Here’s the back…

“Run to me!!”

Arms full of love.

I really liked this one! I have so many long sleeve shirts in my refashion pile. I like that it’s a t-shirt, but dolled up. It took no time at all! Let me know what you all think. Remember to add pictures to the flicr pool!!

I hope everyone has a beautiful day, full of love and life :)


Tags: , , , ,
Posted in refashions, women's clothing | 76 Comments »


76 Responses to “T-shirt Refashion into Ruffle Madness”

  1. By Melinda on Jul 30, 2009 | Reply

    Wow, you have so many creative ideas – I absolutely love this and can't wait to try it out for myself.

  2. By alexkeller on Jul 30, 2009 | Reply

    oh this is awesome! i haven't made a thing in years, but i might have to just try this one – thanks!

  3. By Your cool friend Cheryl on Jul 30, 2009 | Reply

    You did such a good job you should make one for me! :)

  4. By David on Jul 30, 2009 | Reply

    Oh my gosh! This is soooo cute! I immediately dug through my dresser to find an old t-shirt to cut apart! I made it ASAP and it turned out so cute! Thanks for the awesome tutorials!

  5. By Leah on Jul 30, 2009 | Reply

    Oops, "David" was supposed to be "leah", apparently my husband was signed in! Ignore that! Sorry!

  6. By Ashley on Jul 30, 2009 | Reply

    Love it! You are the perfect model too! Can't wait to see your pattern! I finally just finished one of mine…..just waiting on a couple testers to get back to me!

  7. By Karin on Jul 30, 2009 | Reply

    That shirt turned out really cute, Alexis. And that last picture of you and your little girl is lovely!

  8. By tini-uk on Jul 30, 2009 | Reply

    Wow, you are so creative. It looks fantastic and what I like about your tutorials is, that they are so quick to do and easy to follow, ideal when you have little ones around. Thank you, thank you. I was going to put the sewing machine away because we are going away for three weeks but I might have to make this shirt first (cleaning can wait!).

  9. By Miss Peregrin on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    That turned out really nicely! Hehe, it's being added to my "To Do" list of projects. Yay for tutorials!

  10. By Lyanna on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Oh goodness that is cute!!!

  11. By Georgine on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    I am a novice, so excuse my stupidity. Jersey is different than the cotton of a regular tee? In my mind I can see the difference – maybe. Would I be able to do this with a regular cotton tee? You really did a remarkable job. It is very J. Crew meets Anthropologie. Thanks for any advice!

  12. By Julie Bouésso on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Who are you, G*d?! :-) Tres bon – have to try myself as well! Cheers, Julie

  13. By Connie Harbor on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    I love seeing your creative and clever projects; but I have been dying to know…
    Where in the world did you find that amazing bedspread/duvet cover (whatever it is) that is the background for some of your photos???

  14. By Cassandra on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    I love love love dolled up t-shirts. And ruffles are my weakness! It's gorgeous!

  15. By michellejohnnie on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Another gorgeous one! I'm linkin at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my "featured" button!

  16. By Laura Gerencser on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Looks fantastic and really easy!!

  17. By Erin on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Really cute!!

  18. By Abby on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    i love this! i am really into ruffles right now too :) probably thanks to your blog!

  19. By Alexis on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    WOw, thanks gals!!

    Ashley- I'll have to email you for any pattern making tips!

    Georgine- Most T's are all cotton. I just meant most of my shirt are made from a cottom men's shirt or just plain cotton fabric, not stretchy jersey. ANy t-shirt would work great. Sorry for the confusion.

    Connie- Isn't my duvet beautiful? (id I do say so myself) It's DKNY from the pure snow collection. It's a few years old, so ebay may have it at this point.

    Glad you all like this one!

  20. By Julie, Little One-of-a-Kind Design on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    so cute! it is so rainy here so this might be today's project! did you finish the arm holes?

  21. By marisa on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Love it! Ok kinda embarassed to ask this but I'm soo new to sewing. Is this the same ruffle that people sometimes do when they pull the bottom thread and make a ruffle? LOL! I know! I'm new though :) Thnks!!

  22. By Alexis on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Julie, You don't need to finish the arm holes because it's jersey! It's awesome!

    Marisa- Yes, it's exactly the same. There are no such thing as silly questions!!

