add sleeves to a t-shirt

 

Here’s an easy 45-minute t-shirt makeover that you can do for any size shirt (kids or adults). Since this month is all about the boys, I couldn’t resist a dinosaur themed shirt for my son.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt

 

What you’ll need:

A pre-made plain t-shirt (I found mine at Target for $4)
Knit fabric for sleeves (the yardage requirement will vary based on the size shirt you’re making. For a boys’ size 5/6 I used 1/2 yard.)
Freezer paper
Fabric paint (like Tulip soft)
Water-soluble fabric marking pen

Don’t forget thread, an x-acto knife, and a fabric paint brush. You’ll also need another long sleeve shirt in the same size that you’ll be making. You’ll use this shirt as a pattern for your sleeves.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt

Check to make sure that your pattern shirt (here shown with stripes) fits nicely under the shirt you’re making. (Tuck them inside each other to check the size of the sleeves.)

add sleeves to a t-shirt
Fold the knit fabric in half and lay your pattern shirt on it matching the outer sleeve with the fold of the knit fabric.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt

 

Using a water-soluble marking pen, trace the outline of the sleeve.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt

 

When you reach the shoulder, fold up the pattern shirt along the seam line of the shirt and mark this line. You’ve now got your sewing line marked.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt

 

Cut out the sleeve with 1″ extra around your sewing line.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
With right sides together, sew along the length of the sleeve with an appropriate stitch that will allow for stretching. (I used an overedge stitch.) Make sure to leave the top and bottom open. Trim excess fabric.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
Turn your t-shirt inside out. Insert your t-shirt sleeve into the long sleeve you made.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt

add sleeves to a t-shirt

Pin sleeves together along existing seam from t-shirt.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
Sew along the sleeve on the existing seam. (I used a straight stretch stitch and then an overedge stitch.) Make sure you don’t sew in from the existing seam line.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
Here’s a view from the other side.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
Turn sleeve cuffs up 1/4″. Fold up again another 1/4″. Pin in place. Sew around cuff (using a straight stretch stitch) 1/8″ up from the edge. Repeat the above steps for the other sleeve.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
Turn the shirt right side out. You’re half way done.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
Draw a design on your freezer paper which compliments the sleeve fabric. I chose a T-Rex skull. To get a copy of my T-Rex skull and a triceratops skull go here. Iron the freezer paper onto your shirt.

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
Using soft fabric paint, paint your design on. Remove the freezer paper when you’re done. (I like to let mine dry a little so I don’t get smudges.)

 

add sleeves to a t-shirt
And you’re done!

6 Comments

6 Comments on The 45-Minute T-Shirt Makeover

  1. This is really cute, however, my GIRL loves Dinos, so I think I would do this in pink 🙂 Where did you find the pattern for the TREX skull??

    Thanks!
    amy
    amykandes73 at yahoo dot com

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