Refashioned Beefy Tee into Boat Neck Top

In this project we'll show you how to refashion a man's tee into a boat neck top with cap sleeves and a fitted waistband. (Please be sure to check with your beau before snaking his shirt for this project!)

It's that time of year again, when baseball fans get excited because spring training is under way and a new season is about to begin. Oh boy! Part of the fun of going to baseball games (aside from the hot dogs, peanuts, and ice cold beverages of course) is rooting for your home team. And clearly, rooting for your home team involves wearing the right outfit. Clearly.

If you're a baseball fan (or hang out with one that plies you with icy cold beverages to get you to watch the game) you know that team shirts are usually big, boxy and not flattering on us gals. (There are girl versions that come in pink and fit like a baby doll tee from the nineties. No thanks, we'll make our own!)

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Step 1: Cut from the team

Start by cutting off the bottom of the shirt, about 1.5 inches above the hem. Hold onto this part as it will become your boat neck collar. Also, cut off the sleeves and the existing collar as shown below.

billie789 says: Nov 26, 2010. 3:37 PM

I am a 6'3" female, partial to boat necklines because they make me look more proportioned. I just made my first t-shirt reconstruction from your tutorial and I can't wait to make more. Thank you very, very much.

jessimata says: Sep 21, 2010. 9:20 AM

So super crafty! Pics of individual details in this step would be exceptionally helpful.

Brilliantpants says: Sep 7, 2008. 9:26 AM

Hey! Thanks so much! I've been looking for a good method like this for ages! I just made my first one and it turned out great! I tend to have a hard time finding "lady type" shirts that fit me, so being able to make a men's shirt into a lady's opens up a whole new world of Tee-Shirt options!

Rye2121 says: Aug 7, 2008. 6:03 AM

i like the yankees even more now. lol!

stitchlounge (author) says: Apr 16, 2008. 1:56 PM

I think the only trick to getting the collar to stand up like that, is to sew the ends of your original waist band strip (the piece that you sew onto the neckline of the shirt) together after you've sewn all around the neckline. This sort of perks up the new collar. Other than that it's just the stiffness of the old waistband that gives it body.

Bitsi says: Apr 16, 2008. 12:36 PM

Very inspirational. I have SO many of these stupid unfitted tees that I can't bear to wear or to throw away. So I will probably try this. Could you please add a pic or diagram to step 6? I can't quite picture how you got the collar to stand up like that. thanks!