Tutorial: The “Britney” T-Shirt Makeover

I’ve seen everybody naming their creations, and I decided to name this one Britney.  Just because I can!  Here’s the finished project.  I bought 5 T-shirts for $5.00 each last year, and once I started wearing them I realized the neckline was too tight.  I felt like they were CHOKING me (yes, I’m being slightly dramatic).  So I stopped wearing them, and they’ve been taking up space in my closet.  I decided to alter this one into a square neck.  (I LOVE square necked shirts, but the store made ones always fall off my shoulders. :( So I made my own!  It only took me about 20 minutes, and is very simple.  Want to make your own? 

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 t-shirt that fits you (I used a crew neck)

Thread (coordinating is great, I used cream because that’s what I had)

Scissors

Sewing machine (although you COULD do this by hand if you really wanted to)

 

Take your scissors and make 1 slit on the left side of your collar, and 1 slit on the right side.  Be careful to cut slowly through the thick seams so your scissors don’t slip and you end up cutting too much!  I didn’t measure the slit, I just eyeballed it…you can too!

Flip your shirt over and do the same to the back.  I cut small slits because I wanted the back to be higher than the front.  Some square necks have the back and the front the same (or pretty close).  Do as you wish, it’s your shirt! :)

Now you’re going to fold in the slits to make your new neckline (see picture).  Pin it how you want it.  TRY IT ON.  If something looks funny, you can adjust it now. :)  (Just don’t poke yourself!)

Now turn your shirt inside out, so you’ll be sewing actually on the inside of the shirt.  (I start with the back of the shirt so I can get the feel of the fabric.  If I mess up at the first, it’s okay!  My hair will cover it!)  Sew around the neckline.  As far as seam allowance goes, I just kept the material right at the edge of my foot and I was happy.  When you reach a corner, stay with your seam allowance and don’t stress if you miss a tad of the hem.  It turns out okay, I promise!  (Oh, and don’t forget to back stitch!)

And we’re done!  It’s that easy!  (If I left something out, just leave me a comment!!!)

  Now my question for you is…do I keep it plain, or embellish?  This color is really hard to match, so if I did embellish I’d have to do a neutral (like cream) on it.  I’ve thought of buttons, but I just don’t know!

…What do you think?…

(Linking up to these parties, of course!)