A quick and easy sewing upcycle project

A special thank you to Beginner Sewing group member Tanya Herdman, for sharing this beginner-friendly t-shirt sewing upcycle project idea and images to inspire other beginners to think creatively.  This is a great project for becoming more familiar with sewing knit fabrics and practicing straight lines.

Supplies needed:

Knit shirt of choice
Fabric scissors
Sewing machine
Marking tools (washable or erasable)
An accent fabric
Lint roller
Template of your choice

Watch the video tutorial on YouTube to see how quick and easy this beginner-friendly t-shirt sewing upcycle project is. Tanya said that the first one she did took about an hour to make. After that is has become easier each time, and she has cut her time in half!

To help get you started, enjoy the free template below, featuring some simple and common designs. Print it off, and start practicing your stitching. This is a great way to upcycle an old shirt and use up some of your scrap fabric at the same time. A win-win!

Working with knit fabrics

Working with knit fabrics is not always easy if you are a beginner. So here are some tips to save you from frustration::

1. Make sure you are using the correct needle. If your stitching isn’t right, this is the first thing to check!
2. Do not pull! Guide your fabric. Pulling it will not give you the end results you want.
3. Take your time and go slow. Sewing fast with stretch fabrics can cause you to lose control over your stitching. With a project like this, where the stitching is a highlighted feature, take your time and go slow.
4. Use both hands to guide your fabric. Using both palms of your hands to hold the fabric in place, as you guide it, can prevent it from stretching as well.

If you make this project, please remember to share it with us in the Beginner Sewing Facebook group. Sharing your work is a great way to encourage and inspire other sewists to step outside of their comfort zone.