Introduction: Turn a T-Shirt Into a Wrap Shirt

About: Costume and experimental fashion designer and artist. Maker of clothing and accessories for time traveling cyborg superheroes, and lucid dreamers. Interested in fusing couture design and leatherwork with weara…

Mod an old boring t-shirt into a fun cropped wrap shirt with these easy steps. All it takes is a few snips and stitches and the result is a great summer top perfect for festivals, yoga, or wearing out with a cute skirt.

This mod does require a little sewing, but it is extremely simple sewing, so don't be scared.

Step 1: Supplies

  • Old t-shirt
  • Scissors
  • Tailoring chalk
  • Pins
  • Thread to match your t-shirt
  • Ruler
  • Sewing machine with a zig-zag stitch or a serger

Step 2: Mark

First turn your t-shirt inside out, then use your ruler and chalk to mark a line down the center front.

Mark a V around the neck, ending 3-4 inches down the CF line.

Mark a second V starting about 2-3 inches below the underarms.

Then turn the shirt over and continue the lines on the back curving the bottom line up a little in the center.

Step 3: Cut

Cut along your lines, removing the neck and bottom of the t-shirt and cutting down the center front.

Step 4: Create the Ties

Using the remaining bottom portion of the shirt, create pieces to extend the ties out from the center front in two sections on each side.

Step 5: Sew

Pin the extension segments to the body of the shirt, right sides together, then serge or zig-zag the pieces together. If you are serging be sure to remove your pins as you feed your fabric through the machine.

Step 6: Trim

If your pieces are aligned unevenly, trim off any excess so the edges of your ties are straight.

Step 7: Tie

Lay out your shirt with the back towards you. Pinch the back fabric in the center, then tie a knot in the fabric. if your shirt is big like the one I used, I you may want to loop the fabric several times into the knot to take up more fabric.

Step 8: Style

Now try on the shirt, crossing the ties in the front of your chest and tying them around your waist.

Using your tailors chalk, mark any areas where you want to alter the lines of your shirt.

I lowered the neckline and changed the shape of the sleeves.

Then take the shirt off and use scissors to cut away the areas you marked, styling the shirt to your liking.

Step 9: Wrap!

Now pair your cute new creation with different outfits, and try tying it in different ways. I like mine with a high waisted skirt, but I think it would also be great with yoga pants,as part of a festival ensemble, or even over a bikini or sports bra.