While I was preparing to cut and sew a pile of new tees for my kids, (partly for #itssewshwin and partly so they have clothing to wear) I realized the whole processes would be a lot faster if I were to upcycle. Using shirts that are already made can often save you a lot of time, since you can skip some of the steps by re-using a part that’s already finished.
For example, if you hate to hem, use an existing hem. If you hate to do ribbing, use the existing neckline. (there will be a small note on that later) Or if there is a great detail, like a design, or embroidery or something you can save it into your new design.
So I made Jude a few new tees using old tee shirts and the Anytime At All pattern, and in case you have not up cycled before, or just want a few tips, here are a few steps.
For this tee I used a V-neck tee, even though the Anytime At All tee is a regular neck I figured I could just reuse the neckline and then I have a simple V-neck without having to actually sew one. Fold the old tee so everything is laying flat and smooth with a center fold. (since the pattern is cut on a center fold) If needed you can cut the side seams so that everything lays flat and smooth, since sometimes it can be hard to get everything smooth.
Now here is where my notes come in. This particular V-neck was quite low, and since I wanted to use the neck ribbing I lined up my pattern piece with the neckline so I knew it wouldn’t dip below the neckline of the pattern. However this did end up about an inch lower than I would have liked since I wasn’t taking into account that the pattern would also neck ribbing added to it, not a huge deal but you will want the old ribbing to sit above the pattern piece.
So here is the front cut from the old tee. With neck ribbing still in tact.
Then I cut the back in the same way, making sure to also get the neck ribbing. Now one more note about using the old neck ribbing. Ribbing is designed to “bring the neckline in” especially in kids clothes the neckline is made large enough to slip over the head and then the ribbing is made to pull the neckline in a bit so it doesn’t hang all loose around the neck. Well when you use the existing ribbing you aren’t pulling the neckline in. It’s not a HUGE deal, but the neckline of the tee may be a bit larger and looser, if this is a concern for you then you will want to do a regular ribbing neckline following the pattern. However, not having to sew ribbing, or hem sleeves, saved me a lot of time and I was able to knock out tees in about 10 min.
Which added to this guys summer wardrobe.
And since it wouldn’t be a Jude post without some hamming it up photos here are his best “outtakes” which shouldn’t be called outtakes since this is really his best work.
Don’t forget to sew up an Anytime At All Tee and share it in our Facebook Group for a chance to win $50 to an online fabric shop!