  23. By luvinthemommyhood on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Turned out great!

  24. By Melinda H. on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Easy and super cute!

  25. By Georgine on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Alexis,

    Thanks so much for the response. I cannot wait to try this – I may do a version for my daughter first, for a little practice. Thanks Again!

  26. By Krull Family on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    Wow! This is adorable, and you are quite possibly one of the cutest mommies I've ever seen too! I'm digging through my drawers right now!

  27. By dana on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    lovely lovely LOVELY!

  28. By casserole on Jul 31, 2009 | Reply

    This is so cool! I want to make one NOW!

    I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-ruffle-tank-from-long-sleeved-tee/2009/07/31/
    –Anne

  29. By Macknicki Family on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply

    awesome shirt. I pulled and old shirt out and tried to make one myself. I'm a novice sewer so I was wondering about the ruffle part. Do I set both dials to the largest numbers? Did your piece ruffle automatically while sewing did you pull the thread to ruffle it? It seems when I sew it's not ruffling on it's own. Obviously I'm doing something wrong…Please help:0)

  30. By Alexis on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply

    Macknicki- It should ruffle automaticaly when you set the dials to the largest numbers. If not, you can do it the way by hand, it just takes a lot longer. I wish I was there to help do it!

  31. By Anonymous on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply

    Alexis,
    Did you finish the arm holes (hem them) or leave them unfinished? I can't tell from the pics. Thanks a bunch.
    Courtney

  32. By Alexis on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply

    I didn't finish the armholes. I normally finish all my opening, I just didn't think this shirt needed it. If I were to finish it, I would take some of the scrap fabric and create hem tape to do it.

  33. By Anonymous on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply

    I just have one more question, how exactly do you use hem tape? I bought some and couldn't figure it out. I totally know how to use bias tape but not the hem tape.
    Thanks again,
    Courtney

  34. By Embellished Bayou on Aug 1, 2009 | Reply

    Another favorite, love it!!!!!

  35. By Rachel on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply

    I love this, just gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing, I'll be linking.

  36. By Judy on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply

    That is adorable! I'm a very very beginner sewer. Is it beyond my ability? Thanks

  37. By Julie on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply

    Very cute! I have been eting similar tops and thinking they would be possible to make. Just might have to try this. Cool to know that setting both idals to highest number should make the ruffle automaticially!

  38. By Beth- the mama bee on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply

    love it! I will be doing that soon!

  39. By Alexis on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply

    Judy, i think this one should be accomplishable for your skill level! Give it a try and see what happens :)

  40. By Nerissa Alford on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply

    Thank you for sharing this awesome tutorial with us!
    Nerissa

  41. By Stash on Aug 2, 2009 | Reply

    Very cute!

  42. By Floralshowers Craft Blog on Aug 3, 2009 | Reply

    You have serious refashion ruffle talent! I've bookmarked a couple of your projects already on my craft to do list.

  43. By Christy on Aug 4, 2009 | Reply

    Hey I have that same shirt. Maybe I will give this a try!

  44. By Michelle on Aug 7, 2009 | Reply

    Thanks for such an inspiring blog with great tutorials! I am definitely going to try this project soon – I LOVE the ruffles, and I, too, have some long-sleeved shirts in my refashion pile. Thanks for taking the time to post your projects!

  45. By Jen Ell on Aug 12, 2009 | Reply

    This will be featured on my blog

    http://jenellsrevenge.blogspot.com

    on the 13th.

    Thanks,

    Jen

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  48. By Angie on Aug 22, 2009 | Reply

    I finally had time to try this. It turned out so cute! Thanks so much for the tutorial. :)

  49. By The Claybornes on Sep 3, 2009 | Reply

    love love love this! def going to try it :)

  50. By Dana on Sep 25, 2009 | Reply

    I am absolutely over the moon with this tutorial. I DID IT! I can't believe it! I am stupid happy! My first reconstruction! Woohooooo. I can't stop smiling. I want to hang it on the refrigerator for everyone to see! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

  51. By Genki on Sep 28, 2009 | Reply

    That is such a cute top, I love ruffles, and the colour is gorgeous. thanks for sharing the tutorial.

  52. By Julie on Oct 24, 2009 | Reply

    What a clever idea, it looks so good.

  53. By Triplet Mami on Oct 24, 2009 | Reply

    I love the vintage-y feel of it. Too cute!

