DIY Striped T-shirt (Self Drafted Pattern)

 

Quick, easy and highly wearable? That's my favorite thing to make. And that's what this shirt is. I made my own pattern for this basic T-shirt and used a large fabric scrap to whip it up over the weekend. This week I'm sharing inspiration for how to mix stripes with florals so of course I couldn't resist making something myself.

The fabric has a very small stripe in it, kind of a dark grey on black. I can't remember where I bought it, probably from a bargain bin somewhere. :) I used the fabric a couple of times before. Once for a long grecian dress and once for a fabric strip scarf (tutorial included in link).

To draft my pattern, I picked a t-shirt that fits well and traced its shape on paper. This pattern was extra easy because there are not separate sleeves. The t-shirt just has little cap sleeves built as an extension of the shoulder. 

After picking a shirt to copy, all you have to do is fold the shirt in half, place it on top of your paper and trace around it. I made one pattern piece for the front and one for the back. Now, I'll be able to use the pattern over and over again and it only took a few minutes to make.

TIP: I've found that using chalk to make marks is easier and faster than pencil or pen. The chalk will rub off onto your fabric which in some cases is a good thing! 

To put the t-shirt together, I used my serger to stitch the front and back together at the sides and shoulder seams. Then I hemmed the sleeves and bottom. Doing the neck binding took the longest because I expected the fabric to stretch quite a bit but it did not. So the length I cut to bind the neckline was too short and I had to do a little experimenting before I got it right. I must say that a serger and a sewing machine with a walking foot really do make sewing with knits so easy and quick.

For the above outfit, I paired my new t-shirt with a DIY floral pleated skirt that I made last year. I really love this skirt by the way. The bright colors are so cheerful and fun. And it's super easy to pair with any neutral colored stripes. Yay for mixing it up!

Related:

Pleated Skirt Tutorial

Sewing posts
Pretty Clothes on Pinterest

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