Upcycle a Men's Shirt into a Retro Summer Blouse

Don't have a lot of cash? Or time? Get one of your boyfriend's or father's old shirts, make sure it's not one of his favorites (or do if it belongs to your ex-boyfriend or annoying brother) and make it into a nice top for summer. Only takes a hour or so. This tutorial is perfect for a beginner needing a challenge. Basic draping skills are explained as well as DIY bias tape. All you need is a body, a large roll of paper, measuring tape, scissors, pins, and of course, thread and a sewing machine! (Optional: dressform and cutting mat)

There are 35 steps, it's not very long, I just like taking a lot of pictures!

Visit my sewing blog Vintage Bobbin !

Step 1: Getting your draping pattern ready

You need a large piece of paper, wider than your shoulders.

Comments

[grannyjones]

Wow! so many steps.
Thank you for breaking it down this way.
So much easier to follow than a video.

[katvanlew]

I really like the peter pan collar, it makes it feminine. great job.

[Lindie]

Very nice. What a great idea! Cute, too!

[Momghoti]

You can also use 2 pins as a bias folder thingy: Pin a long pin in the ironing board cover under-over-under so the middle of the pin on top is whatever width bias you want . About an inch away, put another pin in the same way. Fold the end of the bias strip edges-to-the-middle and thread it under the two pins. Pull it slowly through the pins, under the iron. The edges should turn under neatly as you pull. It takes a bit of practice(and a few scorched fingers), but TBH I think this works better than the automagic ones.

[vintagebobbin]

I haven't heard of this technique before. Thank you for such a great idea, I'll have to try this next time! Thank you for your comment.

[legomum]

What a great tip! I hadn't heard of this before.

[Momghoti]

Gah! Meant to say I love this instructable--the top is very cute and the instructions are very clear. I've been sewing for..er....a long time, but I think even a beginner could do this. A great idea for a nightgown for my daughter!

[mirvana]

This is a great tutorial! I like how it demonstrates many basic shirt-making techniques.

[domestic_engineer]

really cute. could you also just use the existing collar? or use the existing and round it just a bit? really cute

[vintagebobbin]

Sorry if you're getting two replies. You can totally use the existing collar but make sure the neckline is not to large for it. I decided to make a peter pan collar since my neckline was larger and I didn't have the time to restyle the collar, it was easier and quicker to do a new one.

[HollyHarken]

I love your technique for a rolled hem! That would have come in so handy for me last week when I had to put a new hem on a premade chiffon dress.

Most collar patterns that I have call for an interfacing to help stiffen up the collar. Light to heavy interfacing will give it a more professional look.

Very nice job and I appreciate all of the pictures!

[vintagebobbin]

Rolled hems are definitely quick and easy and perfect for chiffon. I do it all the time at work. For the collar you can certainly use interfacing, I often recommend it. I happened to have none in the house when I made my tutorial. However, I think the collar ended up fine with out it. Thanks for your comment!

[elephantsoup]

super cute! love it

[foobear]

understated, cute and cool. like it!