  54. By Branded USB Sticks on Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

    Love the way you have presented these beautiful shirts, Keep it up, Beautiful designs, Would like to appreciate the designers.

  55. By Soccer Uniforms on Oct 26, 2009 | Reply

    Really you have done a great job, Keep it up. Thanks for sharing with us.

  56. By Rook No. 17 on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply

    No way! That's too incredibly cool! Thanks for the tutorial. I'm definitely going to try this! So glad to have found you through Grosgrain!

    Regards, Jenn @ rookno17.blogspot.com

  57. By Replica Watches on Nov 1, 2009 | Reply

    Beautiful idea, Attractive one.

  58. By Natalia on Jan 25, 2010 | Reply

    This is a fabulous tutorial! Thanks for sharing! I’m going to link to it on my blog http://sewwhattoday.blogspot.com

  59. By Irmhild on Feb 6, 2010 | Reply

    oh that looks really cool! i have a bag ful of giveaway clothes, i must go through it again… but i’m nearly sure it’s all short sleeve Tees…

  60. By chrsity on Mar 28, 2010 | Reply

    Does anyone else have a problem making the ruffle? Maybe my machine does not have a high enough tension setting but my ruffles look nothing like this. Any ideas on what to do?

  61. By Michelle on Apr 16, 2010 | Reply

    Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing – I’ll try to make it!

  62. By Katie on Apr 25, 2010 | Reply

    I love this! I just bought two $1 shirts at walmart and I’m going to try this. But I’ve never done anything like it before and my shirts are cotton. Does that mean I’ll need to hem it somehow? That kind of scares me. :)

  63. By Tere Lauritsen on May 9, 2010 | Reply

    Love it! I will be trying this very soon!

  64. By Kudzu on May 24, 2010 | Reply

    wow, you’ve made some incredible refashions; i’ve bookmarked so many ideas to use on the tons of men, women and children’s clothes that i’ve gotten free, and some at a thrift shop .10 cent sale. when i finish i’ll post to let you know.
    thanks! and thanks for sharing!
    kudzu

  65. By Queen on Jul 14, 2010 | Reply

    wow..awesome..i love it!!!really want to try it too..thanks for this pretty idea..:)

  66. By Carlee Potter on Aug 26, 2010 | Reply

    Cool. I like your work. I’m wondering if you’ve ever re-fashioned a business shirt for the purpose of keeping it as a wearable business shirt; only a bit more stylish/alternative? I’m very keenly attempting to search ideas on how I might do this.

    I have all these women’s business shirts – standard, long-sleeve, collared shirts – but I’ve recently shifted to a new industry/job in which I can wear funkier (less corporate) clothing. I don’t want my 10-or-so collared business shirts to go to waste. I’m hoping to “style” them up somehow.

    Would LOVE any ideas or links… thanks!

  67. By Sarah on Nov 4, 2010 | Reply

    Hello! I’m featuring a bunch of ruffled shirt tutorials on my blog today, and posted yours with a link back. Hope that’s okay!

  68. By Ali on Jun 4, 2011 | Reply

    You should change youre name to “ruffles made by Lex”

    :) love the shirt. So cute.

  69. By Lexy on Jun 15, 2011 | Reply

    I really wanted a shirt that looked like this, THank you! ( Did you hem the open sleeves? Can there be a dress version of this?)
    lol i guess my DIY is Watch Other People Do It First Wopdif…i like that (pronounced WHop- diff)

  70. By Tracy on Jul 8, 2011 | Reply

    I tried your idea and shared your link – thanks for the tutorial.
    http://twhitney.blogspot.com/2011/07/t-shirt-refashion-ii.html

  71. By Mary on Jul 16, 2011 | Reply

    cool! ♥♥ it!

  72. By Elizabeth on Aug 27, 2011 | Reply

    That’s soooooooo cute! I’m gonna do that!!! :) )) Was it hard to do? I’m only 13 and just started sewing (I’m gonna practice before I do something like that) and I want it to look good:) btw those pins look really cool:)

  73. By rachel kodner on Nov 27, 2011 | Reply

    love this! soooo cute

  74. By Marti on Jan 7, 2012 | Reply

    This is really cute, and I love how you reused part of the shirt instead of buying fabric for the ruffle. I’m featuring it on my new blog, tutorialsandpatterns.blogspot.com. Grab a “featured” button if you want.

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