If you can believe it, Oregon (at least where I live) received nearly 9″ of snow over the weekend! I grew up around plenty of snow, so it is nothing new to me but it was quite apparent that it is to Oregonians. There was not one snow plow in site, people where shoveling there driveways with flat head shovels, and businesses and schools where closing left and right! My husband’s school was also canceled on Friday so we took advantage of the snow and went sledding…at least we attempted to. After playing in the snow and a quick trip to the grocery store to stock up on food, we hunkered down for the rest of the weekend. For me that meant lots and lots of sewing! With some fabric that I got from Girl Charlee Fabrics, I whipped up another one of my favorite slouchy tees. This shirt is so simple to make and so comfortable to wear! Here is what you’ll need:
Supplies:
– 1 1/2 yard of knit fabric
– coordinating thread
– twin sewing needle
– ball point sewing needle
– pins
– fabric scissors
– measuring tape
– custom made pattern
I made my shirt using a serger but any basic sewing machine will work great. Whether using a serger or a regular sewing machine it is best to use a ball point needle as it will make sewing with the stretchy knit fabric a breeze. Using a regular/universal needle may cause skipped stitches and create holes in your fabric. Also when looking for fabric to use look for knit fabric that has a four-way stretch (meaning that it will stretch both horizontally and vertically). I’ve used different types of knit fabric in the past and none seem to give as good of result as a four-way stretch fabric. The fabric I used has a nice drape plus great stretch and recovery.
After you have all your supplies, it is time to make your pattern. Don’t let this step scare you! Making a pattern is simple and can be accomplished with a couple measurements and a few simple steps. I drew my pattern on sewable tracing paper, but you can use whatever you have (newspaper, crate paper, muslin, etc.) Below is a little diagram and description of how to get the measurements you’ll need for your shirt and how to create a pattern based off those measurements.
A is the length of the shirt plus 1/4 inch for seam allowance and 1 inch added to the bottom for the hem. (Ex. I wanted my shirt to be 24″ so I made my pattern 25 1/4 inches in length)
B is the circumference of the shirt divided by 2. To find the circumference, measure the widest part of you then add an extra 4 inches. These extra 4 inches includes the seam allowance and gives the shirt a nice flowy drape. (Ex. My hip measurement was 38″ + 4″ = 42″. Since the pattern only portrays one side of the shirt I divided that number by 2 to get 21″)
C + F is the length of your sleeve. To get this measurement, measure from your collar bone to your wrist. Then add 1/4 inch to that for the seam allowance and 1 more inch at the bottom for the hem.
D is the circumference of your bicep. Divide that number by 2 and add 1/4 inch for seam allowance to get your measurement for D.
E is the circumference of your wrist. Again divide that number by 2 and add 1/4 inch for seam allowance. **Note that lines F must be placed on the fold of your fabric. Do not cut where the pattern says “Fold”!
Finally, cut out your neckline to your liking. If you are unsure of where to make your cuts for the neckline, grab a shirt that you like the neckline on and lay it over your pattern as a guide.
When your pattern is completed to your liking cut it out and lay it over your fabric. I folded my fabric in half so I could get the front and back of the shirt in one cut. Then line the sleeve patter up on the fold and cut out each sleeve. If you are not using a four-way stretch fabric, make sure to cut out your fabric so that it stretches horizontally across the shirt and sleeves.
Now it is time to start sewing and in just 4 simple steps you will have yourself a custom made top! To get ready for constructing the tee, switch your needle on your machine to a ball point needle and adjust your settings to a stretch stitch. Again I used my serger for this part but I’ve highlighted above on my sewing machine which setting is a good stretch stitch to use if you are using a basic sewing machine. Most machines should have this stitch (the zig-zag stitch right next to the stitch highlighted is also a good stretch stitch to use).
1. First, line up your fabric with the right sides together and sew both shoulder seams.
2. Next you will attach the sleeves to the armhole. To do this, open up the shirt with the right sides facing up. Match the bottom of the armhole with the top of the sleeve. Flip the sleeve over so that the right sides of the fabric are together, pin, and sew.
3. With the sleeves attaches it is time to sew together the side seams starting at the one end and continuing to the other end. Again make sure right sides are facing each other and lines are matched up if you are using striped fabric.
4. Now we will finish off the neckline by adding a neckband (if you prefer another finishing method feel free). First, roughly measure the opening of your neckline then subtract 3-4 inches off that number depending on how stretchy your fabric is. Making the neckband smaller than the actual neckline with allow the neckband to lay flat. I cut my neckband 1 1/2″ wide and 17″ long. Once you have your neckband cut out, sew the ends together with the right-sides of the fabric facing one another. Then fold the the fabric in half with the right-side facing out and iron. Now you are going to pin the neckband to your shirt opening. Remember that the neckband is smaller than your actual opening so you will have to stretch the neckband as you pin and then sew. To finish it off, simply iron the neckband so it lays flat.
5. Lastly, hem the sleeves and bottom of the shirt– this is where your twin needle will come in handy. Once you’ve measured and pinned your hems, sew using the double needle on the top side of the fabric. If you don’t have a twin needle that stitch I highlighted above on my sewing machine is a great one to use.
Linked To:
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2014/02/inspire-me-monday-week-110.html
http://watchoutforthewoestmans.blogspot.com/2014/02/watch-what-im-wearing_9.html
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/02/09/sunday-best-linky-party-3.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2014/02/craftastic-monday-link-party-magazine.html
http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/2014/02/making-monday-27.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/02/craft-o-maniac-link-party-6.html
http://diyshowoff.com/2014/02/09/diy-party-time-2/
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/nifty-thrifty-sunday-142/
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/02/link-it-or-lump-it-party-no-25.html
Love this – found some ace fabric today and made one. Many thanks Alli 🙂 http://theemptyoxobox.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/long-sleeve-t-shirt-tutorial.html
Thank you, you are so sweet! I got my first sewing machine several years ago as well. I can honestly tell you that learning to sew is simply a lot of trial and error. This is the third time that I’ve made this shirt and with each time it just keeps getting better and better. With everything piece I sew I learn new things and also find out what I’d do differently next time around. I hope you give this one a try, I think you’ll love it!
I am sitting here in amazement that you sewed that adorable, comfy shirt. And maybe I’m a tad bit jealous… But mostly amazed! Ha, ha. 🙂 My hubby bought me a sewing machine a year or two ago, and I really need to learn how to use it!