EASY SHIRT UPCYCLE with clear instructions for beginners

Don't throw out that old shirt! Make a comfy and pretty shirt that is as easy to wear as it is to make.

MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

For more beginner’s tutorials like this, visit this playlist:

Music: She No Dull Beat by Nana Kwabena from the YouTube Audio Library

[sandracomeau]

Just need to tell you: you have given me the confidence to adjust my clothes that NEVER fit for 60 plus years! I call my “body type” a “tube” aka no butt or hips, big waist and boobs that seem to grow with my waist. Last measurement: 44, 42, 43 - a tube. Been a tube all my life and I’m short so clothes never, ever have fit me! Until now. I shop thrift shop clothes and refit all my garments to my body, thanks to you! First time comfortable in my clothes. Your wonderful teachings have given me that. Thank you! Sorry so long, just had to let u know.

[lorrainedempsey]

The best remake of a shirt I have ever seen. Thank you, so, so much. Fantastic!!!

[ThatPlacefkaNebraskaBugeater]

OMG. Another ingenious way to transform a top from frumpy to fabulous; so, I

[jeanmcintyre]

Today is a dreary day, so I thought of you and lit candles in my kitchen as I prepped food and folded laundry. It's so cheery. Thank you.

[karyannfontaine]

The shirt looks designer made. Great projects.

[sharonp]

In Houston I had a co-worker who was friends with Lynn Wyatt. She would house sit for Oscar and Lynn quite often. Lynn is known for her fashion sense. My co-worker, in a conversation said Lynn kept her sewing machine setup inside her closet. Lynn often times up cycled her exquisite wardrobe.

[lucilledaub]

I love your redo of your plaid shirt.And the money pouches are so sweet.

[kathiethompson]

Great re-use of a shirt! I took Alterations at a city college and my first project was to alter a blouse from a thrift shop. That was in 2004 and I still love that blouse's fabric. Maybe I will reconfigure it again! Yesterday, I finally found my tub of ribbing, so that can be used for some thrift store finds. I'm a grandma who has been sewing since I was nine years old. Thanks and I subscribed today.

[pixelsu]

I completely love how you think outside the box. i have good basic sewing skills, very basic and tend to be a hyper perfectionist because i'm so afraid i will screw things up. You make all these modifications look so EASY and DOABLE. Thanks so much for the inspiration.

[roxannhawley]

Thank you Catherine for helping save the planet and for sharing this wonderful idea!

[rebeccaburkett]

Thank you, Catherine! Because of your videos, I got the nerve up to take apart a baggy sweatshirt partially, removed the bottom band and hemmed it, took out the extra fabric on the sides, recut and raised the armscye so the sleeves that I thought were too long turned out to be the right length. I learned to sew back when I was a perfect size 12 Simplicity pattern, so I didn't really learn fitting. 50 years and 3 kids later, I need to fit things. Anyway, now I have a tunic length sweatshirt that fits! Thanks again!

[lucilledaub]

I love your changes you made with this shirt.

[vlw]

I'm jazzed to have found your channel. I'm not a prolific sew-ist, and I have a stack of "possibility" shirts and sweaters I've been waiting for courage and inspiration to upcycle.

[rubicalixto]

Looove the new look on that shirt!! It's fresh and modern ❤

[lpmoron]

I shop at resale shops and buy mostly men's button down shirts. Cut off the cuffs and collar keeping the band. See up the packet on the sleeves and then zigzag stitch around those edges. Fine for my farm work shirts. Love what you did here
I have no experience with the ribbed stuff though. Might take a try.

[moremytrees]

I have a flannel that I’ve kept but don’t like how it fits but love the color. This is my next project thank you!

[viggycat]

Holy cow! I’m so glad I found your channel! I’m the same way with colored shirts. 👍👏❤

[gloglos]

I really like your. Shirt converted to a blouse, it’s much prettier and very flattering. The grey trim is lovely.

[Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

What a simple yet cool upcycle! I love how you made the shirt softer with the neckline and sleeve adjustments, as well as adding the heather gray ribbing to keep the casual, cozy look of the flannel. I like this!

[nildamarquez]

This is such a great idea. I have quite a pile of work ahead. I got tired of my designer shirts, taking space in my closet so they are going to become T shirts. Thank you for a great idea. Blessings ❤