Wednesday, March 10, 2010

recycled dino shirt :: mini tutorial


So, I know this is not exactly the best thing I have ever made...but I thought I would share the idea of how I made it with you.
The two different fabrics are both from old t-shirts. The dino print one is a newborn sized shirt that belonged to Jude, and the green was a shirt of mine. 
 
If you are interested in making one, grab your favorite tee pattern and two old shirts, then follow along!
(If you were after a picture heavy tutorial, I apologise in advance. This is a bit of a hack job).

Cut your two shirts open down the side seams.
Place your shirt front and back pattern pieces on the larger shirt lining up the bottom of the pattern with the hem of the shirt.
This way you wont have to hem your shirt when your done (I like it , I like it!).
Then lay the sleeve pattern pieces along the bottom hem of the smaller shirt, and cut.
Sew your shirt up according to pattern direction and add some ribbing for the neckband.
The onesie tutorial will help you out if you are unsure about binding/ribbing.

Then bar tack your seams to one side (to the back looks best) on the sleeve edges, and at the bottom of the side seams on body.


So... not exactly rocket science.
But you do get a kick out of recycling two un-used shirts, and not having to bother with heming or binding edges (apart from neck).
It's amazing how much time that saves!
Enough time in fact to add a few cute patches on the front...


The dinosaurs were cut from left over fabric.
Cut a circular cardboard template to the size you want your patches (mine were 3 different sizes).
Cut your fabric 1cm wider all around than the template.
Stitch around the edge of fabric circles with a large straight stitch, then gather the circle to fit around the cardboard.
Give it a good steam iron to press into shape. Pull out your cardboard.
Add some iron on adhesive to back of patch if you like.
Something like Vliesofix, heat and bond...or equivalent.
Iron patches onto garment. Top stitch around edges to finish.

And there you have it! 
One fun recycled (or is it upcycled??) tee with super cute button patches.

13 comments:

Bec said...

This will be a great way to get a bit more life out of my sons fav too small tees! Thanks for sharing :)

Rachel said...

What a great idea!

Heart Felt said...

What a fantastic idea...thanks so much for sharing, will give it a go. xx

Sabra at Sew a Straight Line said...

I love it. This is perfect for those favorite shirts that have an annoying stain in one spot, too. And not hemming? Love it even more :)

Term Paper said...

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Anne said...

Love it!! I have a stack of my daughter's winter shirts that are now too small. I'm thinkin' short-sleeved spring shirts!

I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-one-new-appliqued-t-shirt-from-two-old-tees/2010/03/17/

--Anne

Claire said...

Oh I do love a good upcycle & this is a very cute t! Wonderful job!!

Little Munchkins said...

Oh it is so cute! I love the idea of recycling those old t-shirts.

Anna said...

this is a really cute shirt naomi! I wish I felt like making more clothes for my girls sometimes, but they seems to just love t-shirts and leggings. I need to try to do more knits like this!!

Brooke said...

Hi Naomi,
You are one crafty Mommy. I love this idea! And the fact that you can make your own onsies...whoa - that puts you on a whole different level of talented! Keep up the amazing work. You inspire me!
Brooke (of Pure and Noble)

Kelly Casanova said...

That is very cool, love the way the sleeves are done.

Term papers said...

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Custom Home Detailing said...

This type of art is such a joy to learn. We will also share this with the class they love it also. Good job.