Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-Shirt

Originally posted 2015-05-26 08:00:54.

Change Up a T-Shirt with Simple Sewing and Tie Dye

I love wearing t-shirts but unfortunately, I cannot wear them to work.  Who says I can’t wear a refashioned and tie-dyed t-shirt? By making a few simple changes and adding some killer tie-dye, I can wear this shirt with style and no one will know that it is a “real” t-shirt!

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt

Supplies:

  • A plain white t-shirt (or any style of t-shirt – one with Darth Vader would be awesome!)
  • Scissors
  • A sewing machine and matching thread
  • A safety pin
  • Tie-Dye, if desired (I used Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye – my favorite!)

Start by washing and drying the t-shirt to remove any sizing. I cut the neckband out of the shirt and then shortened the sleeves.

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Cut Neckline

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Cut Sleeve

I also removed the hem, unraveled it, and saved the piece I cut off.

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Cut Hem

I pressed a 1/2″ hem in the neckline as well as the lower edge of the t-shirt. I used a small zig-zag on my sewing machine and stitched the hems.

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Neckline

I created a lettuce edge on the sleeves. This is an easy technique… Use a small zig-zag stitch and stretch the fabric as it goes under the presser foot. The result is a cute, wavy edge!

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Lettuce Sleeve

 

I used scissors to make two small cuts in the front of the lower hem, just off center. I took the scrap piece that used to be the hem ans stretched it so that it rolled in on itself and created a cord. I used a safety pin the thread the “cord” piece through the hem.

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Hem

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Cord

So this is what it looks like prior to adding dye… Super cute, right?

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Before Dye

One of my favorite tie-dye techniques is found on the I Love to Create website, and it is to create a heart. I love how the shirts come out with the heart! Take a look at this video demonstrating that technique.  I used a pale pink dye and a navy blue dye on my shirt. I wrapped it in plastic and let it sit overnight. I rinsed the shirt out, then washed and dried it.

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-Shirt_Front

I decided that this refashioned and tie-dyed t-shirt looked better on my daughter…

Refashioned and Tie-Dyed T-shirt_Back

It will be comfortable, vibrant, and awesome! What would be on your t-shirt after it was refashioned? Leave your ideas below!

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