DIY Movie T-shirt Makeover

After a long, hard, fabulous film shoot, the cast and crew gets together to capture the faces, the memories. Movie t-shirts are handed out, a day decided upon to collectively don the fanware, and a group photo is taken. Been there, done that, roughly a dozen times. 

What I don't normally do? Is wear the shirt afterward. It sits in my drawer. Sometimes my suitcase, but mostly my drawer, because I've given up on even taking them with me on trips. When a shirt doesn't fit me comfortably, it isn't staying on very long. 

Take unisex T-shirts, for example. They look great on guys, and even a lot of girls, but for me, when they fit right for my shoulders, they are too still too long and narrow to go over my hips. It feels....awkward. So the other day I decided to try and remedy the situation. I didn't want to throw out the shirts, but I knew that as-is wasn't cutting it. And if I'm already altering the shirt, why not add some extra character to it while I'm at it?

Pinterest to the rescue! There are plenty of makeover ideas out there, and a couple dozen tutorials later, I was ready to design my own. Learning my way around a sewing machine earlier this year didn't hurt my confidence for this at all, but ironically the style I was drawn toward was nearly "no-sew." 

Here's a before and after for you:

Now granted, it looks better on. How's this?

The no-sew braiding can shorten or pull in just where you need (provided you design it right). You can fully customize it to your shape! This is the third variation I've tried so far.

Simple technique + endless creativity = Loads of fun + a shirt I'll wear for sure

The tan shirt I did this tutorial with only took me about two hours from start to finish (that includes taking pictures). So why don't you pull out one of your long-forsaken t-shirts, and try it out? You might just gain a new favorite!

First things first. What you'll need:

• T-shirt that fits how you like on your shoulders/top
• pen or pencil, to sketch design on fabric
• straight edge / ruler (I just used a long knitting needle!)
• soft measuring tape (opt., for figuring size, or just eye it)
• seam-ripper
• fabric scissors
• needle
• matching thread
• sewing machine (opt., can be sewn by hand if desired)
• button/s (opt., depends on design)

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NOTE: The T-shirt I started with was a size Small, measuring 27 inches long from back of neck to seam, and 18 inches flat across at the waist. After the makeover, it measures 24.5 inches long, and 15.5 inches flat at the waist.

Ready? Got your stuff? All right, let's go! 

Step 1 is to turn the shirt inside out and sketch the design. Draw a "path" for your braid about 2-2.5 inches wide, then draw "tracks" just under an inch apart. For this design I mirrored the sketch on the reverse side, so the side braid wraps around the waist in one long stretch, then down again, just like on the front. 

Do feel free to create a new design (esp. the 2nd and 3rd time around...did I forget to mention this could be addicting?!)

Step 2, use a seam-ripper to open a small hole for your scissors at the start of each "track" line.

Step 3. Using the holes you just made as the start points, use the scissors to cut on the lines.

Step 4. Turn the shirt right side out again.

front

back

Step 5, braid the loops, starting at the front seam. 

Step 6 is to finish off the ends by sewing them down. You can do this with a machine or by hand.

Step 7; try it on! You'll want to test how it fits at this point before you tweak anything more.

It's getting there...but I'm not quite satisfied with the fit. It looks (and feels) a bit bulgy on my left side. I have an idea, though! How about a button? I have some around that my Grandma gave me. Several good options.

I chose this one

So my optional Step 8 is to sew on a button, and make a buttonhole. It's not as hard as you might think. :) And yes, I do tend to make up my ideas as I go along. At least when it comes to crafting. :P

And that's it! Much better. Still has a couple inches of give all around, so it's super comfortable. What do you think?

Have you ever done a T-shirt makeover? How did it go? Feel free to leave a comment or question below!