Shirred Front Top- A Lex Refashion Tutorial
June 8, 2010 4:12 pmI love tops like these from Anthropologie with all the heavy texture on them.
I’ve also checked out “The Art of Manipulating Fabric” by Colette Wolff from the library and it’s really inspired me to try some new texturing techniques.
So I thought I’d start with this style top with shirring with a gathering foot. Honestly, I’ve never used my gathering foot. I don’t have any idea why!! So here goes!
Get a shirt that’s larger than your size. When you shirr it it’s going to get smaller. I am a small and I got this XL T. I think a larger or even a medium would have worked, though.
Next, with chalk or an erasable marker, draw where you want to shirr it. I used my computer to show you so it would show up better. I did mine over the sleeves and down quite a bit in the front.
Next, attach your gathering foot. If you don’t have one, you could use elastic thread instead. Now stitch the hey out of it every which way possible!! Up, down, side ways, swirlies… you get the point. Just keep stitching and stitching and stitching!! It’s sort of like scribbling with your sewing machine!
Your end result will look something like this:
My face is not worthy of a photo today. Sorry. I also thought this would be great as a maternity shirt because it creates extra fabric in the front for a growing belly!
I. love. texture.
MORE REFASHIONS COMING!!!
Tags: refashion, shirt, tutorial, women's top
Posted in refashions, women's clothing | 15 Comments »
By Jessica on Jun 8, 2010 | Reply
That shirt is so pretty! But mostly I LOVE your hot pink nails.
By christa on Jun 8, 2010 | Reply
Sooo pretty! Sold soon on your etsy store?
By by night on Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
It’s fantastic! Too bad I don’t have a gathering foot… yet
Thanks for sharing this!
By Bromeliad on Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
Wow. So pretty. I did not know there even was such a thing as a ‘gathering foot’.
By Jessica on Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
That’s so cool. I had wondered how in the world one would go about doing something to get that type of look. I think I need to find that book as well. Thanks!
By Crystal on Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
You are a genius, btw! I seriously love looking all over your blog and seeing what you’re doing! Please, please keep it up, it’s great inspiration for me, and I need the refashion ideas ’cause I’m dirt poor right now.
Thanks!
By Justine on Jun 9, 2010 | Reply
OOO! I like this! I am a new sewer, what does the shirring foot petal look like?
Please, keep posting! I love to see/read more refashions!
By Erika on Jun 10, 2010 | Reply
Oh I love this! I wish I had a more “contemporary” sewing machine that had gathering foot to be able to make this:)) But at least I can delight in your work…
keep ‘em coming Alexis!
smiles,
Erika
By Celina on Jun 10, 2010 | Reply
Just out of curiousity, what size t-shirt did you start out with? Did you go up a size or stay with your regular size?
By Adin on Jun 13, 2010 | Reply
It’s a very fun looking shirt!
By katie kortman on Jun 21, 2010 | Reply
I have always wanted to do something like this!!! Oh and I LOOOOOOOOOOVE that book. been meaning to do some things out of there… such great inspiration.
By Jean on Oct 20, 2011 | Reply
Older sewing machines had a gathering foot, plus bias tape maker, cording foot, shirring foot, hemming foot, and lots more. My old treadle Singer and my mom’s old heavy portable had lots of different feet, including a gathering foot. I am impressed with your creativity. With a gathering foot, I have only ever considered straight lines! Nice work, you.
By Gloria on Oct 20, 2011 | Reply
Great shirt makeover. I have that same book and it does have a lot of good ideas and directions. Thx for sharing.
By Geraldine on Mar 19, 2012 | Reply
Wondered how they did it without messing up!
Thanks!
By Debra @ Sweet Kisses and Dirty Dishes on Oct 24, 2012 | Reply
I love this tutorial. I have a shirt I am going to do this to.
I did it to a shirt of mine to make a dress for my daughter.
I got the shirt to cut up for the fabric, then she asked to wear it and decided it was the prettiest thing in the whole wide world! She spun for her daddy to show it off, so I just made her a dress out of the shirt. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=517467511614986&set=a.176884612339946.43348.154441717917569&type=1&theater